Obituaries & Guestbook

Celeste Mantone D'Amico

6/12/2024

    Celeste Mantone D’Amico passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024 due to complications of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
    Celeste graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelors in Spanish Teaching and Masters in Library Science. As well as being a stay-at-home mom when her children were young. She had a long career as a Library/Media Specialist in the Baldwinsville, Skaneateles and Moravia Central School Districts.
    Celeste is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Tom D’Amico, 3 children and their spouses, Adam (Leslie) Laura (Greg) David (Kelsey) 7 grandchildren, sister Valerie Streuss and a very special friend since childhood Ronnie Horowitz.
    There will be no calling hours or services. If desired donations may be made to Skaneateles Library Association children’s room.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Barbara Ann Masters Aldrich

6/11/2024

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    Barbara Ann Masters Aldrich, 86, of Skaneateles Falls, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 11, 2024. Barb was born March 3, 1938 to Harry and Dorothy Masters of Skaneateles Falls.
    She is survived by her husband of 65 years Richard, daughters Carol White, Laurie (Lee) Ganon, Kathy (Gordon) Gross, son William, and five grandchildren, Liz and Zoe White, Jamie Ganon, Eric and Jon Gross and her beloved cat, "Baby". She graduated from Elbridge High School in 1955 as the salutatorian of her class and from SUNY Oswego with a BS in Elementary Education in 1958. She was an elementary teacher until she started her family Barb and Dick built their home together after they were first married and have resided there ever since.
    While their children were growing up, she was active in her community serving as a Girl Scout Leader, PTA president, and marching band booster. She received the lifetime achievement award for her work in the PTA. When her children were older, she was secretary for the Elbridge Community Church for 20 years.
     Barb was a supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. She was at her happiest having a house full of family and friends in the backyard around the pool. She was always in attendance for any band show, concert, or sporting event for her children and attended many events for her grandchildren as well. She always had a love for animals and nurtured many cats over the years. She had a love for gardening, watching football, and solving crossword puzzles.
    There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 17, 2024 at 11am at the Elbridge Community Church. Burial to immediately follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles.
    Memorial contributions can be made to the Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY or SAVES Ambulance.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Charles E. Wicks

6/6/2024

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    Charles E. Wicks, 68, of Elbridge passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at home. He was predeceased by his father, Robert D. Wicks and his mother, Leitha Wicks as well as his brothers, Robert and Raymond Wicks.
    Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Pamela (Porter) Wicks, and his two children, Sarah (Michael) Melice and Christopher Wicks, as well as his grandson, Dash William Melice.
    Charlie was “The Fan Man” and “The Mustang Man” and his love of antique cars and fans will live on forever. He nurtured many a budding car enthusiast and passed his love of antique brass fans on to the next generation.
    Graveside services will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetary, Skaneateles, NY on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
                     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heatherstrong Heroes of Hope, 240 East Main St, Elbridge, NY 13060. “Be Good To One Another”.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Walter Hazard Blackler

5/29/2024

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Walter Hazard Blackler, 88, of Skaneateles, NY died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, as a result of pancreatic cancer.
Walt was born to Walter and Louise Blackler on April 19, 1936, in Bethlehem, PA, while his father was a college student. He grew up in Farmington, CT. Following in his father’s footsteps, Walt attended Lehigh University. After graduation in 1958, he moved to Rochester, NY to work for Gleason Works as a mechanical engineer. While living in Rochester he met Patricia Mahoney at a YMCA ski event for young singles. They were married in Haverhill, MA in February 1960. Walt enrolled at Harvard Business School that Fall. He and Pat welcomed their first child while he was a graduate student. They lived in Cambridge, MA and West Hartford, CT, before eventually settling in Skaneateles in 1965.
Walt had an entrepreneurial drive. Seeking to become a small business owner, he bought an apple orchard in Lafayette, NY in 1965. Apple Acres has been in business for nearly 60 years, growing, packing and shipping apples across the country. He loved the apple business and never retired, assessing the crop and providing wise counsel until his death. He served the NY apple industry in leadership roles throughout his career, including the Western NY Apple Growers’ Association, the NY Apple Association, the Horticulture Society, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension. He especially enjoyed his time with the Apple Research and Development Program Board directing research funds to improve the profitability of all the state’s orchards. He was instrumental in bringing new apple varieties to market with the Crunch Time Apple Growers group. Like their parents, many of his grandchildren got their first work experience at the orchard, learning valuable lessons while spending time with their Pappy.
Walt had a strong sense of civic responsibility. His record of service to the Skaneateles community stretched multiple decades and included positions on the Planning Board, the Zoning Board, the Board of Trustees, and most recently until his resignation in 2023, the Municipal Board. In 2023, the Mayor of Skaneateles presented him with a Resolution of Appreciation for his unwavering and devoted service to the community. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were smart, thoughtful, and kind.
Pat and Walt had five children. Walt loved spending time with his family. He never missed a ballet recital or graduation ceremony. Until the day he died, he was an active (and funny) participant in the family group text chain. His last text congratulated his granddaughter on her recent engagement. He had a baseball hat from each college attended by his children and grandchildren, and he proudly rotated through them as appropriate for the occasion. He especially enjoyed annual summer vacations in the Adirondacks. He made his last trip to Lake Placid in June 2023, shortly after his cancer diagnosis, enjoying the time with 26 of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His extended family continues the annual tradition.
Pat and Walt enjoyed sailing on Skaneateles Lake and were active in the racing community. They were members of Owasco Yacht Club, Skaneateles Sailing Club, and Skaneateles Country Club. He was a skier and softball player, famous among his friends for his antique softball glove. He also loved watching almost any sport, but especially lacrosse and baseball. In 2022, he had the chance to travel to Houston to see his Phillies play the Astros in the World Series.
Walter was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, and his son Walter Hazard Blackler IV. He is survived by his four daughters, Anne Marie Reynolds of Houston, Ellen Blackler (Francis McNally) of Takoma Park, Maryland, Laurel Grow (Dan) of West Hartford, and Catherine Blackler (Derek Raymond) of Skaneateles; nine grandchildren, Rudy Reynolds (Buffin), Catie Reynolds (Tony Zupancic), Nora McNally Reiff (Zach Reiff), Peter McNally, Patrick Grow (Tory), Stephen Grow, Mary Kate Grow, Caroline Raymond and Libby Raymond, and seven great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Skaneateles Lake Association (skaneateleslake.org).
Calling hours will be held at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles on Monday, June 17 from 4 to 6pm. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 18th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake, Skaneateles with burial following the funeral at St. Mary's Cemetery in Skaneateles.

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Peggy Jane Posecznick

5/26/2024

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    Peggy Jane Posecznick passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the age of 82. Peggy was a lifelong resident of Skaneateles, NY.
    She was born to Thomas and Virginia Hollier on January 15, 1942, a twin to her brother Paul, and older sister to her brother Russell. She was President of the Future Homemakers of America her senior year at Skaneateles High School and graduated in 1959. She was employed at Welch Allyn in her young adult years. Peggy married the love of her life, Edward Posecznick, on June 5, 1965, and following a year in Brooklyn, NY, they continued to raise their family in Skaneateles. They continued the family legacy of enjoying spending time camping in their special place at Cranberry Lake each year. She spent ten years working at Stella Maris Retreat Center serving the patrons and exercising her love of baking. Peggy spent her life serving others and took great joy in serving as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher and youth leader in her church family at the First Baptist Church of Skaneateles.
    She also loved her years at the Auburn Christian and Missionary Alliance and she created many long-lasting friendships within that church home. In her later years, she deeply missed her church family and attending church services in person as her health declined. She was a diligent caregiver to many family members, and those that became family simply by her grace and thoughtfulness. She was an avid student of the Bible and could be found reading and diligently learning more, deepening her faith and relationship with Christ. She was a profound example of a Proverbs 31 woman. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor, with an unwavering faith and valiant prayer life that influenced others. Her love for others was constant evidence of her faith.
    Peggy’s greatest pride and joy was in her family. She and her husband raised their four children, Thomas (Christine) Posecznick, Timothy Posecznick, Tanya (Vinson) Davis and Terrence (Laura) Posecznick, shaping their spirituality by their tireless Christian example. She was a loving and nurturing grandmother to her nine grandchildren, Emily (David) Hart, Joseph (Haley) Davis, Benjamin Posecznick, Jay Davis, Daniel (Anne) Posecznick, Sarah Posecznick, Samuel Posecznick, Caleb Posecznick and Paige Posecznick, and one great-granddaughter, Nora Jayne Davis, and another great-grandchild arriving soon.
    She shared unique relationships with each of them, praying for them daily and was deeply proud of their accomplishments, strengths and character. Peggy’s legacy of love and service lives on in each of us as well as those that were touched by her over the years.
    Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Virginia Hollier, her husband, Edward Posecznick, her son, Thomas Posecznick.
     “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
    Visitation with family and friends will take place at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles, on June 14th from 4 to 6pm with a memorial service led by Dr. Jim Lytle, D. Min. to follow. Graveside service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles at 10am on June 15th.
    Donations may be directed to Clarks Summit University, Development Office, 538 Venard Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411, or online at https://www.clarkssummitu.edu/give-to-csu/
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Barbara A. Lyons

5/25/2024

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                                                                        Barbara A. Lyons of Skaneateles, NY, passed away on May 25, 2024.
                             Barbara (Barb) was born on July 26,1937 to parents Alta and Edward Barnhart, in Erie, PA. After graduating high school, in 1955, Barb would go on to study education and earn her
bachelor’s degree from Fredonia State. It was there she met her future husband and father of her five children, Robert (Bob) M. Lyons.
    After graduating with a degree in education, Barb’s path took a different turn. She and Bob were married on June 20th, 1959, and quite soon began a family. Barb would become more
than a homemaker; she would become a maker of magic; balancing a growing family, on a shoestring budget. She honed her penchant for gardening, cooking, baking and sewing through the years as she provided a loving and comfortable home for her five children: Susan, Patricia, Christine, Andrew and Jennifer.
                                 In addition to raising her five children, Barb started working full time: first in retail for Talbots 5 and 10, then as a medical technician at Community General Hospital.
                                               Once Barb retired, she spent her time reading, traveling with friends and family, gardening and helping to raise her grandchildren.
                 Barb was predeceased by her parents, sister and husband, Robert Lyons. She is survived by her five children, eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one niece and two nephews.
    The family of Barb Lyons will be holding a private celebration of her life, in June. She is dearly missed by her family and friends and is remembered so fondly by those fortunate enough to be in her inner circle.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Thaddeus Joseph Astemborski

5/24/2024

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Thaddeus Joseph Astemborski passed away at the age of 92 in Canandaigua, New York. He was born on October 13, 1931 in Schenectady New York.
He is predeceased by his parents Anthony and Stanislawa (Dobies) Astemborski and brothers Anthony and Chester.
  Growing up in Schenectady, NY Ted attended Mount Pleasant High school with his brothers. While there he took technical classes with the idea of following in his brother’s foot steps to become a machinist at General Electric. After high school graduation, Ted started working at General Electric where GE engineers mentored Ted and encouraged him to continue his education. Ted enrolled in electrical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Following graduation Ted remained with GE, initially working in nuclear power in Washington state. Eventually his career led him to Syracuse where he continued to work in various capacities within the company until his retirement in 1994.
   While at GE, Ted met the love of his life Pat Lougnot who also worked at GE. On February 13, 1959, the two married and soon after the couple moved to Skaneateles where they started their family on Winding Way. Ted had a long-standing dream of being able to own a house where each of his children had their own room. In pursuit of that, he purchased a lot on Hencoop Road and oversaw the construction of a new home for the family. The property eventually came to include a tool shed, barn, which housed the family’s horses, gardens and pool. The outdoor buildings, like the house, were built by Ted.
   Ted was lifelong Catholic whose faith was a foundation for how he lived his life. He was an active member in the parishes he belonged to. Summer’s you could find him at the annual St. Ann’s BBQ, cooking up the “firehouse chicken”. He along with his wife Pat were founding members of SAVES and Ted continued to serve the community as a volunteer for decades. He was also a member of the Skaneateles Fire Department for 50 years where he served as the treasurer for several years. As a member of the Skaneateles Town Board, he was instrumental in developing the Town’s recreation center. In 2011 Ted was honored to receive Citizen of the Year for his lifelong volunteerism in Skaneateles. His other interests included biking which included an annual trip around the lake well into his 70’s, building projects around the house, skiing, camping, helping neighbors and reading.
   He is survived by his wife Pat, his daughters, Jacquie Astemborski of Westminster, Md, Kathy McLiverty of Quechee Vt, Doreen Cameron of Belmont, MA, and five grandchildren.
   A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles on June 27th at 10am followed by interment.
   Ted loved his home and enjoyed hosting friends and family on the back deck. Please feel free to remember him by wearing your favorite summer in Skaneateles attire.
   In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Skaneateles Fire Department or SAVES.

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Dorothy C. McMaster

5/15/2024

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Dorothy Clark McMaster passed away on May 15th with family members by her side.   A resident of the Athenaeum in Skaneateles, she was 103 years old. Born in Bridgeport, CT on January 29th, 1921, she grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, and Flushing, New York, graduating from Flushing High School. While living in New Haven, where her father worked for Edward Malley Department Store, she used to attend football games at the Yale Bowl during the 1920s with him. In the late 1920s, the family moved to Flushing, New York. Sadly, Dorothy’s father died at the young age of 40 in 1930 and her mother, Viola Clark, started work for Con Edison as a bookkeeper in order to support the family, including Dorothy and her older sister, Esther. The family struggled during the 1930s depression, but managed to make it through after downsizing their Flushing apartment many times. Dorothy tells the story of going to the grocery store to buy a loaf of bread and bottle of milk for 24 cents with 25 cents from her mother. She was told she could not use the extra 1 cent for candy, since the family needed the money. She was an excellent student and salutatorian of her grade school class. Amazingly, during these tough times, she was able to attend Barnard College by working as a model in New York City during summers.
She graduated from Barnard in 1942 and worked for American Airlines (at LaGuardia Airport) and in the travel industry after graduation. Although an English major, she talked fondly of her Zoology and Latin classes at Barnard. Throughout her life, she made many trips to New Orleans, where her mother had grown up in the French quarter, and her parents had met. Dorothy’s entry from the 1942 Barnard Morterboard:    Lovely blond curly locks…effervescent personality… gets lots of fun out of life...after graduation has ambitions for theatre work, publicity, staging, or costume designing, along with that marriage and lots of children…
One interesting cross-country trip that Dorothy made was in the 1940s, after college but during World War II. She and a friend were delivering a car to the family home in Colorado and they made the trip from New York to Denver on what were then mostly secondary roads. Along the way, they broke down and were stuck in West Virginia for several days before finally getting the needed part. After arriving in Colorado she spent time in the Rocky Mountains before heading back to New York. This trip involved a flight to Omaha, train to Chicago, flight to Buffalo, and finally a final flight to New York. She was able to get flights during the wartime, when soldiers always had first priority, due to her employment at American Airlines.
  Dorothy met her husband, Andrew McMaster, who preceded her in death in 2000, on a blind date in 1946 on 5th Avenue near the New York Public Library. Andrew had returned from active duty in World War II after serving in France and Germany. Andrew and Dorothy were married on October 26th, 1946 at Grace Church in New York City, and initially lived in Sea Girt New Jersey. Later, they moved to Morristown where their four sons were born. In 1957 Andy was transferred with the Monroe Calculator Company to Syracuse where he was a regional manager, and the family moved to Skaneateles where Dorothy lived for the remainder of her life, 66 years. Andy and Dorothy were married for 54 years.
  Dorothy was very active in St. James Episcopal Church, serving on the Altar Guild, and in many other capacities including staffing the Thrift Shop. She was also active with the Skaneateles Garden Club, Meals on Wheels, and other local activities. In retirement, Andrew and Dorothy were able to travel across North America (drove across the trans-Canada highway), South America, Europe and Africa (crossed the Straight of Gibraltar to Northern Morocco). Dorothy was a lifelong learner, and would check out 2-3 books a week from the Skaneateles Library. In the 60’s she took classes in Italian and became fluent. After losing most of her eyesight later in life to macular degeneration, she quickly shifted to books on tape, and continued to be a veracious reader “listener” right up to May 2024.
Dorothy maintained many many friends in Skaneateles, many of whom were members of St. James Church, to the very end of her life. She spent the last six years at the Athenaeum where she celebrated her 100th birthday in 2021.
  She is survived by four sons: Peter, Stephen, Andrew Jr., and Robert; nine grandchildren: Phillip, Barry, Adam, Sarah, Megan, Andrew III, Matthew, Keiko, and Katherine; and eight great grandchildren.

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Jean Annie Shook

5/14/2024

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    Jean Annie Shook, 69, of Skaneateles, NY, passed away on May 14, 2024 from complications related to cancer. Her special gift was to make everyone around her better, as a nurse, mother, sister, wife, friend and member of the community. Born and raised in Nazareth, PA, Jean earned nursing degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University. She worked at Hahnemann University and the Medical College of Pennsylvania before moving to central New York in 1989, where she was the Director of Nursing at Benjamin Rush/Four Winds until 2000. She worked as a nurse practitioner in the outpatient psychiatry clinic at Upstate until her retirement in 2022. She was an expert in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and ran Upstate’s DBT clinic until her retirement.
    Jean was an active member of the community, serving in numerous professional nursing organizations and on the boards of the Skaneateles Festival, Skan Races, and St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Camillus. She was a frequent volunteer in Skaneateles schools and at local events and fundraisers. She loved swimming and kayaking at her cherished camp on Skaneateles Lake and enjoyed doing needlework, traveling and cooking for family and friends. She was beloved for her Christmas cookies, which she delivered in person on December 24th every year.
    Predeceased by her brother, Russel Shook Jr., Jean is survived by her husband of 38 years, Chris Johnson; daughter Elizabeth (Libby) Bostain of Owasco, NY; son Lexus Johnson of Philadelphia, PA; granddaughters Rayland Bostain and Sloane Johnson; sisters Susan Heller and Sandra Shook, and many nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service will take place at 4PM on Thursday, May 23rd at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 5108 W. Genesee St., Camillus NY, followed by calling hours in the church’s fellowship hall until 7PM.
    Well-wishers are welcome to attend either or both. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that mourners consider a donation to the Skaneateles Festival (skanfest.org, or 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles NY 13152) or their favorite arts organization.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Patricia S. Blackwell

5/11/2024

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       Patricia S. Blackwell of Skaneateles, NY passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2024. She was born to the late Wilbert E. Scheu and Genevieve H. (Pestka) Scheu on February 18, 1939, the youngest of four children.
                                                                                                             She was married to the late David E. Blackwell for 58 years. She is lovingly remembered by her three sons, Gregory D. of King Ferry, NY, Christopher D. (Annette) of East Greenwich, RI, and Geoffrey D. (Tracey) of Skaneateles, NY, and nine grandchildren. Patricia was a graduate of Orchard Park High School and Potsdam University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching. Her career involved teaching and education in many ways.
    She enjoyed volunteering and participating in the community with activities including the Creamery Museum, garden club, Skaneateles Music Guild, bridge, book club (as an avid reader), Historical Society, Garden Club, and as a driver with FISH of Skaneateles. She was a member of the Skaneateles Country Club and previously enjoyed golf and tennis. She also enjoyed interested in gardening, bird watching, genealogy, and traveling with Dave over the years.
    She relished her grandchildren and as many sporting events, musicals, and theater performances as she could. Her beloved grandchildren Alexander, Emily, Calvin, Benjamin, Michael, Grace, Ava, Charlotte, and Patrick enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, summers, and her recent 85th birthday.
    A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 26 at 11:30am at the Skaneateles Country Club. Memorial donations may be made to Laker Limo, 1130 Mottville Road, Skaneateles or a favorite charitable organization.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Celeste Mantone D'Amico

Barbara Ann Masters Aldrich

Charles E. Wicks

Walter Hazard Blackler

Peggy Jane Posecznick

Barbara A. Lyons

Thaddeus Joseph Astemborski

Dorothy C. McMaster

Jean Annie Shook

Patricia S. Blackwell

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