Andrew Ciconne Holmes

Andrew Ciccone Holmes, age 82, of Burdett, NY, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2026, after a brief intense struggle with liver cancer. He was cared for in his last months by his devoted wife, Marie, and many close friends. The family also deeply appreciates the assistance of CareFirst hospice services.

Andrew had a many-faceted life. He was born July 28, 1943, at Arnot-Ogden Hospital in Elmira, NY, to James Forrest Holmes and Rose Mary Ciccone. He grew up in a very traditional Italian family in Watkins Glen. From the beginning, he was inquisitive about many things and loved spending time outdoors fishing and hunting. His childhood and youth ended abruptly when he lost his father at the age of 17, and he took the reins to support the family, leaving school and working at various jobs, including his mother's pizza business and his uncle's construction company.

In the late '60s, he married Connie Fadale, who he would say "saved his life" after what he often called his "misspent youth." Together, they took on the wildly successful pizza stand, remembered fondly by local residents. He received his BA and MA from Elmira College and developed a love of English literature, which he passed on to his students during a 25-year career teaching English at Watkins Glen High School. His students remember him reciting poems by his favorite poet, Robert Frost. He was known for being committed to his students at all academic levels.

Andrew had a passion and a gift as a woodworker, greatly respected for his craftsmanship, building fine furniture and small boats. A friend said, "He was never afraid to tackle a project." One summer, he worked with Merle Hopkins, learning the skills to build a log home. Soon after, life changed when he met Anthony Damiani, a teacher of philosophic traditions and meditation who offered classes in his son's bookstore in Ithaca. When Damiani expressed the need to build a study center on his land in Hector for the large group that had developed around his teaching, Andrew immediately volunteered to build a log building. This began a labor of love that would never end.

Over a period of 10 years, Andrew directed a large group of volunteers, many of whom had little or no experience, in building a lovely meditation/classroom hall, library, retreat cottage, and residence at Wisdom's Goldenrod Center for Philosophic Studies in Hector, NY. Many may recall that the Dalai Lama, interested in the notion of a non-sectarian study center, visited Wisdom's Goldenrod on his first trip to the United States in 1979 and dedicated the newly completed library.

Andrew developed a commitment to Tibetan Buddhism, and from then on would arrange for various Buddhist lamas, teachers, and monks to visit and speak at the Center. He also was a founding member of the Board of the Paul Brunton Philosophic Foundation, dedicated to preserving the writings of the English philosopher-sage Paul Brunton.

In the early '90s, Andrew retired from teaching. He and Connie parted ways, and he married Devon Cottrell. They moved to Florida, where he developed a process to vectorize images for the signage business. They created a very successful business called Vector Art. Vector Art has been used by the sign industry around the world. They received grateful messages from small shop owners that Vector Art helped keep their businesses alive and expanding.

Andrew and Devon moved to California and continued their dedication to Buddhism. They supported the creation of a small Tibetan Buddhist monastery (now a large one) in Berkeley. They initiated the Breakfast Fund for the monks at Sera Je Monastery. They offered a weekly Buddhist class in Pacific Grove, California. Sadly, Devon passed away in 2004.

Andrew married a fellow student of Buddhism, Marie Buniger. Together, they continued the business and, in 2007, moved back to Hector, where Andrew indulged his passion for boating and fishing, getting his Coast Guard Captain's License and guiding fishing tours on Seneca Lake. Andrew and Marie both became actively involved at Wisdom's Goldenrod upon their return to the area. He facilitated a regular Buddhism class which continues on Tuesday evenings, as well as participating in classes devoted to the writings of Paul Brunton.

Andrew's last and perhaps most stunning building project is the torii gate that now stands at the entrance to Wisdom's Goldenrod. The torii was dedicated with the chanting of monks from Namgyal Monastery in August 2018.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Marie; his brother, James Forrest Holmes (Sherry); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. His presence is sorely missed by family and many friends.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Wisdom's Goldenrod (www.wisdomsgoldenrod.info), Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity (www.schuylerhabitat.org), or a charity of one's choice. Wisdom's Goldenrod will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.