Timothy Lynn Cady, of Terry Street, Hornell, NY, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Timothy grew up in Troupsburg, NY, where he graduated from school. He later worked as a welder at Lane
Enterprise Inc. in Bath, NY, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.
If there was one word that truly described Tim, it was provider. He never called off from work. He worked hard to make sure his family always had a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and everything they needed. But providing for his family was about so much more than the things he could put on a table or keep in a home. His greatest gift was the life he gave his children—the countless hours, adventures, laughter, lessons, and memories that will stay with them forever.
His world centered around his family.
Some of his happiest moments were spent outdoors with his children. He took them camping, fishing, hunting, and riding dirt bikes. He spent endless hours in the creek catching crayfish and building water dams, teaching his children to appreciate the outdoors and find joy in the simplest things. He taught them how to hunt, how to shoot a gun and bow, and how to respect and enjoy the outdoors.
Tim also had a mischievous side that his family will never forget. He loved nothing more than hiding around a corner and jumping out to scare his children, just so he could hear them shriek. Their screams would send him into uncontrollable laughter. Those moments perfectly captured the man he was—fun-loving, playful, and always looking for a reason to make the people he loved laugh.
He was the life of the party wherever he went. Tim had a way of making friends with just about anyone he met, and it was nearly impossible to be around him without eventually hearing a story, sharing a laugh, or becoming part of one of his many adventures.
He took great pride in his home, his yard, and especially his vehicles. He could spend hours in the driveway meticulously detailing the interior of his truck while blasting his rock music. A cold Busch Light in the garage or sitting on the deck watching his family swim was another place you could find him perfectly content. And if his kids were in the pool, he was likely encouraging them to jump from the deck railing or do the biggest cannonball they could.
Any man who walked into Tim’s house knew there was a good chance he would eventually be challenged to an arm wrestle. Tim took great pride in his strength, and that strength remained part of him all the way until the end.
Tim was a man who believed in getting dressed for the day. You would rarely, if ever, find him in sweatpants—those simply weren’t an option. He would get up in the morning, put on his work boots, jeans, and a T-shirt, and settle into his recliner with a few cups of coffee.
He was an avid deer hunter and spent countless hours building tree stands and teaching his children everything he knew about hunting and the outdoors. He also found immense joy in riding dirt bikes. One of his proudest purchases was his brand-new dirt bike from Arkport Cycles—the first brand-new purchase he had ever made. His excitement was obvious, and he took great care of it, always washing it and making sure it was well maintained.
But perhaps Tim’s greatest legacy will not be found in the things he owned, the work he accomplished, or even the many adventures he enjoyed. It will be found in the people he loved and the memories he created with them.
He is survived by his partner of 39 years, Kelly Sandford of Hornell; his daughters, Brandy VanderMallie (Bryan VanderMallie) of Arkport and Katie Quinlan (Mikel Quinlan) of Canisteo; Kayla Cady of Arkport; and his grandchildren, Cole Stage of Adrian, Jemma Burrell, Harper Cady, Alivia VanderMallie, Jeffery VanderMallie, and Kylan Quinlan.
He is also survived by his mother, Caralyn Cady of Troupsburg; his father, Milton Cady Jr. of Woodhull; and his siblings, Michael Cady and Crystal Cady of Troupsburg. He will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family members, and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Tim was predeceased by his beloved son, Matthew James Cady, who passed away on April 23, 2026; his grandson Leo Quinlan September 14, 2022; his granddaughter, Maci Lynn Cady, who passed away on March 12, 2013; and his nephew, David Michael Cady, who passed away on September 29, 2007.
Tim leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with muddy creek adventures, hunting trips, campfires, dirt bikes, cold beers, loud rock music, arm wrestling challenges, cannonballs, practical jokes, and—most importantly—a family who knew without a doubt that they were loved.
His absence will be felt in every corner of the places he loved and in every family tradition he helped create. The lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will live on through his children, grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
He was our provider. He was our protector. He was our prankster, our outdoorsman, our storyteller, and our friend. But above all else, he was Dad. And he will be missed beyond words.
At Tim’s request there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Almond, NY at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Tim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
