Obituaries & Guestbook

M. Minnette Frank

3/7/2020

M. Minnette Frank, beloved wife, mother and daughter passed away on March 7, 2020.
Minnette was born in Opelika, AL on November 8, 1964; daughter of William and Jodi Reckmeyer.
Minnette was a graduate of Skaneateles High School class of 1982 and Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts class of 1986 and Masters of Fine Arts class of 1993.
Minnette was active in her children’s lives as Girl Scout Counselor, Boy Scout Counselor, craft programs and everyone’s biggest cheerleader.
If you met her, your day was better as a result.
Minnette was the glue that held our family together and words cannot express her positive impact on those she met.
Minnette is survived by her pride and joy; five children Michele Ann (Alan) Rochkind, Jordan W. (Colleen) Frank, Robert W. Frank, Meredith Marie Frank and William G. Frank, several nephews, a brother W. Herbert Reckmeyer, her parents Dr. and Mrs. William G. Reckmeyer and her beloved husband of 33 years, Bob.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 13th from 4 to 8pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be on Saturday, March 14th at 10am at The First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, with a gathering following at the Skaneateles Fire Department. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your preferred charity in Minnette’s memory.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

23 Comments

William Frederick Huther

2/28/2020

15 Comments

William Frederick Huther of Skaneateles, known to many as “Bill”, and many more as “Coach”, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2020. He was in one of his favorite places, Sanibel Island, Florida, enjoying time with his wife and family when he passed away.
Born in Utica, NY on December 9, 1934, he lived in both Hamilton, NY and Auburn, NY. Bill graduated from Auburn East High School in 1952 and played on the undefeated 1950 football team. In 1956, he received his Bachelors of Arts degree in History from Colgate University where he played basketball, baseball, and track, and was a teammate on the 1955 baseball team that played in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. The following year, Bill returned to Colgate and received a Master’s of Arts degree in Physical Education.
Bill served in the U.S. Army First Division (The Big Red One) in Fort Riley, Kansas and Baumholder, Germany. He taught physical education, health, and coached football, basketball, baseball and tennis at various levels at Auburn Central High from 1959-1970. In 1968-1969 he was a Fulbright Exchange Teacher at Marshalswick School in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England. Bill became a Guidance Counselor at Auburn High School in 1970, where he had a profound impact on the lives of generations of Auburn students until his retirement in 1994. Bill often said that teaching was “caught, not taught”, and there were no truer words to describe how he treated his work. The values of service, education, and the importance of athletics in personal development were instilled in Bill at a very young age by his parents, and he lived his life focused on building relationships with students, teaching them about citizenship, sportsmanship and personal responsibility. After retiring from the district, he continued to invest in young people as an Area Admissions Representative for Albright College in Reading, PA until 2009.
Bill was an avid athlete well beyond high school and college. He played semi-pro basketball for Kufs News, The Italian Village and Pecorello’s Market in Utica. He taught tennis during the summers in Wilmington, DE; Hamilton, Bermuda; and the Owasco Country Club in Auburn. Bill was a five-time Auburn Men’s Singles Tennis Champion, and the 1991 National Senior Games Men’s Singles Tennis Champion (ages 55-59), as well as the National Men’s Doubles Tennis runner-up the same year. His dedication to the athletic and educational programs of Central New York were recognized with a Section III Service Award in 1973. In 2002, he was honored to be elected alongside his father Joseph (posthumously) to the Auburn High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
A true citizen of the world, Bill remained active in a variety of organizations that were near and dear to him throughout his life including NYSRTA, The Cayuga Museum, The Schweinfurth Museum, Rockport Massachusetts Art Association, and Townsend Lawn Tennis Club in St Albans, England. He had also been active with Teenage March of Dimes, the Cayuga County Mental Health Association, was an advisor to YMCA Hi Y groups, and the treasurer of Friends in Service Here (F.I.S.H) in Skaneateles. Throughout Bill’s life he enjoyed - and excelled - at his many hobbies including golf, tennis, and oil painting.
Bill loved where he grew up and the communities, he lived in. Along the way, he seemed to make a connection with everyone and those relationships only grew stronger over the years. Former colleagues, students, and friends from throughout his life were always on his mind and in his heart. None of these connections, however, were as important to him as his love for his family, especially his six adoring grandchildren. In recent years, you could find “Bompa”, at birthday parties, sporting events, concerts, or on the floor playing with truckies. No family moment was missed, and every milestone was celebrated with a phone call, congratulatory note, or hug.
Bill was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Cornelia Huther of Auburn and Hamilton, NY and Tavares, FL and grand-nephew Graham Murphy of Liverpool, NY.
Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years Carol, daughter Erika (Jason) Clark and grandchildren Leah, Jackson and Tabor of Marcellus NY; son Kevin (Christina) Huther and grandchildren William, Petra and Lukas of Medfield, MA; exchange daughter Kaisa (Jari) Kortesoja, and their children Eeva, Eero and Aune of Pori, Finland; sister-in-law Susan Bobbett of Saratoga Springs, NY; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 2-6pm Sunday, March 8th at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A funeral service will be held at 10am on Monday, March 9th at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, 97 East Genesee Street with a burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the E. John Gavras Center, 182 North Street, Auburn, NY 13021, www.gavrascenter.com; F.I.S.H. of Skaneateles, Inc, 24 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152 and the John Dau Foundation, 97 East Genesee St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, www.johndaufoundation.org

15 Comments

Margaret "Marge" Sykes

2/27/2020

9 Comments

Margaret “Marge” Sykes of Skaneateles passed away Thursday February 27, 2020 at home under Hospice care and with her loving family nearby watching over her.
Marge grew up in the Hawley Avenue area of Syracuse attending St. Vincent DePaul High School. She retired as a secretary at General Electric in Syracuse.
Marge was a member in St. Patrick Church in Jordan and was active in Altar and Rosary, Food Pantry and Bible Study. She treasured the many friendships resulting from these activities. She also volunteered frequently at the Food Pantry at Northside Ministries of Assumption Church on North Salina Street in Syracuse. She recently was connecting with the Secular Order of the Franciscans Road to Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse.
Marge especially enjoyed the luncheons she shared with her St Vincent’s graduation classmates.
Marge was a family person. So many memorable weekends and vacations were spent with family at the cottage at Bobs Lake in the Land of Lakes in South Frontenac Ontario.
She enjoyed hiking, bird watching, boating, and gardening. She was a longtime member of the Skaneateles Garden Club and a member with her husband Bob of the New York Forest Owners Association NYFOA.
Marge and Bob enjoyed operating Fox Ridge Bed & Breakfast in their home for 23 years.
She and Bob enjoyed a few recent trips to Florida to help break up the long upstate winters, and to visit dear friends and relatives there.
Marge is survived by her husband Bob, children Chris Couse of Galeville, Jim Couse (Michelle) of Skaneateles, David Couse of Lyncourt, and Mary Carroll (Rich) of Liverpool. Stepsons Robert Sykes Jr. of Skaneateles and Rusty Sykes of House Springs Missouri. Grandchildren Kaylee, Brendan, Trevor, Grace, Lainie, Aiden, Malia, Finnan and Sophia. A brother Dave Mancini and a sister Carol (Richard) Brostek.
She was predeceased by her parents Leonard and Rose (Pignalberi) Mancini.
Calling hours will be 4-7 pm Friday, March 6th at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 7th in St. Patrick's Church of Jordan.
Donations may be made to Franciscan Northside Ministries Food Pantry at Assumption Church 808 N. Salina Street Syracuse, NY 13208, or to the Shepard Settlement Cemetery c/o Town of Skaneateles 24 Jordan Street Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

9 Comments

Josephine Montgomery Gregg

2/23/2020

5 Comments

Our sweet mystery of life, Josephine Montgomery Gregg, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2020. She will always be remembered as a person who saw the bright side in every situation. While she projected an aura of lightness and joy, Jo possessed incredible leadership skills and administrative savvy. She was a founding member and President of the Skaneateles Cooperative Nursery School, President of the Skaneateles Garden Club, and President of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. She was President of the Austin Park Development Fund and, in the mid 1960’s, Jo developed and participated in the successful annual fundraiser known as “Skane-E-Antics,” which featured humorous performances by dozens of residents each year. She was a founding member and later President of the Skaneateles Unit of the Syracuse Symphony Guild, President of the Syracuse Symphony Guild, and President of the board of the Opera Theatre of Syracuse. Jo built the annual “Polo for Opera” event, which was held throughout the 1980’s and 90’s.
She was the first woman to receive the Skaneateles Jaycees Award and awarded “Citizen of the Year” by the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce. The Junior League of Syracuse gave her a Lifetime Achievement Award and the Cultural Resources Council honored her with their Service to the Arts Award.
She was the broker/owner of a successful residential real estate firm, based in Skaneateles, for more than three decades.
Jo, the youngest of three children, was born on June 6, 1925 in Atlantic City NJ. Her father, Harold B. Montgomery, was the general manager of the renowned Traymore Hotel until the Great Depression struck. Jo never forgot how her mother, Leonide Dagit Montgomery, picked up the pieces of their shattered lives and provided for the family. Her mother’s drive and determination inspired Jo in many ways through the challenging times in her life.
Jo’s husband, Holland C. Gregg II, was enlisted in the US Army Air Force and stationed in Atlantic City and, during World War II, Jo, her sister and her mother participated in USO dance parties, where Jo and Holly met. They married in 1946 and moved to Holly’s hometown of Ithaca, NY. Shortly thereafter they relocated to Syracuse where Jo would meet many life-long friends. She and her family, including three children, moved to Skaneateles in 1957. The New Year’s Eve parties at the Gregg household over three decades were the stuff of legend.
She and Holly were avid skiers and were founding members of the Skaneateles Ski Club. Jo loved playing golf and tennis in Skaneateles and in Vero Beach, FL where, in their later years, she and Holly spent their winter months.
Jo is predeceased by her husband and her grandson, Holland C. Gregg IV, and longtime friend, William Livingston. She is survived by her three children, Leonide (Bob) Connelly, Holland (Patience) Gregg, and James (Emily) Gregg. She is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher (Adelaide) Connelly, Beth Connelly, Jonathan Connelly (fiancé Dena Copani), Marietta (Thomas) Bolster, JJ Gregg and Keely Gregg. She adored her great grandchildren Sean Connelly, JP Connelly, Quinn Connelly, Avery Bolster, Benjamin Bolster, Luna Bolster and Nova Bolster, Griffin Connelly, Keegan Connelly and Sam Copani.
A celebration of Jo’s life will be held on May 2, 2020 at 11:00 am at Saint Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Holland C. Gregg IV Research Fund, c/o Marietta Bolster, 47 East Lake Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

5 Comments

Valdemar M. Lubieniecki

2/21/2020

2 Comments

Valdemar M. Lubieniecki, 91 of Skaneateles passed away at Auburn Community Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the lake church, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

2 Comments

James J. O'Connell

2/13/2020

33 Comments

O’CONNELL, JAMES J. (“Jim”) died peacefully at home in the town of Spafford, on the east side of Skaneateles Lake, in the presence of his loving wife and family on Thursday, February 13th at the age of 88. Jim was born in Troy, NY, on February 25, 1931, the son of William J. and Elizabeth (Walsh) O’Connell. He was raised across the Hudson River in Watervliet, graduating from St. Patrick’s School in 1944 and from Catholic Central High School in Troy in 1948. Jim then prepared for the priesthood in seminaries in Rochester and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse in February 1956.
As a priest Jim served as Assistant Pastor of St. Lucy’s Church, Syracuse (1956-63), then on the faculty of a brand-new Rome (N.Y.) Catholic High School, first as Guidance Director (1963-67), then as Principal (1967-71). He was a priest in residence at St. Peter’s Church in Rome, N.Y. (1963-66) and was part-time pastor of St. Mary’s, Florence, and St. Paul’s, Redfield (1966-1971). Jim was founding pastor of Pope John XXIII Church in Liverpool, a/k/a St. John’s Church, oversaw construction of the rectory (1971), church (1973), and rel. ed. addition (1979), while parish membership grew from around 240 families in 1971 to over 1,400 families in 1984. In the 1970’s Jim was active in several diocesan, statewide and national associations of priests, including one term (1976-78) representing priests of New York and New England on the (mainly lay) U.S. Catholic Bishops Advisory Council. Jim resigned from active ministry in January 1984 in order to marry.
Jim married Sharon K. Alexander in August, 1984. He completed legal studies at Syracuse University College of Law in May, 1985, and was admitted to practice law in February 1986. Jim’s entire legal career (1985-2020) was spent in the law office led by his friend Dennis G. O’Hara, known in 1986 as O’Hara, Felice: & Crough, later as O’Hara, O’Connell & Ciotoli. Jim practiced civil law, particularly Education Law, real estate purchases and sales, estate planning and estate administration, tax assessment matters, and municipal finance. He retired from the practice of law in 2020.
Jim was a Democratic activist from the age of 15. He served as CoChair or Vice Chair of CNY campaigns of Governor Carey in 1978, Ted Kennedy in 1980 and Mario Cuomo in 1982. From 1988 to 2018 he served many terms on the NYS Democratic Committee and, in 2016-18, on its Executive Committee. In 2018 the Onondaga County Democratic Committee honored Jim with a lifetime achievement award.
Jim is survived by his wife Sharon K. O’Connell, their sons, James A., of Skaneateles, and Daniel J. of Rochester, his sister, Helen M. (George) Lettko, of Troy, twenty nieces and nephews (9 Wilsons in Albany, 6 Holtons in Watervliet, and 5 Lettkos in Troy) and numerous other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and by two of his sisters, Betty (Fred) Wilson and Mary (Tom) Holton.
The family will welcome relatives and friends for calling hours from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 22nd at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 81 Jordan St., Skaneateles, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon. A spring burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. No flowers please. Memorial donations, if any, may be directed to Friends of St. Mary’s Florence (a 501c3 corp.), Community Bank, 41 Harden Blvd., Camden, NY 13316.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

33 Comments

Joseph P. Brillo

2/11/2020

10 Comments

Joseph P. Brillo, 84, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully on February 11, 2020. He was born in Syracuse and graduated from CBA where he was a proud member of the 1951 Championship Football Team. Joe attended Bolles Academy in FL and SUNY Cortland. He came back to Skaneateles and started his successful excavating and septic company that he owned and operated for 51 years before retiring. Joe was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting and collecting antique cars.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Bella Brillo, siblings, George, Caroline, Georgia, and Mary. He is survived by his children; Peter, Joseph (Barbara), and Eric (Theresa), his three beloved grandsons; Jacob, Joshua, and Joey, and his former wife, Dolores Brillo. Following Joe’s wishes, his services were private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the CNY Alzheimer's Association; 441 W. Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY 13204.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

10 Comments

James Lee Van Nostrand

2/1/2020

3 Comments

On Saturday, February 1, 2020 James Lee Van Nostrand, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 76 years old.
He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Sara (Sepe) Van Nostrand; his daughter Beth (Van Nostrand) Caraccio and her husband Michael; his son Brad and his wife Patricia (Pabon) Van Nostrand and his beloved grandchildren, Dominick, Gianna, Gabriella and Scarlett, as well as his brother Gary, sister Lynne and many brother and sister in- laws, nieces and nephews. Jim is predeceased in death by his father and mother.
Jim was born on January 22, 1944, the son of James and Harriet (Boyce) Van Nostrand, and raised in Interlaken, NY. Jim adored growing up in Interlaken and often reflected fondly on his many memories of his small-town upbringing with his siblings and friends on the shores of Cayuga Lake.
Jim graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in education and received his Master’s Degree from Syracuse University. He moved to Skaneateles in 1965 and fell in love with the small town and community like the one in which he grew up. Jim was an elementary school math and science teacher for Skaneateles schools for 19 years and then worked in sales and marketing for many years after that.
On August 12, 1972 Jim married Sara (Sepe) Van Nostrand and together they raised their children Beth and Brad.
Jim enjoyed playing the piano, listening to music and dancing in many Skan-e-antics productions over the years. He was an avid bridge player and loved to socialize with dear friends and tell jokes. Above all, he adored his wife, children and grandchildren and wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. He felt such pride in their lives and successes. When he became a grandparent, he found his new passion and purpose.
Jim was involved in a car accident in 2007 in which he suffered a traumatic brain injury, dramatically changing his life forever. With the continued love and support of his family, he persevered for 13 long years, but eventually time took its toll on his body and mind, and he finally found the peace and freedom he so deserved.
A mass for Jim will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles, followed by a private burial and then a gathering for family and friends.
In memory of Jim’s love of education, Skaneateles and his grandchildren, any donations can be made to: The Skaneateles Education Foundation www.skanedfoundation.org
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

3 Comments

Rodney Miles Thomas

1/29/2020

1 Comment

Rodney Miles Thomas, 74, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, New York. Rod was predeceased by his parents Fred B. Thomas and Mildred M. Thomas of Skaneateles. He is survived by his older brother Donald M. Thomas (Janice), sisters Carol T. Shumway (Bruce), and Susan T. Sealy (Robert). Private services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery.

Rod was a graduate of Massanutten Military Academy and Auburn Community College. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Following his naval service he was employed by ALCO of Auburn for over 18 years and Thompson and Johnson in Syracuse for 20 years before retiring in 2010. Rod had been a student of the Frank Mucedola Accordion School since the age of 11 and remained a life-long accomplished accordionist. He was an avid reader and enjoyed researching history.

1 Comment

Henry William Leubner

1/27/2020

12 Comments

Henry William Leubner of Skaneateles passed away on Monday, January 27 at home with his loving wife of 72 years, Ella Louise (Dye) by his side.
Henry grew up in Marrietta, NY and was the oldest child of Edmund and Bertha Leubner. When his Dad died suddenly, Henry took over the family farm before he completed his education at Marcellus Central Schools.
On August 14, 1948 Henry married the love of his life and soulmate Ella Louise Dye at Rose Hill Baptist Church. This event began the establishment of our huge family tree. Henry and Ella were blessed with 10 children, Henry Jr. (Rebecca Slater), Jane (Donald LaMay), Debra (Thomas Roe), Daniel (Terri Tucker), Mark (Carol Townsend), Melody (Thomas Notarpole), Sherry (John Kucher), Paul (Lisa Nelson), Jonathan (Kara Day), and Tom (Lisa Spearing). From these 10 families Henry and Ella have been blessed with 42 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. So, what is a legacy? Papa put his mark on all our futures and they will be carried on for generations and generations to come.
   Henry worked his own farm on Benson Road until he bagan working at New Venture Gear, where he worked until he retired. While at NPG “Hank” was known for handing out Our Daily Bread devotionals to everyone he came into contact with, along with a lot of stinky cheese. Sharing his faith and the message of salvation wasn’t just a hobby, it was a deep passion he held. Dad was especially burdened for those who had not yet placed their trust and hearts with the lifesaving knowledge of Jesus.
   Dad’s passions besides his family, included spending time at his pond feeding the ducks and napping at his cabin. He was always in awe as he looked at God’s creation around him. He was marveled by how beautiful the screnery was whereever he went. He also collected 2-cylinder John Deere tractors, taught Sunday school, and he LOVED food, especially limberger cheese.
   Although Dad had this tough, rock solid exterior, he had a soft spot in his heart for ALL “his” babies (no matter their age).
   Dad enjoyed his daily excursions to destinations unknown to us all. You would hear, “going to the city” and he’d be gone for hours. He would then return so excited over his “sale” purchase – that he had driven 100 miles to get.
   One of my favorite parts of Dad was that no matter your name, he would always re-name you. These special nicknames have forever stuck and always make us laugh.
   We wanted to include some of Dad’s favorite bible verses, but after looking at his bible, there are more verses underlined than not. I truly believe I speak for all of us, it was an honor and a privilege to call him Dad and Papa. I can clearly hear Jesus saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant – welcome home”.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 11am at Rose Hill Baptist Church. Calling hours will be on Friday from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Henry will be buried in Thorn Hill Cemetery. Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rose Hill Baptist Church, 2609 Rose Hill Rd. Marietta, NY 13110.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.