Honoring Geraldine Rae Lacney: A Legacy of Excellence in Olean

Olean, New York Community Mourns Geraldine Rae Lacney, 72, Former University of Findlay Multi-Sports Athlete and Longtime Limestone Coach

December 26, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 26, 2026

Olean and Allegany, New York, communities are grieving the passing of a cherished local figure, Geraldine Rae Lacney.

Geraldine Rae Lacney departed peacefully on December 23, 2026, at The Pines of Olean, where she lived since March. She was 72 years old.

Born on March 1, 1953, in Olean, Geraldine was one of five siblings to George Russell and Madeline Rae Dougherty Harrington. Her legacy as a dedicated athlete and inspiring coach left an enduring impact on countless young individuals.

Known affectionately as Dene, Gerrie, or Coach, Geraldine graduated from Limestone High School in 1971, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in sports and education.

During her high school years, Geraldine shone in basketball, volleyball, and softball, leading the girls’ basketball team in scoring for three consecutive seasons and earning MVP honors each year. Her athletic prowess continued at the University of Findlay in Ohio, where she excelled across multiple sports. A standout in the 1970s, she lettered twice in volleyball, four times in softball, and once in basketball, achieving a stellar 14-1 season record in basketball and an undefeated softball campaign. In 1982, she became the first woman inducted into the Findlay Athletics Hall of Fame, followed by honors in the Sports Hall of Fame for Allegany Limestone and Cattaraugus County.

Geraldine Lacney Also Competed Professionally in Basketball

Post-Findlay, Geraldine briefly played professionally with the Arkansas Lassies in the 1970s before transitioning to amateur softball and winning a national championship. She made history as the first woman to complete the Kane, PA marathon. After earning her master’s from SUNY Fredonia, she shifted focus to education, teaching health and physical education while coaching at Limestone High School and other local institutions. Even in retirement, she remained active as a coach at Bradford Area High School, continuing to mentor athletes. Beyond sports, Geraldine embraced pickleball at the YMCA and contributed to her community through charitable donations, while remaining a devoted member of Our Lady of Peace Parish.

Geraldine is survived by her brothers, Frank and Jerry, and nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Phillip and Richard. Her funeral arrangements include services on December 28, 2026, at Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, followed by a mass on December 29 at Our Lady of Peace Church. Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery alongside her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the SPCA. Survivors include her two brothers and extended family members.

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