Obituaries & Guestbook

Dolores M. (Bassett) Coleman

11/29/2023

         Dolores M. (Bassett) Coleman, 89, of Auburn, NY, formerly of Skaneateles, NY, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. She was born on September 19, 1934 to the late Lysle E. and Edith Mae (Sheller) Bassett. Predeceased by her lovely husband, Paul T. of 48 years, brothers Richard and Lysle E. Bassett, and sister Virginia Curtis.
         Survived by her son Craig (Trish) Coleman, three grandchildren, two great grandchildren, siblings Francis, June, and Marlene Bassett, close family members, Ellen (Jim) Brown, Theresa Klimek, and Ron (Ann) Coleman, niece Amanda Brown, and several nieces and nephews.
        Services will be at 10 am, Tuesday, December 5th at St. Mary’s of the Lake in Skaneateles, after which Dolores will be laid to rest next to her husband in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
        In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY, 41 York Street Auburn, NY 13021.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Patricia M. Deles

11/26/2023

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   Patricia M. Deles 94 of Skaneateles Falls passed on Sunday, November 26, 2023.
                                            Pat grew up working in her father’s restaurant, The Comet, at 62 E. Genesee Street. She went on to run The Harbor House with her first husband, Edwin Bettis. Pat also ran a successful auction house in North Rose, NY.
    Pat is survived by her 6 children Sherry Wiley (Joe) Mottville, Peter Bettis (Julie) Mottville, Sandy Bettis, Lake Wales, Florida, Beth Martin (Juergen) Skaneateles, Maria Barron (Dan) Skaneateles Falls, Mike Bettis (Chuck) Red Creek NY., Several nieces and nephews, grandchildren & Great Grandchildren.
    Special Thanks to Saint Camillus. Services will be private.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Jennifer A. Kershaw

11/24/2023

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    Jennifer A. Kershaw, 50 of Marcellus passed away Friday November 24, 2023 at home. Born in Auburn to David and Ellen Wall Kershaw, she was a 1991 graduate of Skaneateles Central Schools then attended Brockport State.
    Jen was a sales associate at Kinney Drug’s in Skaneateles for several years. She was a diehard NY Rangers fan, loved spending time with her family and watching quiz shows on TV.
    Besides her parents Jen is survived by her Sister Stephanie Kershaw, Brother David (Bridgette) Kershaw, Nephews; Chris, Zach, Matt and Will, Uncles; Robert and Bill Wall, Tom Kershaw and Aunt Kay Kershaw Cousins; Michelle, Rob, Brian, Ken, Kellie, Michelle and along with her beloved cats Sammy and Jackie.
    Calling hours for Jen will be from 4 to 6pm on Wednesday, November 29th at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A funeral service will be on Thursday, November 30th at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
    In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the SPCA.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Stephen "Steve" Trowbridge

11/14/2023

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              Stephen Trowbridge, 58, of Skaneateles,NY, passed away suddenly on November 14, 2023. Steve was born in Fulton, NY on May 22, 1965, to Ruddick and Susan Trowbridge.
He was a graduate of the Oswego City School District and continued his education at Ithaca College, majoring in Music Education and Trumpet Performance.
             Steve was an extremely talented musician who enjoyed sharing his musical gifts with others. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting, gardening and cooking for family and friends.
                                                                                                                                           Steve is survived by his brothers John (Karinda), Tom (Mary), and Jim (Wendy), several nieces and nephews, as well as an abundance of good friends.
         Services will be held at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home on Monday, November 20th. Calling hours will be at 10am followed by service at 11am.
              In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Borodino or Spafford Volunteer Fire Department.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Mary F. (DePaola) Prince

11/13/2023

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    Mary F. (DePaola) Prince 94, of Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully on November 13, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 18, 1929, to the late Joseph and Fannie (Ciravolo) DePaola. Mary practiced Cosmetology until the age of eighty-five and only gave it up due to aging.
    Mary loved people and was loved by everyone who knew her. Another one of Mary’s passions was baking. Her Italian cookies were the best and her ladyfinger cookies became locally famous as a blue-ribbon winner at the New York State Fair two years in a row. She baked for many special events including her grandchildren’s and friends’ children’s weddings. Mary was an avid golfer and achieved three holes in one.
    She was a long-time member of the St. Therese Society of Our Lady of Pompei Church, and an Auxiliary Board Member of St. Joseph’s Hospital.
    Mary was predeceased by her son Joseph J. Prince III in 2004, her husband Joseph in 2017, two brothers, Nicholas who passed away during WW II, Peter, and sister Nina Prince. Interestingly, Nina had the same last name as Mary because two sisters married two brothers and lived in a two-family house where they raised their children together.
     Mary is survived by her daughters, Michele (Paul) Kloc of Fayetteville, Mary Therese (Rick) Ciotti of Baldwinsville, Loretta (David) Buck of O'Fallon, MO along with 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and expecting a great-great grandchild in 2024. She also has several surviving nieces and nephews.
    We would like to thank Hospice of CNY for the wonderful care during these last few months along with her very close family and friends who made visits to her weekly.
    A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, November 16th at 11am at the Church of Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter.
Prior to the services there will be calling hours from 9 to 11am at the church. Burial will be private at Assumption Cemetery.
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088 or Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter, 301 Ash St. Syracuse, NY 13208.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Joshua D. "Josh" Moell, DVM

11/8/2023

19 Comments

    Joshua Moell, DVM ,50, of Skaneateles, New York, passed away on November 8, 2023. Josh, born in Encino, California, to Karen and Rick Moell, spent most of his formative years in Palmer, Alaska, with his younger brother Seth. Josh's gentle, caring nature and his love of animals sparked a life-long interest that led to his eventual career.
    Josh graduated from Palmer High School in 1990. While in high school, Josh discovered his love of theater. He starred in many productions, including the title role in Macbeth, which earned him a full theater scholarship to the University of Alaska. In 1993, Josh's daughter Emma Tanner was born in Palmer, Alaska. Josh went on to study evolution and ecology and received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Davis before attending Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts. Upon graduating from Ross University, Josh performed a residency at Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK, and finally relocated to Central New York, where he practiced veterinary medicine until his passing.
                                                                                                Josh met his wife, Sarah while studying at the University of California. They married, and their daughter Kaitlyn was born in Syracuse, New York, in 2009. Josh's oldest daughter, Emma
Tanner, still resides in Alaska. Josh loved his family fiercely and devoted his life to providing for his family.
                                                                                                           Anyone who knew Josh knew of his deeply held passion for animals, his boisterous and often silly sense of humor. Josh had an artistic bent and could draw, paint, and sculpt beautifully. He worked hard at everything to make his way and create a happy life for his family in New York. He could be found at his daughter's youth hockey games across most of the eastern seaboard during the season, rooting on his daughter and her teammates. Josh was fond of all things Tiki; at one point, he had set up an entire Tiki Village in his yard, complete with torches and Bob Marley playing in the background.
                                                           He loved hosting and bartending, and on summer evenings, Josh could be found wearing a grass skirt and doing the limbo or singing karaoke with the slightest provocation. An inveterate tinkerer, Josh was fond of repurposing transfer station valuables and creating artistic works. Josh's love of Christmas was beyond compare. Every inch of his house was decorated with handmade wreaths, garlands, and festive lights during the holidays. Those who met Josh through his work would always speak of his kind, caring way with pets and their owners and his generous nature. He will be missed.
    Josh is survived by his loving wife Sarah, daughters Kaitlyn and Emma Jane Tanner, his parents Rick and Karen Moell, and brother Seth Moell.
                                                                                                                     A celebration of life get-together will be held for family and friends at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles from 2 to 5 PM on Monday, November 20, 2023.
                                                                                    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an account set up for Kaitlyn's future college fund at Community Bank in Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

19 Comments

Joseph W. Logan

11/6/2023

7 Comments

    Joseph W. Logan, 89, of Skaneateles died Monday in the arms of his family. He lived a long, joyous life and felt truly blessed having a large extended family and a supportive community.
    With a big smile on his face and a love for competition, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, family picnics and games, ping pong, bowling, golf and of course SU sports. He invented Friday night, goody night for his family.
    Born in Syracuse to the late Joesph D and Mary Esther (Ryan) Logan and predeceased by his dearest wife, Kay (Songer)of 69 years. Joe is an Air Force Veteran, SU graduate and retiree from NYSDOT as an appraiser.
    Survived by his six children, Deborah (Mark) Ganley, Mary Beth (Peter) Riehlman, Janice (Craig) Logan, Terry (Barry) Bocklet, John (Ginger) Logan, and Michael Logan, his baby sister Rosemary and brother-in-law Bill Guyder, 15 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
    Services are Private.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Michael "Mikey" Kinchla

10/29/2023

9 Comments

                                                                    In Loving Memory of Michael (Mike, Mikey) Kinchla, aged 35, who passed away on October 29, 2023 after a brief illness. He was a beloved Son, Brother, Uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
                                      Mike was born on Valentine’s Day 1988 in Falmouth, MA, and grew up in Sandwich, MA. His lifelong passion for golf began at Sandwich Hollows Golf Club and in his Senior year at Sandwich High School, he accomplished his goal of helping to lead the Blue Knights to a Massachusetts State Championship. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Northeastern University on scholarship and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication.
          His professional career in Sports Marketing began with Comcast SportsNet New England and NBC Sports Boston, affording him the opportunity to work in conjunction with the sports scene he cared about so much and witness in person countless games and moments over the historic run of success his favorite teams experienced. A more intense Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Tiger Woods fan would be impossible to find. Most recently, he proudly worked as the Manager of Marketing Content & Strategy for Syracuse University Athletics. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work and dedication and was beloved by his colleagues.
          Above all,   Mike was an extremely loving friend, brother, uncle and son. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and friends; sharing stories, watching sports, playing games, dancing, and listening to music. He enjoyed skiing, playing recreational softball, and participating in any competitive activity imaginable. A talented golfer, he could always be counted on to participate in charity tournaments and enjoyed the privilege of traveling to visit some of the country’s best courses, both as a PGA Tour fan and as a competitor.
          Mike will forever be remembered most for his genuine kindness, being a loving family man, a loyal friend, the brightest light in every room he entered.
        Mike is survived by his mother Michele Kinchla (Marty Castle), his sisters Sarah O’Connor (Paul O’Connor), Elizabeth Taylor (Eric Taylor), his brother Daniel Kinchla Ballard (Luke Ballard), and his nephews and nieces Devin, Aidan, and Gavin O’Connor, Ella and Layla Centofanti, and Caleb Taylor.
                                                                                                                                             Mike’s light will forever shine in our hearts, and his memory will continue to inspire us to live our lives with the same kindness, humor, and passion that he displayed every day.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     A funeral service will be held for family and close friends at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home 49 Jordan Street Skaneateles, New York 13152 on Monday November 6th, 2023 from 11:00am to 1:00pm with a service at 1. Followed by a Reception at the American Legion 3808 Jordan Rd. Skaneateles, NY 13152.
At a later date there will be a Celebration of Life in Massachusetts.

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Rosemary S. Harms

10/24/2023

11 Comments

              Rosemary S. Harms passed away peacefully at home in Skaneateles, NY on October 24, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Rosemary was born on October 25, 1941, in Stafford, UK,
the daughter of Barbara and David Duff. She graduated from Stafford High School in 1960, the University of Liverpool’s I.M. Marsh College of Physical Education in 1963, and Texas Tech University’s graduate interdisciplinary landscape architecture program in 1996.
                                           She married the love of her life, Martin J. Harms, at Castle Church in Stafford in May 1963. Rosemary and Martin recently celebrated 60 years of marriage and their love for one another. Their lifetime together spanned across multiple countries and states and through their shared passion for travel, exploration, and design.
                                  Rosemary started her career as a high school education teacher in Cambridge, UK. In 1973, Rosemary and Martin moved with their beloved daughter, Rachel, to Ithaca NY, where Martin taught architecture at Cornell University. For Rosemary, the move opened a whole new world of opportunity to pursue her creative gifts as a dance choreographer and festival producer by founding the Kaleidoscope Children’s Dance Center and organizing the Ithaca Arts Festival. Her love for gardening also first blossomed in Ithaca, where she created wonderful outdoor landscapes that complemented Martin’s architectural designs. Rosemary’s passions found further expression during subsequent moves to Raleigh, NC, where she served as the student affairs director of the American Dance Festival, and to Philadelphia, PA, where she worked as alumni director of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and director of The Tree House, a children’s creative expression exploration center at the Philadelphia Zoo.
                                       Rosemary’s life-long interest in the natural environment was further stimulated by moving to Lubbock, TX in the 1990s. There, she conceived and planted her own semi-desert garden at a new home designed by Martin. In parallel, she accomplished a graduate degree dissertation focused on a section of the western desert eco system of Big Bend National Park. During the couple’s next stop, Rosemary had a notable impact on California Central Coast’s spectacular natural beauty as the first executive director of the fledgling San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden.
                                                                                                                                                  Finally, coming back home to the upstate New York Finger Lakes region in 2018 to be close to her daughter’s family in Skaneateles, Rosemary collaborated with Martin in renovating their 1930s cottage home. The design and installation of its south-east facing garden was her crowning achievement.
               Rosemary is survived by her beloved family; husband Martin, daughter Rachel (Steve Datz), granddaughter Lily Datz, sister Catherine Bhageerutty (Robin), and extended UK family.

                                                                                                  Calling hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home in Skaneateles.

                                                        A    celebration of Rosemary’s life will take place in the
spring of 2024 as her garden comes back into bloom.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Finger Lakes Land Trust.

                Rosemary and her family will be forever grateful for the three wonderful caretakers who ensured that she was comfortable and at peace in her own home throughout the last stage of her rich and varied life.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

11 Comments

Marian Isabel Bower

10/21/2023

7 Comments

        Marian Isabel Bower, our beloved “Gram”, was called to heaven on October 21, 2023. Isabel was born on August 15, 1923 in Wapwallopen, PA. She was the eldest of five daughters, born to the late L. Bruce and Verna Thomas.
            Isabel graduated from Berwick High School in 1940. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Marvin T. Bower, in 1943. Isabel worked for WISE Potato Chip Factory for 32 years. When asked if she ever snuck a chip, she would reply, “I sure did, a lot of them,” followed by her lovable laugh. Eventually retiring from Sears at the age of 80, Isabel continued as an active member of the Summerhill Ladies Auxiliary and Bethany United Methodist Church. She also spent hundreds of hours volunteering on election days and at the Berwick Hospital Gift Shop. At the young age of 90, she moved from Berwick, PA to Skaneateles, NY to live with her daughter, Judy, and son-in-law, Ed. It was here that she spent the last ten years of her life, always surrounded by love and family.
                     Isabel had her faith, family, and an abundance of feistiness.
                                                                                                                  All qualities that allowed her to live a wonderfully long life. She spent summers at the family cottage in White Lake, Ontario and her winters soaking in the Florida sun. She loved reading, fishing, bowling, dancing and sports. She was always routing for her favorite sports teams, the Berwick Bulldogs, Penn State football and of course, Syracuse basketball. Her greatest joy of all, was her family. A true matriarch, who will be so greatly missed.
                                                                                In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Bower, who passed away in 1980; four sisters, Betty Birge, Shirley Veale, Ethel McQuown, Janice Kishbaugh; two nephews, Larry Schnorr and David Bower. She sadly had to say goodbye to so many close friends over the years, as well.
                                                                                She is survived by her daughter, Judy (Ed) Fenstermacher of Skaneateles, NY; two grandchildren, Scott (Janine) Fenstermacher of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and Suzan (Jared) Ryan of Owasco, NY; three great grand-children, Grayden and Nora Fenstermacher and Benjamin Ryan.
                                                In addition to her immediate family, she is also survived by several nieces and nephews; Susan Varner and her partner William Hoffner, of Bloomsburg, PA; Sherry Kishbaugh of Bloomsburg, PA; Deborah Esper and her husband Dr. Alan Esper of Erie, PA; Cathy Siak of Hunlock Creek, PA; Dennis Veale and his wife Donna of Southampton, PA; and George McQuown of Berwick, PA.
                                 A special thank you from the family to Dr. James Connelly, Cardiologist and Colleen Saxton, NP, for their excellent care. Isabel thought very highly of you both. Also, to Donna Brazee, thank you for loving our Gram and helping with her care over the past year.
                       To honor Isabel’s wishes, there will be a family ceremony held at White Lake, Ontario next summer. A private burial will be held at a later date at Pine Grove Cemetery, Berwick PA. Memorials may be made in her name to: Bethany Church of Berwick, 116 Summerhill Avenue, Berwick, PA 18603 or Four Town First Aid Squad, PO Box 28, Moravia, NY 13118.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Dolores M. (Bassett) Coleman

Patricia M. Deles

Jennifer A. Kershaw

Stephen "Steve" Trowbridge

Mary F. (DePaola) Prince

Joshua D. "Josh" Moell, DVM

Joseph W. Logan

Michael "Mikey" Kinchla

Rosemary S. Harms

Marian Isabel Bower

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