Obituaries & Guestbook

Kathleen "Tiny" Weinerth

4/14/2021

Kathleen Tiny Weinerth passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 14th after a brief stay at Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse, NY where she was treated with compassion and love. Tiny was an adoring, and caring mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was born in Auburn, NY on June 6, 1920 to George and Alida Smith. She enjoyed modern western square dancing, line, and round dancing. She was a member of the Skaneateles Singing Seniors and a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Back in her heyday she owned and drove a motorcycle.
Tiny was a life-long resident of the Skaneateles area. She was a graduate of Skaneateles schools, class of 1938. She worked at Welch-Allyn for 34 years, and then retired to travel, and enjoy her family.
She was preceded in death by her son Charles “Tom” Weinerth, and her grandson Michael Weinerth.
She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Adkins of Selbyville, Delaware, and her son David Weinerth (John) of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren Gary Simmons, Michelle Simmons, Crystal Seal (Rick), Tammy Simmons (Derek), Scott Weinerth. Several great grand-children, Matthew (Tabitha) Travis (Tammy), Guy, Hunter, Joshua Smith and several great-great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Services will be on Wednesday, April 21st at 12 noon at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Masks are required. Any donations in her name may be made to SAVES or Matthew House.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

3 Comments

John "Jack" Colgan McNeil II

4/3/2021

24 Comments

John “Jack” Colgan McNeil II, 57, of Cortland, NY, passed away peacefully early in the morning on Saturday, April 3rd, after courageously battling a long illness. He is survived by his son, John Colgan McNeil III (Elizabeth); daughters, Nora McNeil Kszystyniak (Josh) and Emily McNeil; sisters, Martha Auster (Moe) and Maureen Wermers (Dan); brother James McNeil (Molly) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, John Colgan McNeil, and mother, Henrietta Huxford McNeil.
Jack was a graduate of Vestal High School and Niagara University. He went on to work as a carpenter for McNeil Development Co. in Cortland, NY, where he loved working with his cousin and best friend, David McNeil. An avid and skilled skier, Jack served for 10 years as a senior member of the Labrador Mountain Ski Patrol, where he could be seen on the slopes every Christmas Eve dressed as Santa Claus. He also volunteered at the Skaneateles Ski Club, where he taught his three children to ski.
Jack was an incredible father to his son and daughters, lifting them up and supporting them in everything they did. He was that special kind of person who always sought to put others’ needs before his own. Jack was also a master storyteller known for his sense of humor. His laughter, kindness and generosity will be cherished by all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his name to the Skaneateles Ski Club and Francis House in Syracuse, NY.

Jack will be laid to rest in Skaneateles at St. Mary's Cemetery on April 7th, preceded by a private service at St. Mary’s of the Lake. Friends may celebrate his life and express their condolences from 5 – 7PM Tuesday, April 6, at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

24 Comments

Richard James Kraetz, Sr.

4/2/2021

4 Comments

Richard James Kraetz, Sr. of Skaneateles, NY, and a Navy veteran of World War II, passed away April 2, 2021. He was 94. After surviving Covid-19 in December 2020, he could not quite fully recover and died peacefully surrounded by his family at the home of his son Rick and daughter-in-law Shelly.
Born in Buffalo, NY to William and Enid Kraetz, he is survived by his children, Pamela Odlum (Michael) of Skaneateles, NY and Long Island, Richard J. Kraetz, Jr. (Shelly) of Skaneateles, Suzan Sletteland (Erik) of Bedminster, NJ, and William R. Kraetz (Chrissy) of Derby, NY. Grandchildren are Katherine Odlum Moye (Loren) and Emily Odlum Andrews (Kevin), James, Taylor (Katherine) and Kelsey Kraetz, Sam, Peter, and Ben Sletteland and Hannah and Mae Kraetz. Great grandchildren are Andy (Emily & Kevin), and the twins, Alexandria and Augustus (Taylor & Katherine). He is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Mary Lou Weil Kraetz, and his grandson, Andrew M. Odlum of Skaneateles, NY.
Richard attended Bennett High School and Nichols School in Buffalo, NY and Hobart College in Geneva, NY. He lived in Buffalo and Rose Hill, Ontario, Canada for many years. He was an avid dog lover with a particular fondness for Golden Retrievers. He owned and operated a Chevrolet dealership in Buffalo, and along with his wife owned the Shop for Pappagallo in Buffalo on Delaware Avenue for 28 years. Richard retired to Venice, FL with his wife Mary Lou, and after 15 years they relocated to Skaneateles, NY. For the last three years he was grateful to the assisted living staff at Camillus Ridge Terrace. He was very happy there and in his glory as a crooner and avid participant in nickel bingo.
Richard was a member and deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Buffalo. For many years he was a volunteer at Roswell Park Hospital in Buffalo and, along with his wife, tended the Memorial Garden at Roswell.
Services are private. Contributions may be made to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Box 631 Buffalo, NY 14240.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

4 Comments

James J. Hares

3/24/2021

6 Comments

James J. Hares of Weedsport, passed away on Wednesday, March 24th at the Iroquois Nursing Home. He was born to his parents Josephine and James Hares at Auburn Memorial Hospital June 16, 1952 and grew up in Owasco, NY. Jim attended Skaneateles Schools; Jim spent his career as a talented heavy equipment operator. Jim spent countless hours in his shop building and painting projects. He was always tinkering with his Ford dump truck and International Tractor.
Most Saturday mornings you could find him at the diner, or stopping in to get coffee at the Byrne Dairy.
   James was predeceased by his parents James and Josephine Hares, and his Sister-in-law Carol Famoly.
   He is survived by his wife Nancy, a daughter Kimberly Hares, a son James Hares, granddaughter Marinn McKennan, a brother Leslie Hares (Jill), niece Josie Hares and nephew Jessie Hares.
    Graveside Services will be held privately for immediate family.
Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

6 Comments

Helen Josephine Regazzi

3/21/2021

5 Comments

Helen Josephine Regazzi
12/20/1929 - 3/21/2021

Helen Regazzi was born in Seneca Falls and was 91 years of age. She passed away Sunday morning, March 21st of this year in Folsom, California, where she had moved to be closer to family.
She and Edward, her husband of 49 years were long-time residents of Skaneateles and members of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Edward passed in 1999.
They enjoyed traveling the US, took trips to England to visit family and Alaska to see the sights. At home they enjoyed their Skaneateles neighborhood.
Helen had five brothers and sisters who have passed before her. Helen’s grandson, Joshua passed in 2005. Her daughter, Karen and son-in-law, Scott Lavery reside in California, as well as her granddaughter, Sara Emery, her husband, Brian, and their children, Helen’s three great-grandchildren. Sara remembers her as “the best Meem ever.”
Services and burial will be at a later date in New York. Memorial donations may be made in Helen’s name to Bristol Hospice of Sacramento, who’s tireless care and support cannot be quantified. Their address is 2140 Professional Dr., Ste. 210, Roseville, CA 95661.

5 Comments

Cynthia B. Bellows

3/21/2021

5 Comments

Cynthia B. Bellows, 79, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully at home March 21, 2021 after courageously fighting her losing battle with ALS. Born in Syracuse, she graduated from Moravia Central School and the Auburn Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Our mother held her RN and cared for numerous patients for over 50 years. Cindy was a member of the Skaneateles United Methodist Church and enjoyed antiquing and gardening.
Cindy was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Gary (“Joey”) in 2012, her son-in-law Jeff Campbell, her parents and 4 siblings.
She is survived by a son, Todd of Marcellus, daughters Tammy (Dennis) Hotaling of Central Square and Jennifer Campbell of Auburn, 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.
PRIVATE services WERE held at the convenience of the family, with the assistance of the wonderful staff at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home.
Those who wish the make a contribution in Cindy’s memory may do so to the attention of Hospice of CNY, Cayuga County SPCA or the Sennett Fire Department.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

5 Comments

Dolores B. May

3/16/2021

4 Comments

Dolores B. May, 93 of Skaneateles died Tuesday, March 16th. Born in Brooklyn to Edith and Harry Augustine. She was the oldest of three siblings. She graduated from Hunter College as a Biologist. She worked in a lab in Schenectady, until moving to Skaneateles with her husband and young sons and decided to go back to school to become a teacher.
Dolores earned her certification at SU and Cortland and taught elementary grade at the Jordan-Elbridge Central School District for 24 years before retiring in 1992. She had a passion for teaching and continued to volunteer many years at Literacy Volunteers.
Dolores also enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, the lake and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Skaneateles, the AAUW and of the Skaneateles Country Club.
Dolores is predeceased by her parents, siblings and her husband, John E. May.
Surviving are three sons, John, Kenneth, David (Jodi) May; and two grandchildren, Tyler and Christina, a sister-in-law Virginia Augustine, a niece Sharon (Rob) Sieloff and two great nieces Kimberly and Lauren.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 26th from 4 to 6pm with a service to follow, at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles, masks required and limited entrance in the building at one time. Burial will be private in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles.
Contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

4 Comments

Richard John Brothers

3/15/2021

12 Comments

Richard John Brothers, 87, of Skaneateles, NY, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2021 at his daughters home in Tully, NY.

Richard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn (Rousselle) Brothers, daughters Catherine (Ronald) Kunicki of Brooklyn, NY and Janet (Martin) Fallon of Tully, NY, grandchildren Sarah Fallon (Tomasz Kalinowski) of Manlius NY, Daniel (Jessica) Fallon of Fabius NY, and Theodora Kunicki of Providence RI, great-grandchildren John-Daniel Fallon, Sophie and Hannah Kalinowski, a brother, Arthur (Marlene) Brothers and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Warren, William and Earl Brothers.

Richard was born on May 9,1933 in New Breman NY to Frank and Dora (Cole) Brothers. His family moved to their dairy farm in Skaneateles in 1947 and Richard graduated from Elbridge Central School in 1951. Richard and Marilyn were married in1952 and raised their family in Elbridge. Richard worked as a lineman for Niagara Mohawk (National Grid) until his retirement in 1992. Richard and Marilyn split the following years between their home in Florida and their home on Skaneateles lake.

Richard was known for his creative mechanical ability, his love of fishing and his hatred of rocks (understandable for someone who grew up on their rocky Stump Road farm). He was a great husband, father and friend. He will be missed.

A private service and burial will take place at St Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dick’s name to Hospice Foundation of Central New York, 990 Seventh North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 or www.hospicecny.org/support-hospice or the charity of your choice.

12 Comments

William Dennis "Denny" Owen

2/23/2021

20 Comments

William Dennis “Denny” Owen, 94, of Skaneateles, NY, a prominent businessman, benefactor, and tireless advocate for Catholic Charities and his alma maters, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, with his three cherished daughters by his side.
Denny, the second of three children, was born in 1926 in Utica, NY to Margaret S. Byrne and William S. Owen. His parents, modest and hard-working immigrants from Ireland and Wales, instilled in their children a strong sense of family, hard work, self-confidence and humility, both by example, and through their many wise lessons and Irish sayings.
In the 1930s, following a family move to the Westvale suburb of Syracuse, young Denny learned about generosity when his grade school principal gave him a pair of sneakers that his family could not afford, which helped Denny get started on the basketball court. In 1941, he entered high school on a scholarship to Christian Brothers Academy (CBA), where he lettered in football and excelled in basketball. Among his most memorable basketball accomplishments were being named MVP of the Catholic High School State Championship Tournament in 1944, and being selected to the Syracuse All-City, 1st Team in 1944 and 1945 by both the Herald-American and Post-Standard newspapers. For years, he reminded friends and family with a smile "Two Years, All-City, Both Papers." In 2002, Denny was inducted into the CBA LaSallian Sports Hall of Fame.
In February 1945, Denny was called to serve in the U.S. Naval Air Corp., serving as a Seaman Second Class. Following his military service, Dennis attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and graduated in 1951 from its School of Foreign Service.
Shortly after graduating, Dennis returned to Syracuse and joined his father at the W.S. Owen Company, a manufacturer's sales representative firm. A natural in sales, Dennis often reminded his children and grandchildren to "always ask for the order".
In September 1954, he married the love of his life, Eleanor Teresa Sullivan of Binghamton, NY. They built their first home and established their family of eight children in Westvale, encircled by the homes of Dennis's parents, brother and sister. In 1967, Dennis and Eleanor purchased Roosevelt Hall, and moved their young family to Skaneateles. In 1974, they donated the historic home to the Christian Brothers, in recognition of the significant impact the school had on Dennis's education and personal development.
Dennis was a communicant of St. Mary's of the Lake Church for over half a century. He was also a member of the Skaneateles Country Club, and very well known in the local community for his generosity, friendliness, and as Master of Ceremonies at the annual Skaneateles Turkey Trot.
Grounded by his humble beginnings, Dennis devoted his adult life to actively supporting numerous charities, including working with an early mentor, Monsignor Charles Brady, at the Bishop Foery Foundation, addressing the needs of inner-city poverty. Dennis later helped to establish the Oxford Street Inn, a shelter for homeless men. For 40 years, he served on the Board of Catholic Charities, and received their President’s Medallion.
Dennis was a life-long advocate for Christian Brothers Academy, where he served as a trustee, avid fundraiser, chairman of the board, and trusted advisor. He personally endowed a perpetual gift to fund scholarships for underprivileged students; so far over 70 students have received the four-year scholarship. For his unending support and service, in 1983 Dennis was awarded a Diploma of Affiliation with the Christian Brothers international organization, an honor bestowed on only five laypersons in more than a century.
Dennis loved and supported his alma mater, Georgetown University, at the local and national levels of alumni leadership for more than 50 years, serving as president of the Georgetown Alumni Club of Syracuse, president of the Alumni Association, and a member of the Board of Directors, Board of Governors, and Board of Regents. In 1983, Georgetown awarded Dennis the John Carroll Award for his distinguished service.
He was inducted into the Order of Malta in 1989, a founding member of its Central NY Chapter, and helped establish the Malta House for elderly residents in Mattydale.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents; his sister Maureen and husband Don Louer; brother Joseph R. Owen, USMC Ret. and wife Dorothy Litz; and his beloved wife Eleanor Teresa Sullivan Owen, who died much too young in June 1982.

Dennis's crowning achievement was the family he and Eleanor raised, including his eight children: Brian (Krys) of Manchester, MA; Marty (Jan) of Toronto, Canada; Denny Jr. of Washington, DC; Joe (Alaine) of Clarence, NY; Molly (Paul) Adams of Cohasset, MA; Eileen (Michael) Nelson of Riverside, CT; Brendan (Delphine) of McLean, VA; and Teresa (Wade) Dyke of Coral Gables, FL; his 21 beloved grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who considered him a role model and mentor.

Due to COVID-19, Dennis was laid to rest on February 27, 2021 in a private mass and burial at St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church in Skaneateles. A Celebration of Dennis's Life will be planned for summer 2021.

Memories of Dennis are welcome at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Dennis's name to Catholic Charities of Onondaga, or The Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry, as follows:

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County - Fund Development
Gift to Neighborhood Centers and Youth Programs
1654 West Onondaga Street
Syracuse, NY 13204
315-362-7527
Donations can also be made online: ccoc.us/giving/give-now

Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry (located at 819 W. Genesee Street Rd.)
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 901
Skaneateles, NY - 13152
315-685-0427

20 Comments

Elizabeth Scott "Betsy" Boudreau

2/15/2021

13 Comments

Elizabeth Scott “Betsy” Boudreau, 72, died on February 15th, 2021, in Auburn, NY, after a brief illness.
Betsy was born on July 11, 1948, in Aurora, IL, the first child of Dr. Robert and Elizabeth (Davis) Boudreau, long-time residents of Skaneateles, NY. She spent her childhood in Philadelphia, PA, London, UK, Towson, MD, and DeWitt, NY. She graduated from Jamesville-Dewitt High School in 1966 and Marymount Manhattan College in 1971. She received a Master’s degree in Art History from Villa Schifonia in Florence, Italy. She worked in the art and antiques business in New York City, including employment with Hanns Weinberg at the Antique Porcelain Company of New York, Inc. and Philip Colleck at Philip Colleck Ltd. For many years, she assisted Hyde Park Antiques at the Winter Antique Show at the Park Avenue Armory. She specialized in 18th century French and English furniture and Continental porcelain. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge of art and antiques through programs and lectures at Parson’s School of Design, Syracuse University, and local events. After returning to central New York, she embraced the community of Auburn. She worked for many years in the Home Décor department at Lowes, served as a substitute teacher, volunteered at the Calvary Food Pantry, where she helped edit the Heroes for Hunger newspaper column, and served on the Board of Trustees of the Cayuga Museum of History and Art. She made many close friends in the Lincoln Street neighborhood, at Lowes, and at the food pantry. Her family, friends, and co-workers remember her as cheerful, enthusiastic, tireless, resourceful, knowledgeable, generous, warm-hearted—and somewhat cluttered in her organizational style.
Betsy is survived by four brothers and a sister, Robert, Edward, Thomas, Kathleen, and Michael, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Condolences and memories may be left at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to the Calvary Food Pantry in Auburn, NY, https://calvaryfoodpantry.com.

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Welcome

Kathleen "Tiny" Weinerth

John "Jack" Colgan McNeil II

Richard James Kraetz, Sr.

James J. Hares

Helen Josephine Regazzi

Cynthia B. Bellows

Dolores B. May

Richard John Brothers

William Dennis "Denny" Owen

Elizabeth Scott "Betsy" Boudreau

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