Obituaries & Guestbook

Dr. Amin Elhassan

5/27/2023

Dr. Amin Elhassan, 72, passed away peacefully in his home in Skaneateles, NY on May 27th, 2023 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Dr. Nada Salman Elhassan with whom he built a loving partnership of 39 years, his three children, Dania, Ramzi (Diana), and Danny, his granddaughter Quinn, and his sister Wafa. Amin remained courageous, smiling, and gracious each day.
Amin is born the son of the late Mohamad Darwiche Elhassan and Badria Murad of Btouratij, Koura, Lebanon on September 16th, 1950. He is also predeceased by his brothers Nabil, MD, and Mazen, PhD, and sister Haifa Elhassan.
Amin attended American preparatory school at International College and participated in the boy scout troop of Beirut IV. He went to college and medical school at the American University of Beirut and completed his residency in Urology at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse, NY. He was a very smart, avant garde doctor and skilled surgeon and cared for thousands of patients in his community in Cortland and the greater Syracuse area for over 35 years.
Amin met Nada in London and it was love at first sight. After only 3 days, he proposed and on July 3rd, 1984 they packed her things in a rented “Jartran” truck to honeymoon from Houston, TX to Cortland, NY. Always on the move, Amin spent life active in nature especially on Skaneateles Lake and enjoyed boating, gardening, and windsurfing.
While he never wasted a moment, Amin never forgot to slow down for the important things, approaching each conversation with a thoughtful, calming presence. He was truly unique – brilliant, warm, and fun. He always enjoyed a good laugh and a meaningful conversation. He was a force of love and a pillar to his family and community, contributing to many important causes. He will be forever loved, and his genuine, beautiful soul will continue to live on through his family, friends, and the many others he has touched.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday June 3rd from 3-7pm at his residence in Skaneateles.
The family is holding a private memorial through Robert Gray Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a fund in Amin’s name using this link: https://everloved.com/life-of/amin-elhassan/donate/ Funds will be donated to causes Amin cares about: the American University of Beirut, Village of Btouratij, Rare Cancer Research and Skaneateles Lake. In addition, a plaque will be placed on docks 39 and 40 in the town of Skaneateles near the gazebo in loving memory of Amin.

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Lois B. Dann

5/26/2023

6 Comments

    On the morning of Friday, May 26th, Lois peacefully left the struggles of this world behind- to surely be joyfully welcomed into Heaven.
    Lois was born on June 17, 1934 in Maryland, NY, to Reverend Gerald and Mrs. Josephine Boyce. She was the first-born of 3 daughters- a role she would fulfill beautifully throughout her life, as her sisters would attest.
Being a minister’s family, they moved several times within the state as the girls were growing up. Some of the church locations were: Rochester, Ogdensburg, Lisbon, Hopkinton, and Syracuse. Lois graduated from high school in Patchogue, as Salutatorian of her class. She went on to SUNY Cortland where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Eventually she completed her Master’s Degree there, as well as a School Administration Certification.
    Most of her teaching career was spent at State Street Elementary in Skaneateles, NY teaching Grade 4. She also spent time in the role of Assistant Principal of the Middle School there. She loved her profession, and those special memories stayed with her longer than others, speaking of ‘the kids’ often- decades after she retired. She was well respected by all she worked with, and kindly shared her wisdom mentoring teachers newer to the school.
     The cornerstones of Lois’ life were Faith, Family, Education, and Music. She was a very active church member her entire life. She had a beautiful voice and was a choir member at each church she attended. She was also active in many committees, women’s circles, book and bible studies, etc., sometimes as chairperson or leader. For many years she worked at the annual Skaneateles United Methodist Antique Show, at least 1 year serving as chairperson. She also volunteered with Laker Limo, Meals on Wheels, and the John D. Barrow Art Gallery. She was a member of Travel Club, and a member of the Singing Seniors of Skaneateles. She was a very loving and involved Grandmother, taking part in raising both of her granddaughters and her nieces and nephew.
    In 1985 (at church!) Lois met and married the love of her life, Duane R. Dann. This was the beginning of a well-deserved, happy, and full ‘second chapter’ of life for her! They enjoyed traveling, which included 2 trips across the country, stopping for many interesting adventures along the way- making memories of a lifetime. Church continued to be a big part of their lives. Lois even took on the role of pastor’s wife for a time (and choir member of course) when Duane was called to be the pastor of the UMC in New Hope.
    Other activities they enjoyed together were attending Syracuse Symphony concerts, plays at the Merry Go Round Playhouse, trips to the Adirondacks, visits to family members around the country (including California and Hawaii!), summer trips to the family camp on the St. Lawrence River, and the annual Dann Family reunion. They were also active members of the Seniors of Skaneateles, and the Seniors of Niles groups.
    In addition to her parents, Lois was pre-deceased by one of her sisters, Constance Waterbury of Latham, NY, brother-in-law James Kridel and nephew Martin Kridel.
    Lois is survived by: Husband: Duane R. Dann.
Children: Gerald E. Goodrich (Denise) of Camillus, NY; Carolyn S. Goodrich of Skaneateles Falls, NY
Sister: Katharine Phillippi (Ken) of Petaluma, CA
Step-Children: Richard Dann (Dawn), of Syracuse, NY; Christopher (Gigi) Dann, of Gainesville, VA; Jonathan Dann (Anna), of Dayton, OH
    Grandchildren: Melissa (Michael) Folino of Fairport, NY; Lauren (Lawrence) Poole of North Syracuse, NY
Step-Grandchildren: Ricky Dann; Nicole Dann; Olivia Dann; Iliana Dann
    Nieces: Sandra (Richard) Chevrette of Troy, NY; Laurie Hallowell of Camillus, NY; Meta (Jose) Velez of Petaluma, CA
Nephew: Edward Lanning (Jean) of Hillsville, VA, Jonathan (Liz) Kridel of Sebastopol, CA.
    Her beloved grand-cat: Earl Gray Folino (who formerly lived with Lois and Duane and brought years of joy to their lives).
Lois’ family would like to extend sincere thanks for the excellent, loving care provided to her at: Finger Lakes Center for Living (Interlaken) in Auburn, NY, for the past several years. The Athenaeum of Skaneateles where she was a resident for 2 years prior to FLCL.
    Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 30th from 3 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, May 31st at 10am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles.
    We will have a Celebration of Life held in the church later this summer, details TBA.
    If desired, donations in Lois’ name can be made to:
Skaneateles United Methodist Church, 26 Jordan St, Skaneateles, NY 13152 Or Midlakes/New Hope United Methodist Church, 3703 State Rt. 41A, Moravia, NY 13118.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

6 Comments

Ruth M. Merrill

5/12/2023

2 Comments

    Ruth M. Merrill, 89 of Skaneateles, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2023.
    Born in East Alton Illinois, she attended Nursing School in Nunda, NY while corresponding by mail with her fiancé George Merrill who was serving in the Korean Conflict with the US Navy. Ruth graduated as a licensed RN and married George shortly after he returned from the war.
    They bought a run-down farm house in Skaneateles and moved in with everything they owned neatly piled on the back seat of their sedan. From there they turned an old house into the warm home where they would raise two daughters and live together for 49 years until George’s passing in 2006.
    Ruth started her career as a nurse in the maternity ward at Auburn’s Mercy Hospital. After Patty & Debbie were born, she worked for the Marcellus school district as a school nurse and later retired from General Products in Union Springs where she was the resident nurse.
    Ruth was a hallmark of selfless giving throughout her life with a tireless devotion to her home, husband, children and grandchildren. She routinely offered sincere and unsolicited compliments to everyone she encountered, both inside and outside of her circle. The arrival of their two grandsons Nicholas and Matthew became the centerpiece of Ruth and George’s lives in their later years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
    Ruth was preceded by her parents Barney and Ethyl Wynema McCutchan, brother Barney, husband George Merrill, and daughter Patricia Merrill. Ruth will be sadly missed above all by her daughter Debra (Merrill) Scala, Son-in-law James Scala, Grandchildren Nicholas (Lex) Scala and Matthew (Katherine) Scala, great-grandson Luca Scala.
   Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, May 24th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. A celebration of life afterwards at the home of Jim & Debbie Scala.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

2 Comments

Constance "Connie" Morris

5/4/2023

4 Comments

Constance “Connie” Morris, 89 {Resounding Positive Outlook and Sense of Humor}

Connie Morris passed away in her home peacefully on Thursday, May 4th, 2023. Connie was born the daughter of the late William and Marie DeLine on January 19, 1934, in Preble, New York. Connie met and married her high school (Homer Central High) sweetheart, the late Donald Morris.
    Connie and Don moved from Homer to Skaneateles in 1972 where they raised their three children Michelle, Greg and Stacey. Connie remained in her home in Manor Heights for over 50 years.
Connie worked at Auburn Memorial Hospital for over 25 years as the unit secretary on 3-West (Med/Surgery floor). Connie thoroughly enjoyed her job at the hospital as it matched her strong work ethic.
    Despite the many personal losses Connie endured, she always found the positive in everyone and every situation. Those who knew Connie well would recognize Connie’s remarkable sense of humor.
    Connie will be remembered by her brother Robert DeLine of New Brunsfel, Texas, her son Greg Morris of Littleton/Boulder, Colorado, her son-in-law Dr. John Eppolito and her five grandchildren: Jonathan Morris-Eppolito, Benjamin Morris Eppolito, Samuel Donald Morris, Emma Rose Morris and Tess Elizabeth Morris.
No services at this time.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

4 Comments

Mary Laura Brundage Brown

4/27/2023

3 Comments

Mary Laura Brundage Brown, 92, formally of Weedsport, NY, passed away with her family surrounding her with love on April 27, 2023.
    Predeceased by husband of 52 years, Robert (Bob) Murray, sister Elizabeth (Betty) Burtless, brothers, Richard (Dick) and William (Bill) Brundage and grandson Tyson Brown.
    Survived by her four children, Thomas Brown of Weedsport, Terence (Christine) Brown of Zanesfeild, Ohio, Tracy Brown of St Louis, Missouri, and Tricia Donovan of Syracuse. Mary had 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
    Mary loved being active and especially loved to bowl, golf, and travel. Mary found fulfillment in a life of service. She retired from the United States Postal Service after 32 years of service. She was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 42 years, Hospice, and several other local organizations. Mary was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year in 2014 for Cayuga County and inducted into the Hall of Fame for Port Byron High School in 2019.
    Mary loved her flowers and any birds she could attract to her bird feeders. Most of all, Mary loved her family and friends, like her dear friend, the late Bob Bishop and her sister-in-law Hazel Brundage.
    Mary was well known in her community and would greet anyone with pleasantries and a smile, a smile that will be truly missed.
    Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 1st from 10am to 12pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles with a funeral service at 12n. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of CNY.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

3 Comments

Reginald "Stan" Brock

4/27/2023

11 Comments

Reginald “Stan” Brock, 98, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023 with his loving wife of 77 years by his side. Stan was born in Skaneateles on November 8, 1924, to Reginald and Mary Brock.
    Stan graduated from Skaneateles Central School. He married Esther O’Brien on November 10, 1945 and purchased a family home in Mottville. Stan worked at LAB Corporation for 35 years, retiring in 1992. After retirement, Stan and Esther bought a house in Florida for the winter months while spending summers in Skaneateles. They eventually sold their Florida home and bought a house in Elbridge to be closer to family and friends. For the past 6 years, Stan has been living with his wife in Skaneateles.
    Stan was talented in many ways. He could wire a house and build furniture. Stan enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting at the family camp in Bear Swamp, woodworking, gardening, painting, playing cards, and helping others. Above all, he treasured the relationships he had with family, friends, and dogs.
    Stan is survived by his wife Esther, daughter Sharon (Allen) Decarr, daughter in-law Jeanette Brock, grandchildren Jeffrey (Cybil), Amy, Penny (Jamison), Janice, and Matthew (Stefanie), as well as 8 great grandchildren and friends he considered family. He was predeceased by his parents, and sons Tom and Ron.
    There are no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to SAVES, 77 Fennell St., Skaneateles, and the Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry, 819 W. Genesee St. Rd., Skaneateles. Help each other as much as you can.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

11 Comments

Joyce A.M. Berry

4/26/2023

4 Comments

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our Mom, Granny, and Great-Granny, Joyce A. M. Berry, who passed away peacefully at home on April 26, 2023.
Joyce was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England on June 10, 1928. Her family later moved to Chester, England, where she married Glyn T. Evans at the age of twenty-five. In 1969 Joyce and Glyn emigrated to St. Louis, MO with their two children, Julian (9) and Sara (6). Three years later the family moved to Skaneateles, NY.
Following a divorce from Glyn, Joyce opened her own painting studio. She was thrilled by the challenge of teaching others to paint. In her 50+ years of teaching, she helped hundreds of students of all ages become successful painters, including her daughter and grandchildren. Joyce’s other passion was music. She sang in the Chester Cathedral Choir, where she was married, and both her children were baptized.
In 1986 Joyce married Martin N. Berry of Skaneateles. In their 30+ years of marriage they traveled extensively including Japan and the Caribbean Islands. They had a winter residence on the beach in Naples, FL. They were fabulous dancers in the Naples Ballroom Dancing Club for many years.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband’s Glyn T. Evans, and Martin N. Berry as well as by her parents and family members in England. Joyce is survived by her son Julian (Jean) and their children Ben (Ashley), David (Carole), and Debbie Joy; her daughter Sara (Rob) and son Glyn (Joey); and five great-grandchildren.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Friday, May 12th at 10AM in Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn, NY, with calling hours starting at 9AM. An exhibit of Joyce’s paintings and a reception will be held following the service. The committal service will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Skaneateles at 12PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Central Hew York & Finger Lakes.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

4 Comments

Vivian G. Hiley

4/23/2023

7 Comments

    It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our Mom, Grandma, Gviv and G.G. Vivian G. Hiley, 96 who passed away on Sunday, April 23rd.
    Vivian lived a long life in Borodino where she was born. She was the last original “Borodinine”. She went to a one room school house on Nunnery Road and then to Skaneateles High School where she graduated in 1944. After raising a family, she went to work at Midlakes Country Club then Welch Allyn.
    After retiring she worked weekends at The Granary Antiques where she made some very special friends. When in her 70’s she joined the Skaneateles Y where again special friendships were made and have remained till the end – Thank You to all of you.
    She was involved in the Borodino Ladies Auxiliary through the Fire Department from the late 60’s up until last summer.
    Vivian was predeceased by her parents Frank and Mary Hiley and a son Mitch Slater.
    She is survived by a daughter Becky (Shum) Leubner, 2 granddaughters, Sarah (Brad) Rossignol, Amy (Mike) Tartaglia and 1 great-granddaughter Alison and 2 great-grandsons Colton and Macoy.
    She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Linda Slater and her children Ian, Colin, and Tiffany and 2 grandsons Johnny and Julian. She also leaves behind her faithful companions “Mustard”.
  A very special Thank You goes out to Annette who stayed with her on Friday Nights and to neighbors Becky C., Linda C., Chris F., Janet L., and Janet H. for just coming to visit her the last few months.
    Mom’s request was to have no calling hours or service because she was a firm believer in the saying: “If you can’t come see me when I’m alive you needn’t come when I’m dead”.
    So, we have honored her wishes. Any donations can be made to the Borodino Fire Department.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

7 Comments

Cara Ann Lindgren

4/20/2023

16 Comments

Cara Ann Lindgren died on April 20th at her home in Marcellus, NY after a long bout with brain cancer. She was born on the 5th of April, 1974 in Syracuse, NY to Ann and Roy MacDonald.
Cara graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1992. She then graduated from St Bonaventure University with her BS in Accounting in 1997. She finally achieved her Master’s in Business Administration degree from Huron University in London.
Cara married Eric Robert Lindgren of Pine City, NY on 30 September 2006 in Skaneateles, NY. She served as a staff accountant with AXA Financial for several years before deciding to stay home with her children and be a homemaker.
Cara was an outstanding and loving wife and mother, who is predeceased by her father Roy. She is survived by her husband Eric and children Abby and Jack Cara is also survived by her mother Ann, her brothers John, Patrick and Thomas, as well as her sister Katie Ryan.
Calling hours will be at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles on Thursday, April 27th from 3 to 6pm.
A funeral mass will follow on Friday, April 28th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. The procession will then head to St. Mary’s Cemetery to lay Cara to rest.
There will be a reception at the Sherwood Inn following the mass and burial from 12-3 pm.

To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

16 Comments

Timothy John Kane

4/18/2023

6 Comments

Timothy John Kane, 64, passed away April 18, 2023. Born to the late Donald and Joan Kane on November 13, 1958. “Tim” grew up in Skaneateles with his parents and two brothers and graduated from Skaneateles High School.
Tim was hard working and spent most of his career in road construction. Later in life he worked for his alma mater maintaining the schools and grounds and also at the Skaneateles Y keeping it clean and driving the Zamboni.
Tim loved woodworking! He enjoyed drawing and artistry. Most of all he was a proud “papa” to his 3 grandkids. He spent all of his free time with them.
Tim was predeceased by his parents and his brother Sean Kane.
He is survived by his son Don (Ashley) Kane and his beloved grandchildren Donny, Lily and Penelope of Marcellus. Also, his beloved 3 cats.
If you knew Tim, please join us for a Celebration of Life on Thursday April 27th from 4 to 7pm. Food and laughs will be shared at the American Legion Post 317. 4572 Jordan Road. Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153.

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Welcome

Dr. Amin Elhassan

Lois B. Dann

Ruth M. Merrill

Constance "Connie" Morris

Mary Laura Brundage Brown

Reginald "Stan" Brock

Joyce A.M. Berry

Vivian G. Hiley

Cara Ann Lindgren

Timothy John Kane

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