Obituary of Tanner Luke Ofalt

Tanner Luke Ofalt 

October 16, 1997 - June 28, 2025

HOLLAND PATENT, NY - It is with profound sadness that the family of Tanner Ofalt, 27, announce his sudden passing on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Tanner was a beloved fiancé, son, brother, uncle, and friend who brought light and laughter to everyone he met. 

Tanner was born on October 16, 1997 to Mary E. (McMahon) Ofalt and Martin M. Ofalt. He attended Holland Patent Central School District where he often swapped places in class or detention with his twin brother, Tucker. He had a significant interest in criminal justice and without ever becoming a law enforcement officer, knew many members of law enforcement and emergency services, partly from his service with Stittville and Western fire departments as well as from the various times he found trouble. Tanner worked various jobs from trucking, excavation, tree service work, interstate heavy wrecking, and emergency services. He was most recently employed as a 911 Dispatcher through Oneida County Emergency Services where he was dedicated to public safety. 

Tanner proposed to the love of his life, Makenzie M. Citrin, on October 19th, 2024 and was due to be united in marriage on May 23, 2026. Much like his larger than life personality, he proposed in an airplane overlooking his family home where he took a bush hog and etched “Mak marry me?” in the field. Tanner and Makenzie began their relationship in 2017 and shared eight beautiful years together. They were soulmates and understood each other in a way that some may never experience. Their love was fueled by adventure and grounded to the idea of carrying out a “simple life” swept with love, loyalty, trust, friendship, unwavering commitment, and involving only the things that mattered most. Their love included endless belly laughs and, well, Tanner's beer belly. To have witnessed their love was an honor; their love was cut much too short. 

Tanner was an avid outdoorsman who never wasted a nice day sitting indoors. He took great pride in his flat bottom boat and you could often find him in a local lake trying to catch his next record bass. If he wasn't fishing, you could find him in his garage working on various projects for him or his friends and family. Just envision an episode of “Home Improvement” and that's what the garage adventures usually looked like. Tanner enjoyed ATVs, snowmobiling, and pretty much anything with an engine. What Tanner enjoyed more than engines was helping his family and neighbors. In a small town, everyone is your neighbor and Tanner prided himself in being the guy to call. More than anything, Tanner was a family man and loved spending time with those close to him. He could have written a book with his corny jokes and had the most infectious laugh. He was known as “Uncle Dirt” to his nieces and nephews, as a result of his mullet hairdo which made him look identical to Joe Dirt. Tanner’s legacy will live on forever through the many stories and memories of those who were blessed to have known him. To know him was to love him, and if you didn't know him, then that's your fault. You probably drive a Ford or use Milwaukee tools too.

Leaving to mourn are his fiancée, Makenzie M. Citrin of Holland Parent, NY; his mother, Mary E. Ofalt (Philip) of Holland Patent, NY; his twin brother, Tucker J. Ofalt (Jordin), siblings Martin M. Ofalt, Jr. (Emily), Dennis M. Ofalt, Emma R. Henderson (Joseph), all of Holland Patent, NY; his nieces and nephews, Joseph Jr., Benton, Olivia, Lainey, and Levi; Makenzie’s family; and a multitude of family and friends. Also left to mourn are his beloved dogs, Kobi and Arlo. Tanner had a very special relationship with Kobi - one that will never be forgotten. If you saw Tanner, Kobi would not be too far behind. 

He was predeceased by his father, Martin M. Ofalt; and grandparents, Edmund A. Ofalt, Evelyn H. (Gregus) Ofalt, Richard H. McMahon, and Ruth M. (McLaughlin) McMahon. 

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home located at 7751 Merrick Road, Rome, NY 13440. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home. Tanner will be laid to rest next to his father immediately after the funeral services at the Steuben Valley Cemetery located on Williams Road in Holland Patent, NY. Those attending the burial are encouraged to bring a fishing lure that will be placed with Tanner. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tanner's name to Oneida County Emergency Services, 120 Base Rd, Oriskany, NY 13424, or to the Westernville Fire Department, 9305 NY-46, Westernville, NY 13486. 

The family would like to thank Tipline Tree Service, Amcare Ambulance, Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Westernville Fire Department, and Rome Hospital for the care they took of Tanner. Additionally, they would like to thank Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home of Rome, NY for their coordination of their beloved Tanner.