Alexander Lindsay McCord

July 16, 1925 - September 10, 2018

Alexander (Scotty) Lindsay McCord, age 93, passed away on September 10, 2018, at Cayuga Ridge, Ithaca surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was born on July 16, 1925, in Motherwell, Scotland to John and Annie (Lindsay) McCord. He was one of five brothers. In his youth, Alex attended Motherwell Central School. During World War II he joined the Royal Navy and became a telegraphist on PT boat Q248. After the war, he attended Glasgow radio school. For a few years, he was a general laborer until he joined the Scottish telephone company installing telephone poles and laying cable, which he did until he immigrated to America. He married his cherished Annie McLeary Gillespie McNaught on July 27, 1951 Alex brought his family to Ithaca, NY on the SS United States, arriving on May 23, 1961, entering through Port Authority, New York City and seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time. With the sponsorship of good friends Dan and Mary Matychak, Alex became a citizen of the United States on November 19, 1970. He was very proud of that status. Alex began his career in Ithaca at Cornell University on 10/19/1964 as a safety inspector and retired on 3/9/1988 as the Manager of Cornell’s Life Safety Department. The stories about his adherence to rules, his never-ending penny pinching, and his wry Scottish sense of humor still reverberate across the campus. Above all, Alex was always willing to help and was forever kind to his fellow human beings. He will be best remembered for that trait. Alex was a member of the Freemasons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In his free time, Alex enjoyed fishing, camping, singing, and being in the company of family and wonderful friends. He enjoyed working outdoors to constantly improve his home. Alex and Annie spent their winters in Florida for over 30 years, enjoying fishing and sunbathing on Englewood Beach. Alex is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Annie; daughter Janette McCord (Ron Scarofile), son John McCord, grandchildren Anthony Scarofile, Shane Scarofile, Dana McCord and many nieces and nephews. Alex was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Daniel (Doris), Jack (Isobel), Archibald (Pearl) and James (Ina). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at noon at the Herson Wagner Funeral Home 110 South Geneva St, Ithaca, NY, officiated by Janet Shortall. The family will greet friends from 11:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Alex’s name to Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY.