Obituaries & Guestbook

Douglas Pinckney

11/28/2020

    Douglas Pinckney, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 28th at his home in Skaneateles, N.Y. He was born in Auburn, N.Y. on October 16, 1938 to the late Wesley and Dorothy Pinckney.
     Doug grew up in Auburn and was an excellent athlete, lettering in four sports at Union Springs High School and “Mercury-footed Doug Pinckney” was inducted into the Union Springs Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. He served in the National Guard then started a career in radio with WMBO – becoming the voice of the Auburn Yankees.
     Upon moving to Skaneateles in 1963, Doug started a successful sales company gaining lifelong friendships along the way.
    Doug was passionate about golf and his accomplishments on the course include winning numerous championships, playing in 49 Father-Son tournaments in a row, and scoring three holes-in-one. He also loved trap shooting and won a NYS Open Championship in the sport.
     Doug’s laughter was infectious, filling a room and letting everyone know the party was on. He cherished his family and friends. He was a remarkable father, brother and devoted grandfather—and the Best Man at all three of his sons’ weddings.
     He was a member of Skaneateles Country Club for over 50 years, and also belonged to The American Legion and numerous Rod and Gun clubs throughout the region.
Doug is survived by his three children: Doug Jr (Georgina) and Chris (Cathy) of Skaneateles, and Mike (Jessica) of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren: Doug III, Madison, Noelle, Charlie, Will, Kaeden, and Ryland; and his sisters Jeanne Pinckney of Auburn and Linda Ireland of Tucson, AZ; and former wife Kathie Dyson (John) of Skaneateles. In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brother Robert.
     The family wishes to thank Jason Slottje for his great friendship and support, and Pam Sisson, Carrie, Pat. Shawnee and Brittany for their outstanding care.
     A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In support of his grandchildren, contributions can be made to the Make a Wish Foundation Central New York and the Global Lyme Alliance.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

31 Comments

Isabelle "Sue" O'Hara

11/16/2020

9 Comments

   Isabelle “Sue” O’Hara of Sun City, AZ passed peacefully on November 16, 2020 at the age of 97, surrounded by her four sons. Sue is predeceased by her husband John “Jack” O’Hara, to whom she was married for 63 years. The couple moved to Sun City, AZ in 1994 from Elbridge, NY, where they lived for 31 years in the house Jack built on Sunview Drive.
   Sue was born in Waverly, NY to the late Domenic and Mary Constantine Alamo and was the youngest of ten siblings. She was predeceased by brothers Frank, John, Domenic Jr. and Anthony, and her sisters, Anne Garfield, Pauline Bean, Lena Alamo, Mary Keenan and Elizabeth “Tina” Alamo. She graduated from Waverly High School and worked several jobs until having her children.
   Sue is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: John and Kathy of Farmingdale, NJ, Michael and Betsy of Peoria, AZ, Joseph and Kelly of Skaneateles, NY, and Thomas and Lara of Glendale, AZ; and loving nephew Kevin Keenan of Houston, TX. She had many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and neighbors who were very special to her. She was a proud grandmother to her 7 grandchildren Ryan (Meghan), Katie, Erin (Alan Carroll), Jennifer (Jack Bullard), Mikey (Nikki), Lindsey (Stephen Babbles) and Amelia (Corey Knighton). She also had several great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Jack, Oliver, Owen, Brady, Molly, Isla, William, and Rory.
   Susie loved being surrounded by her family and friends and treated everyone special. She was adored by so many for her kindness, generosity, compassion, and strength. Everyone gravitated to Susie and Jack’s homes in both NY and AZ, where they were welcomed with open arms and of course, a pot of meatballs.
   Sue and Jack were devout Catholics and longtime parishioners of St. James Church in Waverly, NY, St. Patrick's Church in Jordan, NY, and St. Elizabeth Seton in Sun City, AZ.
   Services and final burial will take place a future date in St. Mary's of the Lake Cemetery in Skaneateles, NY.
   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Elbridge Library, 241 E. Main Street, Elbridge, NY 13060; and in honor of her husband, Jack, to Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, 340 E. Palm Lane, Suite 230, Phoenix, AZ 85006.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

9 Comments

George Franklin Ahrens Jr.

11/15/2020

4 Comments

George Franklin Ahrens Jr. passed into rest on November 15 after several months of declining health at the age of 85. George was born in Buffalo, NY and married the love of his life, Janice Marie, in 1955. At times he worked 3 jobs to support his young family. George loved his country and was a proud member of the Air Force National Guard earning the rank of SSGT during his service. He was honorably discharged in 1960. His work ethic and a desire for a better life led him to Syracuse to manage a Graphics Arts Supply office in 1974. The couple spent many wonderful years living on the lake in Skaneateles and later years in Marcellus.
George was a beloved father, grandfather and friend known for his keen sense of humor, love of golf, and a good game of pitch and ever present red socks. He enjoyed sharing the lake life with family and friends as well as his adored family dogs (all of which had the middle name Marie after Janice - regardless of gender). George loved travel experiences with his family, especially his grandson Alex.
George is predeceased by his wife Janice Marie Hugan Ahrens 9/2020. Survived by daughters, Deborah Halloran (Mark); Pamela Gross; and grandson Alexander Gross (Colleen Dorgan). Sister Linda Pietrzak, sister in law Marilyn Norman and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be private. George will be laid to rest along with his wife at a later date in Acacia Park Cemetery in North Tonawanda. Contributions can be made to the Shriners Burn Hospital as he was a life member of Ismailia Shriners in Buffalo, NY, or the ASPCA.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

4 Comments

William "Bill" Francis Lynn

11/11/2020

29 Comments

William “Bill” Francis Lynn, 86, passed on from this earth on November 11, 2020. He lived a long and wonderful life. He and his wife, Anne (Dooher), shared a lifetime of memories, and most recently, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 26, 2019, with family and close friends. He and Anne raised six children, who in turn gave them 21 grandchildren. His family adored him, and he them. He was a good listener and confidant, sparing with advice, but when he gave it, shared gems of wisdom. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and keen intellect. He was larger than life to all who knew and loved him.
            Bill was the proud son of Irish immigrants, Catherine and William Lynn. He grew up in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood in Syracuse, where he graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1952. A competitive athlete, he was a Parochial League All-Star for his prowess on the basketball court. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts (1957), and law degree from Syracuse University School of Law (1960). More than these academic achievements, Bill was a lifelong learner, who inspired his children and grandchildren to keep learning, reading, and expanding the mind. He even inspired later in life avocations, as he and his wife became successful racehorse owners and breeders. He loved the horses, and always acknowledged the efforts of the hands-on crew who cared for them in New York, Kentucky and Florida.
            Bill practiced law in Syracuse for over 60 years, starting under the tutelage of the late Paul R. Shanahan, who at the time was one of the finest criminal defense attorneys in New York State. When Paul died in 1988, Bill was joined in his law practice by his daughter, Patricia A. Lynn-Ford. By that point, he had been recognized by his peers as one of the best civil and criminal trial attorneys in the country, with his induction in 1981, into the American College of Trial Lawyers, a national organization of trial lawyers representing the highest standards of excellence and ethics. Bill grew the firm to what it is today, a small partnership, including his son, Martin, of highly accomplished trial attorneys, Lynn Law Firm, LLP. He will be remembered not just for his achievements, and reputation, but also as a lawyer’s lawyer—one from whom lawyers sought advice and counsel.
      To his grandchildren, Bill was known as “Big Guy”, and that he was in so many ways. His steadfast life and commitment to core values of faith, family and work, have been the guidepost for his family.
      A Celebration of Bill’s Life and Funeral Mass will be celebrated at private services at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles. The Mass will be livestreamed Saturday, November 14th at 10 am ET at www.ustream.tv/channel/visual-technologies.
      Bill is survived by his wife, Anne, daughters Patricia Lynn-Ford (Steven Ford), and Theresa Lynn (Alan Sahatjian), and sons, William, Thomas (Leslie), Timothy (Cynthia) and Martin (Tara), and grandchildren Daniel Ford (Olivia), Eileen Ford, Emma Ford, Abigail Lynn, Katherine Lynn, Aubreah Lynn, Fallon Lynn, Andrew Sahatjian William Sahatjian, Steven Sahatjian, Joseph Lynn, Sarah Lynn, John Lynn, Mary Grace Lynn, Casey Lynn, Anne Lynn, Luke Lynn, Dawson Lynn, William Lynn, Jane Lynn, George Lynn. He is also survived by his sister, Dr. Mary Lynn Collins, and many nieces and nephews, friends and relations. He was predeceased by his brother, John “Jack” P. Lynn.
      Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Catherine and William Lynn Memorial Scholarship Fund at Le Moyne College, Le Moyne College Office of Advancement, PO Box 527, 1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse, NY 13214, www.lemoyne.edu/give (identify gift as for Lynn Family Scholarship) or the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department, 77 West Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152, www.supportsvfd.com.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

29 Comments

Keith Davis

11/4/2020

29 Comments

Keith Davis, 36, passed away on November 4th. A graduate of Skaneateles High School and Auburn Community College, Keith was a resident of Skaneateles.
In high school, Keith played football and loved watching Syracuse Basketball with his family. Keith loved movies, music and being with his family and his two cats, Millie and Stuffer.
    Keith loved his family and his pets very, very much. Keith was handsome and good — he had a kind, loving soul and a big heart. Keith was sincere, gentle and generous — he'd give you the shirt off his back, he'd offer it to you even if you didn't ask for it. Keith was selfless. There was no one like Keith.
     Keith loved Jesus, and knew that Jesus was his Lord and Savior.
Keith is survived by his heartbroken and loving family: his father, John Davis of Cazenovia, NY; his mother, Susan Turner Pietromonica of Skaneateles, NY; his brother, Tom Davis of Camillus, NY; and his sisters, Kim Davis Persse of Brooklyn, NY, and Ashley Davis of Telluride, CO.
    Keith's family loved him so very, very much, and will miss him more than words can express. We love you so, so much, Keith.
    A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 9th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. Due to Covid, there will be limited entry in the church and masks are required at all times. Private burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Keith's name to Wayward Paws. Wayward Paws, Inc. 9048 Delphi Falls Rd. New Woodstock, NY 13122.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

29 Comments

Mary E. Evans

10/30/2020

3 Comments

With profound sadness we share the passing of Mary Elizabeth Evans, our loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother on October 30, 2020. She was in her 96th year. Mary was born April 14, 1924 to Adelbert and Helena Hurd in Auburn, New York. She resided in Skaneateles New York with her dog, Lucky, who she affectionately referred to as her “baby”. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Robert W. Evans in 1985.
Mary always enjoyed weekly shopping trips on Saturdays with her daughter, granddaughters, and later in life with her great grandchildren. Saturday shopping always ended with lunch, many times at her favorite restaurant, Burger King. Mary always loved coloring, doing puzzles and watching Tom and Jerry with the children. She also was an avid card player, and loved playing pitch at family gatherings. She was known to make great pickles, jelly and chili sauce.
Mary was the loving matriarch of the family, who blessed us with her quiet, gentle guidance. Mary is survived by her daughter, Sharon Murdick (Theodore) of Skaneateles. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Michelle Alcock (John) of Elbridge, and Mary Beth Leeson (Chad) of Auburn, as well as her great grandchildren Robert Alcock, Laura Alcock, Erica Leeson, and Derek Leeson.
Mary blessed us with so many fond memories over her 96 years that we will carry with us forever. We will forever cherish singing Red River Valley, and You are My Sunshine with her, and those waning moments where we were able to provide her comfort rubbing her back and holding her hand.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Robert D. Gray Funeral Home in Skaneateles is handling the arrangements. At Mary’s wishes, the burial service will be private. For those who wish, memorial donations in memory of Mary may be made to St. Andrews United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 23, Mottville, New York 13119.

3 Comments

Edgar Alan Smith

10/30/2020

23 Comments

Edgar Alan Smith, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2020 in Syracuse, New York. He was with his family until his final moments. Edgar is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Munro Smith, and his children Steven & Laurie, Peter & Mary, David & Carrie, and Kimberly & Forrest as well as eight amazing grandchildren Sarah, Bridget, Alison, Molly, Greta, Isla, Munro, and Ellie. Edgar was born in Syracuse on June 26, 1934 to Leonore and Nellis Smith. He grew up in the Valley with his two older brothers Robert and Fred.
Edgar and Linda proudly called Skaneateles their home for 21 years before retiring to Sunset Beach, North Carolina in 1998. There he made many new friends, worked tirelessly for the Brunswick County Family Assistance Food Pantry, and played as much golf as he could. After a number of great years in the South, they returned to Syracuse to be closer to family in the Fall of 2019.
After graduation from Syracuse University with a degree in Metallurgy, Edgar worked for many years at Allied Chemical before launching his own business, The Edgar A. Smith Company. He was ahead of his time in many ways, none more evident than his work with Neighbors Inc. in Syracuse in the 1970s. He formed the organization with the goal of providing safe and affordable homes to the disadvantaged of Syracuse. Edgar was highly involved with the Rotary Club of Skaneateles, Zoning Board of Appeals, he was the President of the Skaneateles Country Club, and later Chaired the building committee to oversee the reconstruction of the club in 1991.
Edgar was successful at so many things in his life and that was largely because of his uncanny ability of connecting with everyone he met. He was curious about what made people tick, and whether you were the waitress at his favorite diner or the president of one of the companies he worked with, he loved nothing more than to hear your stories.
Edgar’s favorite place in the world was the family cottage on Skaneateles Lake. There he took meticulous care of the cottage, sailed, swam, napped, and loved life. Any time you asked him how he was, he would reply, “If I were any better, I’d be nervous.” Edgar was vibrant and full of life; golfing, crossing items off his to-do list, and enjoying every moment until his final days.
More than anything, Edgar was proud of his children and their respective spouses. Each doing their own thing, finding meaningful work, and raising spirited children. Edgar didn’t let too many conversations go by where he didn’t find an opening to talk about one of his kids, their significant others, or his grandkids. He was loved by so many and will be missed by his family and friends.
Anyone wishing to honor Edgar’s life may and are encouraged to make a contribution to the Food Bank of Central New York. The family is planning a celebration of life next Summer in Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

23 Comments

David Benjamin Aureden

10/17/2020

44 Comments

David Benjamin Aureden died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 17, 2020, after an almost 2 year battle with brain cancer. David was born in Washington DC and spent the majority of his childhood in Philadelphia, graduating from Lower Merion High School in 1985 and the University of Pennsylvania in 1989. David excelled as a crew athlete in high school and college, and was a proud member of the 1989 University of Pennsylvania Championship Crew.

David lived around the world, working as an advertising executive in Germany, Portugal, Russia and the United Kingdom. David met his wife Deirdre on a blind date in Moscow in 1998. They returned to the US in 2000 to raise their family.

David moved with his wife and two daughters to Skaneateles, New York, in 2009, where he worked for Chase Design for 10 years. A fan of winter and cold water, David served on the board of the Polar Bear Plunge in Skaneateles. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, serving on the Mission Committee and the Communications & Technology Committee.

A beloved son, father, brother, husband and friend, David lived life fully, with compassion, gratitude and optimism. Even after his cancer diagnosis, he worked hard to make the most of every day, living by his crew’s motto of “one stroke at a time.” He embraced new adventures and experiences, and generously shared his love of photography, cooking and food, running, traveling and reading. Inspired to become an amateur photographer by his time abroad, David bought his first cameras at outdoor markets in Moscow. He used film to capture wonderful images of his family, friends and nature.

David is survived by his wife Deirdre Aureden; his two daughters Alexandra and Sophia; his mother Diane Aureden; his three sisters Elizabeth Aureden, Julia Schad and Anne Betz; and his two brothers Kevin and Tim Aureden.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of David to the SAVES Ambulance Service in Skaneateles, NY, the David Aureden Memorial Fund for Mission at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, NY, or Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.

A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 24 at 10:30am EST at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles. Due to COVID this service will be streamed on Facebook live at https://www.facebook.com/skanpresby

44 Comments

James Regan

10/16/2020

3 Comments

James Regan, 1934 – 2020.
James spent most of his life living with his parents, James A. Regan and Mary Dwyer Regan in Scranton. After his parents died, he moved to his sister’s (Jean Regan Paparella) home in New Jersey and Florida.
His later years were spent as his younger sister’s (Kay Regan Delaney) home in Skaneateles, NY. He moved to Loretto Nursing Facility when ill and passed away there on October 16, 2020.
James loved gardening and watching old classic movies. He was predeceased by his parents, and sister Jean Regan Paparella. He is survived by his sister, Kay Regan Delaney, brother-in-law John Delaney and Rudy Paparella, several nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was loved by all.
Services are private.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

3 Comments

James F. Marquardt

10/16/2020

13 Comments

James F. Marquardt of Skaneateles, New York passed away with his family at his side on October 16, 2020 at the age of 92. Jim was born in Syracuse on March 9, 1928 to Frederick L. Marquardt and Helen Metzger Marquardt. The middle of three children, Jim grew up happily on Whitwell Drive, spending countless hours playing baseball in Schiller Park and tennis at the Sedgwick Tennis Club. Jim attended Salem Hyde School, Central High and the College of Engineering at Syracuse University. In the 1950’s Jim served in the U.S. Army, stationed primarily at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Jim spent his entire 44-year career at General Electric as a design electrical engineer, working on projects ranging from the radar systems implemented to enable the Berlin Airlift, to sonar systems designed for our nation’s submarine fleet.
Jim had a deep love for the Skaneateles community where he raised his family, as well as the Grand Harbor community in Vero Beach, Florida where he spent his truly golden years. The game of golf was the pleasure of Jim’s life, his fondest memories were those spent on the links with his family and friends. And, it was through the game of golf that he met the love of his life, Nancy Fulmer Marquardt, at Drumlins Country Club in 1962. Jim was a man of great Christian faith and was happiest when surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren of whom he was so proud, and his beautiful bride whom he cherished so dearly.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy Marquardt; his daughter Melissa Marquardt of Boston; his son Bill (Bridget) Marquardt of Skaneateles; along with his beloved grandchildren, Lilly, Jack and Grace Marquardt; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Marquardt of Syracuse, New York and his sister Marian Birge of Barneveld, New York.
A private funeral Mass will be held St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles followed by a private burial in Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Skaneateles Community Center Endowment Fund c/o CNY Community Foundation, 431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, New York 13202 or to The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, in memory of James Marquardt, made payable to MIT, citing Fund #2982900 and mailed to Memorial Gifts Office,
600 Memorial Drive, W98-500, Cambridge, MA 02139.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Douglas Pinckney

Isabelle "Sue" O'Hara

George Franklin Ahrens Jr.

William "Bill" Francis Lynn

Keith Davis

Mary E. Evans

Edgar Alan Smith

David Benjamin Aureden

James Regan

James F. Marquardt

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