Obituaries & Guestbook

Gene Phillip Dries

9/19/2022

    Gene Phillip Dries passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2022. He was born on January 1st, 1949 to Theodore and Flora (Cheney) Dries of Owasco, NY. Gene graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1968. He then joined the United States Navy 1970 and was enlisted until 1974. During his time in the Navy, he traveled around the world.
    Gene was an avid golfer and in his younger years he loved to hunt, fish and snowmobile at the family camp in Old Forge. He worked at Auburn Armature and then at Syracuse Armature until he retired in 2008. He was still actively working after his retirement.
    Gene is survived by his children, Melissa Clarke and Dana Dries both of Skaneateles, grandchildren Caden and Dakota Clarke of Skaneateles, his former spouse Bonnie Dries of Skaneateles, brother Richard (Carol) Dries of Florida, Aunt Nancy (Patrick) Cheney-Netti of Auburn, several cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and his partner in crime Tracy Dean.
    His smile and boisterous laugh will never be forgotten and will be truly missed. He was an animal lover and made time every week to visit his grand-dogs Charlie and Randall and enjoyed the company of his friend’s dog Cassius.
    Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 26th from 10am - 12pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A military service will be held immediately following at the Owasco Rural Cemetery.
    In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Gene's name.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

7 Comments

Peter John Cross

9/8/2022

15 Comments

    Peter was born in Sheffield, England on May 17, 1938 and passed away unexpectedly on September 8th, 2022. A life well lived in both Skaneateles, NY and Windermere, FL.
    Peter graduated from Manchester University in 1960 with a bachelor degree in science with honors in Chemistry.
    After many years as President at P&S Textiles, he started his own company, Crosible Filtration in Moravia, NY in 1978. A small business that turned into a global success. He was loved by his employees, customers and suppliers.
    Peter enjoyed traveling all over the world, for both business and pleasure with his wife Joanne. From England to South Africa and everywhere in between. Although he couldn’t swim, he loved the cruise ship adventures as well. He was an avid golfer playing at his favorite courses in Scotland, Isleworth, and Skaneateles Country Club.
    He was the most loving and caring man with a heart of gold and willingness to help those in need. He loved his family and all his friends near and far. His absence will be missed greatly.
    Peter will be reunited with his son, Christopher, his Mum and Dad, sister Pat, brother Tony and many of his friends. I’m positive he will be playing a lot of golf, pitch and drinking a few gimlets.
    He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Joanne (Puccio), daughters: Joanne (Greg) Skaneateles; Carolyn Swart (Nico) Atlanta, GA; Jennifer McColgin Winter Garden, FL, stepson Todd McColgin; grandchildren; Christopher and Ryan Swart (Atlanta, GA) Sister, Frances Cross and several nieces and nephews.
    A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, September 27th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. A memorial reception will be held at Isleworth at a later date.
In lieu of flower's donations can be made to SAVES.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

15 Comments

Deborah Koller Donigan

8/31/2022

30 Comments

    Deborah Koller Donigan passed away at her home on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 2, 1956, Deborah graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius high school in 1974, where she met her husband, Steven.
    Deborah was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She served the local community as a pharmacist in Skaneateles throughout her career, and selflessly dedicated her free time to the Mission of Miracles medical mission trip in El Salvador.
    Deborah is survived by her husband, Steven; children, Mallory Lesch (Mike), Jeff (Morgan), and Kelly (Molly); and grandchildren, Aurora and Ava.
    The love she showed her family will carry on with the addition of two grandchildren on the way. Her smile and laugh will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
    Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Debbie’s name to Mission of Miracles (http://www.missionofmiracles.org).
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

30 Comments

Rena E. Pasternak

8/25/2022

4 Comments

  Rena E Pasternak, 94, of Skaneateles died Thursday, August 25th. She was born in Syracuse and was a lifelong resident of Skaneateles.
    She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Skaneateles and the Order of Eastern Star at Marcellus and a lifetime member of the Native Old Timers of Skaneateles.
    Her priority was her family and spending time with them and considered herself blessed. She enjoyed watching the financial channel, Hallmark, the Yankee's games and SU basketball.
    She was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Ruth Edwards, her brothers Herbert and John Edwards and her beloved husband James Pasternak.
    Surviving are her children: James E. (Cindy) Pasternak and Gail A. (James) Van Wagner, 7 grandchildren: Cary (Rodney) Shaffer, Julie Allen, Michael (Isabelle) Wellauer, Stacey (John) Morris, Jeff (Melissa Kornblau) Pasternak, Jeremy (Sheila) Wellauer, Sara (Doug) Weed and 16 great-grandchildren and 2 sister’s Nancy (Allen) Smith and Nora (Jim) Brown.
    Services will be private. Burial in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles. Contributions may be made to SAVES.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

4 Comments

Arthur E. Brothers

8/23/2022

5 Comments

Known for saying, “Aren’t we lucky”, Art Brothers had a wonderful life filled with family and friends.
    He passed leaving his wife Marlene (whom he had known for 70 years), his daughter Melanie, son-in-law Michael, and one granddaughter Mia of whom he was very proud. He was a brother-in-law and left behind many nieces and nephews. Art was the son of Frank and Dora Brothers, predeceased by his 4 brothers Warren, William, Richard, and Earl.
    He volunteered for the draft and spent most of his time in Munich Germany where he enjoyed going to the Hofbrau Haus. He worked for Niagara Mohawk for the majority of his life and became the Supervisor of Payroll. He was President of the local Jaycees, a volunteer ambulance driver for SAVES, a member of the American Legion and the Skaneateles Country Club.
    He was 86.
    There will be no calling hours. Private services will be held for the family.
    The family would appreciate any donations in Art’s name to go to Laker Limo PO Box 644 Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

5 Comments

Marshall Skiff Brennan

8/17/2022

39 Comments

Born August 10th, 1986 - Died August 17th, 2022

Marshall Skiff Brennan, the beloved son of Edward and Deborah Brennan of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully on Aug 17th at his home in Boston, MA.

A 2006 graduate of Tilton School, he received his BA in Communications from Hobart William Smith College in 2010.

Marshall worked at MCL Respite Center in Hopkinton, MA for the last 12 years as a respected, admired and loved staff member. From helping with the Boston Marathon, supervising outings for his groups, and adventuring on Zoom trips to far away places, he provided love and care to so many.

He loved his family, making music, The Bills, the lake, our dog Fuji, and most of all spending time with his nieces Reese and Savannah.

Marshall was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Lois and Ed Brennan of Chicago, maternal grandparents Joan and Marshall Skiff of Skaneateles, Aunt Robin (Skiff) Pittard, Aunt Linda (Brennan) Thode, cousins Amy and Michael Lisnow.

He is also survived by his brothers, Eddie (Marianne) Brennan of Skaneateles, Steve Brennan of Hawaii, nieces Reese and Savannah Brennan, Aunts Lynn (Dave) Soderberg, Patty (Scott) Curtis, Sandra (Doug) Adams, Uncle David (Suzanne) Pittard, Aunt Sharon Lisnow, Aunt Cindy (John) Walls of Florida, Uncle Don (Kim) Brennan of Wisconsin, Uncle John (Jean) Brennan of Florida, and 26 amazing cousins.

Although Marshall was so loving and joyful around family and friends, he struggled like so many with mental health issues. Deeply kind, thoughtful and loving to all he met, his generous spirit and bright light will always shine.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 28th from 1 to 5pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, August 29th at 10am at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, Skaneateles, with private burial to follow.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
MCL Respite Center - 112 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508.435.1222

39 Comments

Ronald D. West

8/16/2022

5 Comments

    Ronald D. West of Scipio Center, NY passed to the other side August 16, 2022.
    He was a loving brother, friend, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Constance, a daughter Denise (Jeff) Ellis, daughter-in-law Jean West, son-in-law Kirby Huseby, two brothers, Carlton (Shirley) West, and Rexford West and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
    He was predeceased by his daughter Deborah Huseby, his son Ronald Jr., his father Rexford West, his mother and step father Nina and Clinton Packard and his sister Sue Gorman.
He will be fondly remembered for his financial ability and help to many, working at the National Bank of Auburn, the Emerson, French and Metcalf Foundations.
    He was a deacon of Second Baptist Church for many years and loved the ministry and people who were privileged to sit under the teachings of Dr. James Stuart, learning much from God’s precious Word.
    Because of Jesus Christ and His blood shed and resurrection we are praising His name for being the way, the truth and the life for Ron.
    The best memorial you could leave for Ron is to surrender your life to Christ for forgiveness of sins, thanks to all our praying friends, God has answered our prayers.
    Calling hours for Ron will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday August 20, with a service to follow at 11 a.m. all at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St. Skaneateles.

5 Comments

James Ciccone

8/6/2022

18 Comments

    James Ciccone, 91, of Skaneateles. A man of noble spirit and humanitarian principles. "Coach C" spent his life teaching and helping through athleticism for the betterment of the community and others.
    Athletic Director City of Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation from 1969-1991. Coached softball team “J.C. Girls” to international competition in 1970’s. Most recently assistant softball coach Colgate University in 1990’s and 2000’s, 3 NCAA tournament appearances. Inducted to USSSA NYS Hall of Fame in 2014.
    Survived by wife Constance, children Diane, James, Joseph and John.
    Calling hours will be held at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles on Thursday, August 11th from 2 to 3:30pm with a service immediately following.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

18 Comments

Warren "Moose" Bonnell

7/29/2022

31 Comments

    Warren “Moose” Bonnell of Skaneateles passed away on Friday, July 29th. He was raised in Rye, NY where he lettered in baseball, football, and wrestling. He attended SUNY Oswego where he met his wife Linda (Clark). He was a proud member of Beta Tau Epsilon.
    He taught in the Onondaga Central Schools where he enjoyed a 30-year career as a coach, mentor and friend to all. Moose was a brilliant, gregarious and generous man.
    He was also a talented vocalist and pianist. He was a life-long Yankees and SU sports fan. Moose and Linda enjoyed travel and had many wonderful trips to Europe and Asia. Moose and Linda enjoyed their winters in Stuart, FL with the many friends they had made.
    He is predeceased by his parents Kathryn and Larry and his brother Wayne.
    He is survived by his wife Linda (Clark) of 54 years, his son Shannon, his daughter Stacey, his grandchildren Gunnar and Yasmin Glazier and Brianna Bonnell as well as his beloved grand-dog Dimaggio.
    Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 12th from 4 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

31 Comments

Dennis Burr Allen

7/23/2022

0 Comments

    Dennis Burr Allen of Auburn died peacefully with family by his side on July 23, 2022. Born in Syracuse in 1947, he graduated from Jamesville-Dewitt High School and worked in the automotive industry in central New York as a parts manager for many years.
    He enjoyed camping, canoeing & nature. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and lived and breathed football - especially SU and the Bills - from September to February every year. Dennis had a wry sense of humor with George Carlin being one of his favorite comedians. He will be missed by many.
    He is survived by his son, Scott Allen of Jackson, WY; his sister Donna Kerr (Tom) of Lisle, IL; and his sister Kelly Rice (Matthew) of Medway, MA. He also leaves his niece Shana, his nephews Ryan and Ethan and several cousins.
    A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at a later date.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

0 Comments

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Welcome

Gene Phillip Dries

Peter John Cross

Deborah Koller Donigan

Rena E. Pasternak

Arthur E. Brothers

Marshall Skiff Brennan

Ronald D. West

James Ciccone

Warren "Moose" Bonnell

Dennis Burr Allen

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