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Valdemar M. Lubieniecki, 91 of Skaneateles passed away at Auburn Community Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the lake church, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
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 O’CONNELL, JAMES J. (“Jim”) died peacefully at home in the town of Spafford, on the east side of Skaneateles Lake, in the presence of his loving wife and family on Thursday, February 13th at the age of 88. Jim was born in Troy, NY, on February 25, 1931, the son of William J. and Elizabeth (Walsh) O’Connell. He was raised across the Hudson River in Watervliet, graduating from St. Patrick’s School in 1944 and from Catholic Central High School in Troy in 1948. Jim then prepared for the priesthood in seminaries in Rochester and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse in February 1956.
As a priest Jim served as Assistant Pastor of St. Lucy’s Church, Syracuse (1956-63), then on the faculty of a brand-new Rome (N.Y.) Catholic High School, first as Guidance Director (1963-67), then as Principal (1967-71). He was a priest in residence at St. Peter’s Church in Rome, N.Y. (1963-66) and was part-time pastor of St. Mary’s, Florence, and St. Paul’s, Redfield (1966-1971). Jim was founding pastor of Pope John XXIII Church in Liverpool, a/k/a St. John’s Church, oversaw construction of the rectory (1971), church (1973), and rel. ed. addition (1979), while parish membership grew from around 240 families in 1971 to over 1,400 families in 1984. In the 1970’s Jim was active in several diocesan, statewide and national associations of priests, including one term (1976-78) representing priests of New York and New England on the (mainly lay) U.S. Catholic Bishops Advisory Council. Jim resigned from active ministry in January 1984 in order to marry. Jim married Sharon K. Alexander in August, 1984. He completed legal studies at Syracuse University College of Law in May, 1985, and was admitted to practice law in February 1986. Jim’s entire legal career (1985-2020) was spent in the law office led by his friend Dennis G. O’Hara, known in 1986 as O’Hara, Felice: & Crough, later as O’Hara, O’Connell & Ciotoli. Jim practiced civil law, particularly Education Law, real estate purchases and sales, estate planning and estate administration, tax assessment matters, and municipal finance. He retired from the practice of law in 2020. Jim was a Democratic activist from the age of 15. He served as CoChair or Vice Chair of CNY campaigns of Governor Carey in 1978, Ted Kennedy in 1980 and Mario Cuomo in 1982. From 1988 to 2018 he served many terms on the NYS Democratic Committee and, in 2016-18, on its Executive Committee. In 2018 the Onondaga County Democratic Committee honored Jim with a lifetime achievement award. Jim is survived by his wife Sharon K. O’Connell, their sons, James A., of Skaneateles, and Daniel J. of Rochester, his sister, Helen M. (George) Lettko, of Troy, twenty nieces and nephews (9 Wilsons in Albany, 6 Holtons in Watervliet, and 5 Lettkos in Troy) and numerous other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and by two of his sisters, Betty (Fred) Wilson and Mary (Tom) Holton. The family will welcome relatives and friends for calling hours from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 22nd at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 81 Jordan St., Skaneateles, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon. A spring burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family. No flowers please. Memorial donations, if any, may be directed to Friends of St. Mary’s Florence (a 501c3 corp.), Community Bank, 41 Harden Blvd., Camden, NY 13316. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.  Joseph P. Brillo, 84, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully on February 11, 2020. He was born in Syracuse and graduated from CBA where he was a proud member of the 1951 Championship Football Team. Joe attended Bolles Academy in FL and SUNY Cortland. He came back to Skaneateles and started his successful excavating and septic company that he owned and operated for 51 years before retiring. Joe was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting and collecting antique cars.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Bella Brillo, siblings, George, Caroline, Georgia, and Mary. He is survived by his children; Peter, Joseph (Barbara), and Eric (Theresa), his three beloved grandsons; Jacob, Joshua, and Joey, and his former wife, Dolores Brillo. Following Joe’s wishes, his services were private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the CNY Alzheimer's Association; 441 W. Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY 13204. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.  On Saturday, February 1, 2020 James Lee Van Nostrand, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 76 years old.
He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Sara (Sepe) Van Nostrand; his daughter Beth (Van Nostrand) Caraccio and her husband Michael; his son Brad and his wife Patricia (Pabon) Van Nostrand and his beloved grandchildren, Dominick, Gianna, Gabriella and Scarlett, as well as his brother Gary, sister Lynne and many brother and sister in- laws, nieces and nephews. Jim is predeceased in death by his father and mother. Jim was born on January 22, 1944, the son of James and Harriet (Boyce) Van Nostrand, and raised in Interlaken, NY. Jim adored growing up in Interlaken and often reflected fondly on his many memories of his small-town upbringing with his siblings and friends on the shores of Cayuga Lake. Jim graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in education and received his Master’s Degree from Syracuse University. He moved to Skaneateles in 1965 and fell in love with the small town and community like the one in which he grew up. Jim was an elementary school math and science teacher for Skaneateles schools for 19 years and then worked in sales and marketing for many years after that. On August 12, 1972 Jim married Sara (Sepe) Van Nostrand and together they raised their children Beth and Brad. Jim enjoyed playing the piano, listening to music and dancing in many Skan-e-antics productions over the years. He was an avid bridge player and loved to socialize with dear friends and tell jokes. Above all, he adored his wife, children and grandchildren and wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. He felt such pride in their lives and successes. When he became a grandparent, he found his new passion and purpose. Jim was involved in a car accident in 2007 in which he suffered a traumatic brain injury, dramatically changing his life forever. With the continued love and support of his family, he persevered for 13 long years, but eventually time took its toll on his body and mind, and he finally found the peace and freedom he so deserved. A mass for Jim will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles, followed by a private burial and then a gathering for family and friends. In memory of Jim’s love of education, Skaneateles and his grandchildren, any donations can be made to: The Skaneateles Education Foundation www.skanedfoundation.org To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.  Rodney Miles Thomas, 74, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, New York. Rod was predeceased by his parents Fred B. Thomas and Mildred M. Thomas of Skaneateles. He is survived by his older brother Donald M. Thomas (Janice), sisters Carol T. Shumway (Bruce), and Susan T. Sealy (Robert). Private services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery.
Rod was a graduate of Massanutten Military Academy and Auburn Community College. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Following his naval service he was employed by ALCO of Auburn for over 18 years and Thompson and Johnson in Syracuse for 20 years before retiring in 2010. Rod had been a student of the Frank Mucedola Accordion School since the age of 11 and remained a life-long accomplished accordionist. He was an avid reader and enjoyed researching history.  Henry William Leubner of Skaneateles passed away on Monday, January 27 at home with his loving wife of 72 years, Ella Louise (Dye) by his side.
Henry grew up in Marrietta, NY and was the oldest child of Edmund and Bertha Leubner. When his Dad died suddenly, Henry took over the family farm before he completed his education at Marcellus Central Schools. On August 14, 1948 Henry married the love of his life and soulmate Ella Louise Dye at Rose Hill Baptist Church. This event began the establishment of our huge family tree. Henry and Ella were blessed with 10 children, Henry Jr. (Rebecca Slater), Jane (Donald LaMay), Debra (Thomas Roe), Daniel (Terri Tucker), Mark (Carol Townsend), Melody (Thomas Notarpole), Sherry (John Kucher), Paul (Lisa Nelson), Jonathan (Kara Day), and Tom (Lisa Spearing). From these 10 families Henry and Ella have been blessed with 42 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. So, what is a legacy? Papa put his mark on all our futures and they will be carried on for generations and generations to come. Henry worked his own farm on Benson Road until he bagan working at New Venture Gear, where he worked until he retired. While at NPG “Hank” was known for handing out Our Daily Bread devotionals to everyone he came into contact with, along with a lot of stinky cheese. Sharing his faith and the message of salvation wasn’t just a hobby, it was a deep passion he held. Dad was especially burdened for those who had not yet placed their trust and hearts with the lifesaving knowledge of Jesus. Dad’s passions besides his family, included spending time at his pond feeding the ducks and napping at his cabin. He was always in awe as he looked at God’s creation around him. He was marveled by how beautiful the screnery was whereever he went. He also collected 2-cylinder John Deere tractors, taught Sunday school, and he LOVED food, especially limberger cheese. Although Dad had this tough, rock solid exterior, he had a soft spot in his heart for ALL “his” babies (no matter their age). Dad enjoyed his daily excursions to destinations unknown to us all. You would hear, “going to the city” and he’d be gone for hours. He would then return so excited over his “sale” purchase – that he had driven 100 miles to get. One of my favorite parts of Dad was that no matter your name, he would always re-name you. These special nicknames have forever stuck and always make us laugh. We wanted to include some of Dad’s favorite bible verses, but after looking at his bible, there are more verses underlined than not. I truly believe I speak for all of us, it was an honor and a privilege to call him Dad and Papa. I can clearly hear Jesus saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant – welcome home”. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 11am at Rose Hill Baptist Church. Calling hours will be on Friday from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Henry will be buried in Thorn Hill Cemetery. Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rose Hill Baptist Church, 2609 Rose Hill Rd. Marietta, NY 13110. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.  HUDSON, MA & SKANEATELES, NY
Clara Elisabeth Coppolo (nee Holbein), known as Betsy, entered heaven Monday, January 20, 2020 in Care Dimensions Hospice House, Lincoln, MA at the age of 92. She leaves three daughters: Sandra A. Anderson ( Richard Fish) of Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada, Bernadine Perham of Hudson, MA and JoAnne Coppolo (Charly Ehlin) of Somerville, MA; brother, Robert Alan Holbein of Auburn, NY; two grandchildren: Sean Perham (Julia) and Amber Dawn Upfold ( CJ Rowe); two great-grandchildren, Maya and Andrew Perham. Aunt ‘Bets’ will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and their families. Predeceased by her former husband John F. Coppolo (1927-2014); son John W. Coppolo (1952-1954); and grandson, Andrew J. Perham (1980-1997) and siblings, George Peter Holbein, Marion Almina Gilfus and William David Holbein. Born in New York, NY on Nov. 19,1927, Betsy, her parents Walter and Viola (Gray) and four siblings moved to a number of locations in central New York until settling on the family farm in the Township of Owasco, NY. At the age of 16, she graduated from Skaneateles High School, as Salutatorian of the Class of 1943. As a cadet nurse she attended Ellis Hospital School of Nursing in Schenectady, NY. Betsy was editor of their yearbook and 1947 representative at the International Congress of Nursing in Atlantic City. She graduated third in the class of 1948. While in her 30s, Betsy went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from Syracuse University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1962. Betsy’s experiences as a registered nurse includes Obstetrics, hospital supervising Nurse and as a visiting Public Health Nurse. After Betsy completed her BS degree, she remained a New York State Public Health Director until she retired in 2003. Following retirement, Betsy relocated to Florida for several years and worked part-time as a Nursing Instructor in Dade County. She later returned to New York, and continued to work part-time for the National follow up service doing phone interviews for discharged rehabilitation patients. In 2014, she relocated once again, to Massachusetts to be closer to her family. Betsy was a giving, optimistic person who always paid it forward by freely giving her time volunteering. As a 4H leader when her children needed a group leader, helping in a local soup kitchen and assisting refugees through her church. She was also an Overeaters Anonymous member, sponsor and mentor. Betsy was an active and devout member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic church in Hamburg, NY where she was a Lector, Eucharistic minister and Health ministry member. Betsy’s bucket list included traveling and she was proud to have visited all 50 states and Scotland. These adventures, family history and events she carefully documented in labeled and dated binders. Above all, Betsy adored her family. She never missed a birthday – children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews could always count on her, to remember them with a card each year. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 18th at 11am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles, calling hour will be held from 9:30am to 10:30am prior to the service. For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans, the Salvation Army, or Care Dimensions Hospice House, 75 Sylvan St., B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.  John “Jake” Moore, 86, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2020. He was the son of the late, Leo and Mabel (Cox) Moore. Jake graduated from Cathedral High School in Syracuse, and the University of Massachusetts at Stockbridge. He worked at the Skaneateles Country Club as a superintendent for over 40 years and was a member of the GCSAA for over 50 years. Jake was a US Airforce veteran and a member of the American Legion Post #239.
He was survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Tierney Moore; daughter, Kathleen Moore Bianchi; son, John K. (Shay) Moore of Richmond, VA; two grandsons, John “Jake” and David Bianchi; three sisters, Elaine Sexton, Dorothy (Mike) Cogswell, and Carol Shannon, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be private. Donations in Jake’s memory may be made to SAVES or Michael Cogswell’s Scholarship Fund. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.  Nancy Mains Ennulat, 84, of Skaneateles, died peacefully on January 8, 2020 at Upstate University Hospital.
Born in Kingston, PA on October 26, 1935, she was the daughter of Charles V. Mains and Neva Gertrude Mains. Mrs. Ennulat went to preparatory school at Wyoming Seminary, continued her education at Syracuse University and completed a Master of Science in Microbiology at Upstate Medical Center, where she worked as a Transplantation Researcher. She married Joachim Ennulat August 4, 1956 in Germany and they have two sons David Ennulat of Phillipston, MA and Sean Ennulat of Jordan, NY. They lived on a picturesque farm in Skaneateles, NY. Her hobbies included horseback riding, gardening, and sailing. She completed a lifetime dream with her husband of sailing from Cayuga Lake to the Bahamas. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband as well as her two sons and five grandchildren Nathan Ennulat, Melissa Ennulat, Tase Lottermoser, Colin Ennulat, and Ashlee Ennulat. A celebration of life will be held this summer, date to be determined. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mrs. Ennulat’s name may be made to The Wyoming Seminary 201 North Sprague Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.  Ethel Stewart Sheppard passed away surrounded by family on January 5, 2020 in Geneva at the age of 101 just shy of her 102nd birthday. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Kenneth; her brothers Richard and John, sister Eleanor Clark and grandson Jeffrey Sheppard. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Knitter (Carl) and son Stewart (Jeralyn), 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren.
She was born in Auburn to Clifford and Clara Stewart of Skaneateles where she lived most of her life. She graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1937. She was a life-long member of Skaneateles Methodist Church. After high school she worked in many restaurants in Skaneateles including The Krebs and Sherwood Inn. She worked at Thomas' 5&10 Store. She married and was a homemaker. After her children left home she worked in the cafeteria at the school and also babysat for two families in Skaneateles. She was an avid bird watcher and loved flowers. In her younger years she grew African Violets for sale and had quite a business. She loved her family and always enjoyed seeing all of her grandchildren. Calling hours will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 10th at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles with a memorial service to follow at 12n. Ethel will be buried in Lake View Cemetery. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Mottville Fire Department or SAVES. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com. |
