Obituaries & Guestbook

Ronald J. "Brisk" Bruzdzinski, Sr.

10/30/2018

Ronald J. “Brisk” Bruzdzinski, Sr., 80, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2018. Ronald was retired from the City of Syracuse School District after over 40 years of service. He was a communicate of St. Mary’s Church in Skaneateles and past co-owner of Syracuse Blazers. Ronald enjoyed hunting, bowling and watching the UFC.
Ronald is predeceased by his wife, Joyce Dillon Bruzdzinski and parents, Joseph and Albina Bruzdzinski. He is survived by his son, Ronald J. Bruzdzinski, Jr. (Leigh Hanson); grandchild, Ronald J. Bruzdzinski, III; step-grandchildren, Chloe and Sophie Hanson; sister, Sandra Sutton, and 3 nieces, Shelley (Jeff) Bailer, Sherri (Mike) Willis, and Sue Sutton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 2nd at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. Ronald will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Mottville Fire Company; 4149 Frost St., Mottville, NY 13119.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

5 Comments

Sylvia Eileen (Cavanagh) Price

10/30/2018

11 Comments

Sylvia Eileen (Cavanagh) Price born August 17,1937 in Philadelphia, PA, quietly passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. She was the devoted wife of the late Donald James Price, Sr. She is survived by her loving daughters and sons: Debi Price Murray (James) of Palmyra, NY, Donald J. Price Jr. of Skaneateles, Eileen M. Price of Skaneateles, and John S. Price (Molly), of Morrison, CO; Grandchildren: Sean and Michael Murray, Anna, Luke, Diego and Ellie Price; Sister In Law: Mary Evelyn Breslin of Ambler, PA; Brother-In-Law: Frank “Donnie” O’Donnell of Lower Gwynedd, PA and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael Cavanagh and Mary (McCole) Cavanagh of Mt. Airy, PA; Sisters Mary Theresa Phipps and Rachel” Babs” O’Donnell.
Sylvia was a 52-year resident of Skaneateles, NY, and during that time spent 17 school calendar years in Fairport, NY (1970 - 1987). She was a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. She was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Skaneateles Country Club. She also enjoyed gourmet cooking, bowling, volunteering and reading down by the lake. Skaneateles was Don & Sylvia’s "Camelot".
Sylvia will forever be remembered for her love and lifelong devotion to her family. The beautiful memories of her are cast in what characterized her being as a person with a strong faith in God, love for all of her large, extended family and friends and service to her community. Her warmth towards friends and strangers alike was always felt as she greeted them with a great big smile and sincere interest.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 16th, from 4 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Saturday,December 1st at 9:30am at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, 81 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, (www.alz.org/centralnewyork)
Date of passing life on earth into God’s kingdom forever: October 30, 2018. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

11 Comments

David E. Blackwell

10/13/2018

5 Comments

David E. Blackwell of Skaneateles passed away peacefully at home with his family on October 13, 2018. He was born to the late Clarence M. Blackwell and Marie K. (Shackelford) Blackwell on August 26, 1938, the youngest of six children. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Scheu) Blackwell, and three sons, Gregory D. of Baltimore, MD, Christopher D. (Annette) of East Greenwich, RI, and Geoffrey D. (Tracey) of Skaneateles, and nine grandchildren.
David was a graduate of Hamburg Central schools where he was senior class president, Clarkson College of Technology (B.S. in civil engineering), and the University of Buffalo (M.B.A.).
He was a Clarkson Distinguished Military Graduate commissioned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving as a 2nd Lt. at Fort Belvoir, VA when he also trained at the U.S. Naval School as a Deep-Sea Diver and Salvage Officer for the Army. He was discharged as a Captain in 1968 after his active and reserve duty.
He enjoyed a career with the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, first in Lackawanna and later in Bethlehem, PA and Sparrows Point, MD where he was the General Manager at both locations.
In 1987 Ford Motor Company appointed him the President and CEO of the Rouge Steel Division in Dearborn, MI. Upon the sale of that division he joined Lone Star Steel in TX as the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. He then joined Auburn Steel Company, Austeel, in Auburn, NY in 1992 as vice-president and president for several years. David was also later the Chairman of Qualitech Steel and Holding Corp., after which he retired.
David is survived by a brother Paul E. (Catherine) Blackwell of Macedon, NY. His brothers Robert M. (Beatrice), Charles M. (Grace), Clarence Jr. (Mary), and sister Dorothy M. (Donald) Hatch predeceased him.
His beloved grandchildren Alexander, Emily, Calvin, Benjamin, Michael, Grace, Ava, Charlotte, and Patrick helped him celebrate his recent 80th birthday.
He was especially interested in his home woodworking shop and gardening. He enjoyed his time in volunteer work with Boy Scouts, Village of Skaneateles municipal committees, and as a FISH of Skaneateles driver. He was a member of the Skaneateles Country Club and enjoyed golf, often meeting his sons for a foursome at a distant location. He enjoyed traveling with Pat and playing in bridge groups with her over the years.
Services are private. Memorial donations may be made to SAVES, 77 Fennel St., Skaneateles or a favorite charitable organization.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

5 Comments

Stephen Vincent Ardia

10/8/2018

2 Comments

On October 8, 2018 Stephen Vincent Ardia passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and children.
Steve was the son of Vincent and Anita Ardia of New Jersey. He was born on August 3, 1941 in Hackensack, NJ. An avid baseball fan, he was the catcher for his high school baseball team where he caught for his younger brother Richard. Steve graduated from Ramapo Regional High School in 1959. After earning a congressional appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, he graduated with a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1963. He served in the Merchant Marines from 1963 to 1964. In 1964, he married Virginia Sue Ellis of Wyckoff, NJ. He earned an MBA from Rutgers University in 1970. In 1966, Steve began a long career with Goulds Pumps, Inc. of Seneca Falls, NY.
The transformative event in his professional life was taking a position as South East Asia Sales Manager for Goulds in 1970. Steve and Ginny moved to Singapore with their two sons, David born in 1966 and Daniel born in 1967. He was promoted to Director of International Sales for Goulds and returned to Seneca Falls in 1974. A third child Deborah joined the family in 1977. In 1979, Steve became the Vice President of Sales for Goulds and became President and CEO in 1984. As CEO, he grew Goulds Pumps into a world leader in industrial pump technology culminating in Goulds joining the Fortune 500 in 1991.
In 1995, Steve retired from Goulds Pumps. After six months of retirement, he took on the role of CEO of the pump company Environment One, based in Schenectady, NY, where he worked from 1995 to 2001. He enjoyed a brief second retirement before returning to business serving in a range of positions across the world including chairman, CEO, board member, owner, and investor. He is remembered as an admired and valued mentor to many.
While Steve and Ginny raised their three kids in Skaneateles, NY, they eventually grew tired of Central New York snow and began spending winters on Amelia Island, FL. Reconnecting with his passion for the ocean, they eventually transitioned to living the majority of the year in Florida. However, they never lost their love of Skaneateles Lake. Steve felt surrounded in both communities by dear and supportive friends who were there by his side up until the end. Committed to his local institutions, he served as President of the Skaneateles Country Club and President of the Amelia Island Club. His passions included cigars, golf, hiking, New York Mets, and collecting civil war era Colt firearms.
Steve was deeply committed to his family and engineered elaborate yearly family vacations all over the world. He is survived by his wife Virginia, his sons David and Daniel Ardia, his daughter Deborah Ardia McGinn, and his brother Richard Ardia. Steve and his brother were extraordinarily close throughout their lives.
Stephen Vincent Ardia was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, and grandfather to seven grandchildren. Donations in lieu of flowers can made to the Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation (MGAEF), 6425 Cloverleaf Circle, East Amherst NY 14051, http://mgaef.org/donate.htm. The MGAEF was founded in 1996 in memory of Melinda Gray Ardia, Steve’s beloved daughter-in-law. Steve was passionate about the Foundation’s work supporting environmental education in the USA and across the world.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Remembrances can be posted at www.forevermissed.com/stephen-ardia/.
Arrangements by Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.

2 Comments

Tracy Jo Reagan

10/3/2018

14 Comments

Tracy Jo Reagan,45, of Skaneateles Falls, passed away on October 3, 2018 with her loving and devoted husband by her side. Tracy fought a valiant fight against breast cancer. She went to Moravia Central Schools, and worked for both Moravia Schools and Jordan Elbridge Central Schools as a special needs bus driver. Tracy loved her job and donating her time to many charities. She was an auxiliary member of the Skaneateles Falls Valentine Post 317. She cherished her children and grandchildren and was a ‘rescue mom,’ saving two dogs and two cats.
Tracy is predeceased by her father, Terrace Ripley and brother-in-law, Sarge. She is survived by the love of her life, Patrick Reagan; children, Ashley (Ted) Meis, Joshua (Nina) Scott, Tyler Scott, and Brian (Angela) Reagan, 12 grandchildren; her mom, Judy Ripley (Dennis Ellerson), sisters, Cindy (Darryl) Nickerson, Lisa (Al) Seaman, and Terry Knapp (Kacy Ellerson); father and mother-in-law, John and Gloria Reagan; sisters-in-law, Corina Sargent and Kelly (Kenny) Reagan; brother-in-law, Jay (Jen) Reagan; longtime friend, Gerald Fountain, and many loving nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7pm prior to the service. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jordan Elbridge Central School District, (in memo write special needs fund in memory of Tracy): JECSD Transportation Department; 9 North Chappell St., PO Box 902 Jordan, NY 13080
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

14 Comments

Marshall S. Skiff

9/28/2018

32 Comments

Marshall S. Skiff, of Skaneateles, was born October 25, 1924 in Syracuse, passed away at home September 28, 2018.
He was co-owner of Beak & Skiff Apple Farms; original member of The Western New York Apple Growers Association; Board Member of Woodlawn Cemetery World War II veteran, serving in the South Pacific with The 38th Infantry Division and was assigned to the Philippine Scouts. Former member of Bellevue Country Club and Skaneateles Country Club. Member of Skaneateles American Legion Post 239 and Skaneateles Ski Club.
Along with his wife Joan, Marshall was a downhill ski racer competing in local, Eastern, National and International events for over 40 years. He loved growing things, especially apples and was very proud of his gardens.
Marshall was predeceased by “The Love of His Life and guiding star, Joan” and daughter, Roberta Skiff Pittard; a sister Elaine Maurer. He is survived by four daughters Marilynn Skiff (David Soderberg), Patricia Curtis (Scott), Deborah Brennan (Edward), and Sandra Skiff (Doug Adams); 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 4th from 3 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be on Friday October, 5th at 10am at the First Presbyterian Church, Skaneateles. Marshall will be buried in Lakeview cemetery.
Contributions can be made to Skaneateles American Legion Post 239 or Skaneateles First Presbyterian Church.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

32 Comments

Katherine R. Truswell

9/25/2018

4 Comments

Katherine R. Truswell, 98, passed away peacefullly at Northwood’s Nursing Center in Moravia. She was from Skaneateles and formely from Ponce Intlet, FL. Katherine ran Truswell Marine with her husband, Roy. Her family was her biggest joy and she loved children and clowning.
Katherine is predeceased by her husband, Roy D. and brother, James Rhodes. She is survived by her sons, Roy (Jacquelyn) of Skan, Robert (Jeannine) of Greeley, CO; sister, Mary Ellen McConnell of Hilton Head, SC; granddaugthers, Mary Kay (Adam) Kehoe and Penny (Bill) Wells, both of Moravia; grandson, Michael Truswell of CO, 3 great grandsons, Thomas, Michael and Joshua Swan, 1 great great grandson, Dean; step granddaughters, Nicole and Sara, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Northwoods Nursing & Rehab and St. Andrews United Methodist Church for their care and support.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 2pm at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Shepard Settlement Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Church; 4264 Jordan Road, Mottville, NY 13119
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

4 Comments

Kenneth C. Badman

9/10/2018

4 Comments

Kenneth C. Badman, 88, of New Hope, NY, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Monday, September 10, 2018 at Auburn Community Hospital. He was born in the Town of Niles, NY on December 31, 1929, the only son of the late Leslie and Hazel Masden Badman.
Kenneth was a life-long farmer. Work was not a chore for him, but rather a gift of life and enjoyment. He was a member of New Hope Methodist Church and later a member of Second Baptist Church in Auburn, serving as Deacon. He was a 1946 graduate of Moravia Central School, a member of Gideon’s International, the New Hope Fire Department, New York Farm Bureau, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.
Kenneth was predeceased in 2006 by his wife, Janet. They shared 53 wonderful years together running the farm, raising their children, being neighborly. He was also, predeceased by two sons, Richard and John, grandson Brent, great grandsons Benjamin, Braidyn and Jacob Badman, and great granddaughter Mckenzie White.
Kenneth is survived by his sister Ruth Dann, sons Allan (Deborah) Badman and David (Sheila) Badman of New Hope, Thomas (Sandra) Badman of Sempronius, and daughter Joyce (Andrew) White of Auburn, 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Second Baptist Church, 1 N. Herman Avenue, Auburn, NY. Services will be held at 12:00 noon following calling hours. At the conclusion of services Kenneth will be escorted to his home town to be laid to rest by his wife’s side at New Hope Cemetery, New Hope, NY.
Contributions may be made to New Hope Fire Department or a charity of your choice.

4 Comments

Thomas James Fraher

9/9/2018

3 Comments

Thomas James Fraher born December 15, 1922 died on September 9, 2018 at 95 years of age. Tom was a lifetime resident of Montezuma, New York. A graduate of Port Byron Central School, he went on to serve in the Pacific as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Signal Corps, during World War II. Following the war, he married his wife Sara and together they lovingly raised eight children. He worked at ALCO/Bombardier in Auburn, New York. A longtime advocate of education Tom served as both a member, and President, of the Port Byron School Board for thirteen years. He was a wonderful singer and sang in church choirs both in Auburn and Cape Coral, Florida.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife Sara Wood Fraher and daughter Mary Davida Starr, parents Michael and Mary, and siblings, Anna, John, Michael, Daniel, Kathleen, Richard, Francis and Robert.
He is survived by his children, Michael (Susan) Fraher, Thomas (Margaret) Fraher, Kathleen Sikorra, Sara (Alan) Pribyl, F. Patrick (Carol) Fraher, Brigid (Grant) Schultz, and Margaret Fraher. He was “Grandpa” to 26 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.
Calling hours will be held Friday, September 14, at Robert D.Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St., Skaneateles from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday September 15, at 10:00 A.M.at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Weedsport, New York.
Memorials may be sent to St. Joseph’s Parish, Weedsport, or the American Diabetes Association.

3 Comments

Fred Dobrosky

9/9/2018

5 Comments

Fred Dobrosky of East Lake Road, Skaneateles, died peacefully at home on Sunday, September 9th. He was 98 years old. Originally from Nutley, NJ, Fred's family came to Skaneateles when he was 9 years old. Farming became his life. As a young man he worked for Camillus Cutlery. He married Madelyn Kenny on April 23, 1949. Both continued to serve their community. Fred was honored for serving over 50 years with the Skaneateles Fire Co. Both were instrumental in starting S.AV.E.S. He drove the school bus for Skaneateles School District for many years. In his spare time, Fred loved playing cards, bingo, bowling, and never turned down a trip to the casino. His sense of humor followed him everywhere and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand; putting others before himself.
There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 13th at 10am in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Fred's honor to The Skaneateles Fire Department or to S.A.V.E.S, 77 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Ronald J. "Brisk" Bruzdzinski, Sr.

Sylvia Eileen (Cavanagh) Price

David E. Blackwell

Stephen Vincent Ardia

Tracy Jo Reagan

Marshall S. Skiff

Katherine R. Truswell

Kenneth C. Badman

Thomas James Fraher

Fred Dobrosky

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