Obituaries & Guestbook

Vincent A. Benko

8/4/2020

Vincent A. Benko, 90, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 4, 2020. Vincent was born in Binghamton, N.Y. to Frances and Vincent Benko Sr. on November 23,
1929. He graduated from North High School in Binghamton in 1947 and entered the Engineering Program at IBM Endicott, where he worked as an engineer for 45 years. In 1950 he married Irene M. Gobany and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 22, 2020. They had resided in Binghamton N.Y. for 62 years until relocating to Skaneateles N.Y. in 2016, where he resided at the time of his death. Vincent was a communicant of St Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles N.Y. and St. Cyril’s in Binghamton, N.Y.
Vincent’s family and friends will remember him for his gentle nature and love of life and family. Vincent was predeceased by his parents Frances and Vincent Benko Sr and his brother Henry.
He is survived by his wife Irene and his children, David (Christine) Benko, Munroe Falls, OH, Diane (Peter) Lynch, Skaneateles, N.Y., and James (Janet) Benko, Gaithersburg, MD., grandchildren, Jessica (William) Murphy, John (Danielle) Lynch, Patrick (Jackie) Benko, Regan (Ryan) McKinley, Brian Benko, Mary Elizabeth (Dennis) Woo, Colin (Lizzie) Benko, Sarah (Dan) Oska and Margaret (James) Buckley and great -grandchildren, Emma and Will Murphy, Hannah, Callaghan, and Andie Lynch, Maeve, Cormac and Aileen McKinley, Owen, Connor and Aiden Benko, Benjamin and Josephine Oska and Connor Buckley.
Services will be private and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be to The Skaneateles Education Foundation.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

9 Comments

Robert Bruce Jordan

8/4/2020

12 Comments

Robert (Bruce) Jordan, 67, of Sennett, NY passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Born and raised in Mottville, NY, Bruce is predeceased by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Barbara (BJ) Jordan and sister, Dorothy (Dotty) Jordan. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a jet engine mechanic and held various labor jobs over his lifetime. He was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, bird-watch, and garden. He would read anything with writing, enjoyed the companionship of several dogs and cats over the years, and will forever be remembered for his sense of humor.
Surviving in addition to Mindy, his wife of nearly 39 years and absolute love of his life, are his daughters: Keri Tegenkamp (Kirt), Elizabeth Jordan, Alesha Jordan (Gabe), and Rachel Utupo (Joe); grandchildren – Kelsi, Jordan, Kayci, Ayva, Alex and Joel; and long-time best friend, Charlie Famoly. Military service will be at a later date at Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles.

12 Comments

Joseph P. DeLaney

7/31/2020

37 Comments

Joseph P. DeLaney, 63 of Skaneateles and Sennett died peacefully on July 31, with his loving family at his side, following complications from chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Joe was a graduate of Skaneateles High School and Utica College. In both high school and college, Joe excelled in sports and was recognized for his athletic abilities
Joe dedicated his life to a career in the construction industry, including 18 years at Suit-Kote Corporation. He was one of a kind and always gave the perfect advice, which was usually accompanied by a witty joke. Joe was kind-hearted and would always put others before himself. He lived life to the fullest and always believed the glass was half full, and best if it was filled with milk and a couple of cookies on the side. His true passion was to mentor others and help them realize their full potential. He coached youth baseball, basketball, and ran the Bill DeLaney Basketball League for many years. He enjoyed his yearly trek to Notre Dame to enjoy a football game and the traditions around campus. Joe enjoyed visiting Sanibel Island in the winter and had a knack for finding perfect, rare seashells to add to his collection. Joe found his true “happy place” at his camp on Skaneateles Lake, where he appreciated all that nature had to offer and enjoyed soaking in the early mornings as the sun rose over the eastern hills. When he wasn’t at the lake, he could be found driving his pickup throughout the area with his beloved golden retriever, Duncan. For all of those avid obituary readers like Joe, he would like to extend his apologies for bringing down the average age today.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Jane (McGrath) DeLaney, his infant sister, Margaret Mary, and his brother-in-law, Tom Magee.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Janet (Laxton), whom he met on a blind date; three children, Bill (Rui), Ryan (Cory), and Kathleen; and one granddaughter, Grace. He also leaves behind two brothers, Bill (Debbie) and Father Michael M. DeLaney, CSC; two sisters, Pat (Tom) Benedict and Kate Magee; one uncle, Father Thomas J. McGrath; one aunt, Barbara DeLaney; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The DeLaney family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Crouse Hospital for their exceptional and compassionate care.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 6th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Masks are required and limited entry in the building at one time. Church services will be private with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department, 77 West Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152 or the Crouse Health Foundation, 736 Irving Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

37 Comments

Robert G. "Bob" Seeber

7/23/2020

18 Comments

Robert G. “Bob” Seeber, 77, of Syracuse, died at home from natural causes on July 23rd. Born, raised, and a lifetime resident of Central New York, Bob lived a full life till the end. He was a graduate of Onondaga Valley Academy, an offset printer by trade, an accomplished cook, and a talented blacksmith. He was an avid SU football and basketball fan. He loved dancing and music and went to all types of concerts from bluegrass to symphony. He enjoyed camping, fishing, canoeing and spending time in the great outdoors with his kids, grandkids, and friends. He had a great sense of humor and loved to kid around with people. Above all, he loved his family which included 7 children, 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, in-laws, and countless friends.
Bob was a volunteer at the Camillus Erie Canal Park where he was credited with his ability to fix anything and everything. Any contributions you’d care to make in Bob’s name may be sent to: The Camillus Canal Society, 5750 DeVoe Road, Camillus, New York 13031. There will be no services.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

18 Comments

John J. Thomas

7/22/2020

1 Comment

John J. Thomas, 80 of Jordan, passed away at home on Wednesday surround by his loving family. There will be no services.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

1 Comment

Lynne I. Ruhle

7/18/2020

9 Comments

Lynne I. Ruhle, 73, of Skaneateles passed away at home on Saturday, July 18th surrounded by her loving family.
Lynne's wonderful soul entered the world on 12/15/46 in the Bronx. An incredible personality, she embodied generosity, kindness, with a splash of fierce feminism and sassiness to bring it all together. She was driven and intelligent, graduating from the High School of Fashion Industries, NYC at 16! Her rich career spanned 50+ years in downtown Syracuse, touching the lives (and fixing the hair!) of so many. Lynne was an avid gardener with an evident green thumb, bringing life and growth to every living thing she touched. This didn't stop with her plants, with many stray animals finding homes and rehabilitation at her door. She craved knowledge through life, with a book collection library might envy. She loved to generously support the environment and its animals, donating frequently to wildlife funds and animal rescues. Lynne will be missed deeply by her partner and friend in life, Bob Kyle, her son Jay Fasen, sister Joanne (George) Smith, nieces Wendy Laws, and Tracy Smith, as well as her 7 grandchildren and Bob's daughter Melissa Ovitt. There will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CNY Cat Coalition. Lynne would encourage all to VOTE and respect the environment.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

9 Comments

Elizabeth B. Whaley

7/16/2020

4 Comments

Elizabeth B. Whaley, 95, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully at home on Thursday July 16, 2020. Born in Los Angeles, CA, she worked for the Union Springs School District as the District Treasurer. She was a member of Half Acre Union Church and Skaneateles United Methodist Church. She loved spending time volunteering and volunteered for Literacy, Hospice of the Finger Lakes, board of elections and held a seat on the Board of Director at The Home.
Elizabeth is survived by her son Richard Whaley of Skaneateles, daughter Jean Stites of Napa, CA, grandchildren Sari DelFavero, Henry and Sarah Stites and great grandchildren Sameh and Charle DelFavero along with a special nephew Ray Lessaongang.
Graveside services for Elizabeth will be 10 a.m.Wednesday July 22, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Jordan.Masks required.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of CNY and the Finger Lakes.
Condolences may be left at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

4 Comments

Mary Elizabeth (Quinn) Bright

7/13/2020

13 Comments

Mary Elizabeth (Quinn) Bright passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13 2020 at her home in Skaneateles surrounded by her family and caregivers. She was 89.

Mary is predeceased by her loving husband A. Patrick Bright; her brother Rev. James F. Quinn; sister Patricia Fitzgerald and her parents, Frank J. & Mary Quinn. Mary is survived by her five children: A. Patrick (Barbara); Terri (Joe Fahey); Jim (Cindy); Suzanne Barry (Joe); Julie Rabert (Frank). Mary was blessed with many grandchildren: Patrick, Tim, Joe, Erin, Carley, James, Katie, Abby, Frankie, Meghan, and Kate and niece Karen Marrero (Frank & Frankie).

Mary was born in Syracuse NY, January 27th, 1931 to Frank J. and Mary Quinn. She was a graduate of Most Holy Rosary High School and earned a degree in Journalism from the College of New Rochelle. Mary worked non-stop as a loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother and a very supportive wife for her husband in his retail furniture store, Dunk & Bright Furniture. She was an avid reader of books, the NY Times and was a voracious consumer of the news. She was a witty and gracious conversationalist. She loved the lake where she called home and which was her favorite place, though she travelled extensively with her husband throughout the world. Mary aged gracefully and was a wonderful example to all of us.

A private mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Skaneateles on Wednesday, July 15th followed by a private burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County. Donations can be made online at www.onliteracy.org or mailed to 101 Wyoming Street, Syracuse, New York 13203.

The Bright family would like to give special recognition and thanks to her caregivers for the last several years: Nicole & Pam, Amy, Laurie, Lisa, Mary Frances, Pat, Sandy, Stacey P, Stacey E, Tiffany, Tracy, Trudy, and several others, including her physician, Dr. Barry.

13 Comments

Captain Eric Jason Amberge

7/13/2020

30 Comments

Captain Eric Jason Amberge, 59, passed on unexpectedly on July 13, 2020, with his family by his side. Eric shared his strong testimony, personal respect and admiration with his wife, children, siblings and grandchildren, within loving goodbyes, with the assurance that his healing would occur as he stepped into the presence of his Lord.

Eric was described by all who knew him as a man who loved Jesus Christ. He was a very prayerful man, who studied scripture. He was a man proud of his convictions, caring, honoring tradition and respecting others. He was endlessly sacrificial.

Eric is survived by his wife, Tammy, son, Ryan, and daughter, Brittany (Brian) Grossman of Florida. Mother, Carol Holland, brothers, John (Suzanne), Benjamin and Kyle, with sister, Jenna, share memories and love along with four beloved grandchildren, stepchildren Meredith, Mitchell, and Carter, and his nieces and nephews. Eric was predeceased by his father, H. Jason “Skip” Amberge and stepfather Daniel M. Holland.

Eric’s electrical engineering career began at SUNY Fredonia and led to entry in the Air Force and graduation from Ohio University. He obtained his MBA at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Eric was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Eric served ten years in the Air Force. As Captain, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Service 1986-1991. He was stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY, as a Lead Systems Engineer, Air Defense Initiatives and Program Manager, Advanced Planning System, Rome Laboratory, Air Force System Command. His career continued with Kodak, Oracle, APG Technologies and Aquila Technologies.

He served as Commander of the Skaneateles American Legion Post # 239 for five years. Eric’s passion was honoring vets, in particular through managing and coordinating missions with Honor Flight Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Eric to the Grace Chapel Church in Skaneateles, the American Legion Post # 239 or the Honor Flight program in Syracuse, NY.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace Chapel, Route 20 Skaneateles. Due to Covid-19, attendance will be limited please visit http://tiny.cc/amberge to register to attend the service.

Online condolence at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

30 Comments

Thomas J.F. Ordon

7/10/2020

7 Comments

Thomas J.F. Ordon, 83 of Skaneateles, passed at Auburn Community Hospital on July 10th, after a brief illness.
Thomas was a devoted husband to Helen B. Ordon who passed away in 2016. He leaves behind a loving family. Surviving are his children Christina M. Ordon of Auburn NY and Gregory T. Ordon of Cicero NY, brother David Ordon of Esperance, NY He also has grandchildren who he absolutely adored and cherished, April Ordon, Daniel & Wesley Templeton.
Thomas was a gifted Professional Engineer, working for National Grid for over 30 years, and also shared his knowledge as an adjunct professor at Bryant & Stratton, and OCC. He Graduated from High School in 1954 as Valedictorian of St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam, NY, and graduated in 1958 from Union College with a BA in Science. He was very involved in his hobby of Amateur Radio (W20LH) and would go to many ham fests and meets. Always willing to share his knowledge and talk to anybody about anything.
Tom was devoted catholic and was a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles, NY.
Above everything else he was very devoted to family and cherished times he would get to spend with them.
Calling hour will be held on Friday, July 17th from 8:30 to 9:30am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. There will be a limited amount of people in the building at 1 time and masks must be worn at all times. A mass of Christian burial will be at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Limited seating and masks at church as well. Thomas will be buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Vincent A. Benko

Robert Bruce Jordan

Joseph P. DeLaney

Robert G. "Bob" Seeber

John J. Thomas

Lynne I. Ruhle

Elizabeth B. Whaley

Mary Elizabeth (Quinn) Bright

Captain Eric Jason Amberge

Thomas J.F. Ordon

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