Funeral held for Marine from Ithaca

Calling hours for Ithaca Marine
April 11, 2012

Ithaca (WSYR-TV) - A line of people stretched out the door and down the steps of Immaculate Conception Church on Wednesday. The line continued down North Geneva Street in Ithaca as people gathered to honor a fallen Marine.

Many of those gathered were from the same group that helped escort Christopher Bordoni’s casket from Hancock International Airport to Ithaca on Tuesday night.

“It’s just sad. It’s sad when any of our men and women come back this way,” said Dan Metott.  Like many of those gathered on Wednesday at the church, Metott never knew Marine Cpl. Christopher Bordoni.

Those that did know him, recalled the fallen Marine’s spontaneity, his love of soccer, and how he simply liked "being one of the guys.” They also recalled his quiet determination.

“Very focused. And I think that kind of led him towards the military,” said Matthew Wigsten, whose son played soccer with Bordoni. “He was just a really solid individual.”

Word of Bordoni’s death spread quickly through Tompkins County last week – reaching all those who knew Bordoni, including his former teachers.

"When we heard of his death some of the staff and myself went and sat at the table where he and his friends would sit every day,” said John Baker, an employee at Bordoni's former middle school.
 
It has been a painful week for Ithaca community. Both of the fallen Marine’s parents are from long-time Ithaca families.

A friend of the family had this message for Bordoni's parents:

"Whatever words we have can't do anything to bring Christopher back, but if it gives them some small solace to show that the community honors and respects Christopher and that he gave his life in the service of our community is something that he will never forget," said Ithaca Assistant Fire Chief Guy Van Schoten. "He's a true American hero."

Bordoni’s funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church at 10 a.m.

Fallen Marine honored in CNY
April 10, 2012

Video

Ithaca (WSYR-TV) - The body of Marine Cpl. Christopher Bordoni is home in Ithaca. And so begins the painful process of goodbye for his family, friends, and even strangers.

Bordoni was wounded by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan in January. He was rushed to a Texas hospital, but died from his injuries last week. He is survived by his wife and his parents.

His casket was flown into Hancock International Airport on Tuesday. The 60 miles separating Hancock and his hometown of Ithaca were lined with hundreds of people looking to pay tribute to the fallen Marine.

From the time the casket arrived in Syracuse, dozens of riders with the Patriot Guard lined the airport to escort the hearse to Ithaca.

“We’re here to honor his memory and do whatever we can to support the family…let them know they aren’t alone,” said Pat Christensen of the Patriot Guard Riders.

With each mile of his final journey home, the Marine raised in Ithaca became a son of Central New York. In Cortlandville, ladder trucks from local fire departments held an American flag over Route 281 as Judie Murphy watched with her two young daughters.

“I thought it would be a good way to teach them about how people serve our country and what it means to respect the folks who lose their lives,” Murphy said.

Miles away in Groton, more mothers, veterans, and firefighters raised another flag for a mourning family as they passed through the town. In Dryden, strangers who met Cpl. Bordoni through an obituary lined the streets like old friends.

“He did give the ultimate sacrifice and it is just our way of showing respect,” said Dryden Fire Chief Mark Bell. “I am very proud of the community we live in.”

A salute from the sky came as the sun set on the final stretch south in Lansing, where an overpass on Route 13 was crowded with more people than cars.

In the dark streets of Ithaca where children saluted the hearse passing by, a former Marine stood among hundreds of neighbors in Bordoni’s hometown, his eyes welling with tears.

“I was his age when I went in. So, I see that picture of him and it is just like I was in boot camp ", said Michael Mahool. "Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

The mother of another Marine watched the procession, wishing that Bordoni could hear one final message.
“Thank you for what you’ve done…thank you,” said Trisha Porcheddu.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church on North Geneva Street. A Mass will be held on Thursday at the church at 10 a.m.