Obituaries & Guestbook

Sharon Marie Wilcox Snyder

1/20/2022

    Sharon Marie Wilcox Snyder age 86 formally of Skaneateles passed away January 20, 2022, born August 9, 1935 to parents Erma (Wilson) Wilcox and Howard Barber Wilcox.
    Sharon retired from Syracuse University, was a dedicated mother and grandmother who always sacrificed for the betterment of her family. Sharon greatly enjoyed attending live events, especially Syracuse Chiefs games and Syracuse stage performances. Her grandson Connor was the light of her life and her pan-cookies will be greatly missed.
    Sharon was pre-deceased by her parents Erma and Howard Wilcox, brother Jan Wilcox, sisters Janice Wilcox, Betty Bakke, and Joyce Lombardi.
    Sharon is survived by her son Daniel (Lisa) Snyder, daughter Cynthia (Tony) Calogero and a very special grandson Connor Snyder. Grandchildren, Nate Wallon (Adrienne Donner), Nick (Cristina) Wallon, Stephanie Wallon, Chris (Tiffany) Wallon. Great grandchildren Lukas, Everett, Lily, Jack, Owen Wallon. Sister Jackie (Shafig) Rehman. Several nieces, nephews and cousins.
    There will be no calling hours. Private burial at the convenience of the family. Burial will be at Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles. Contributions may be made to SAVES, Ambulance Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Robert A. Green, Jr.

1/11/2022

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    Robert A. Green, Jr., age 72, passed away on January 11, 2022 at Upstate Community Hospital, Syracuse, NY after battling a lung disease for a number of years and recently contracted COVID. Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. As part of the Department of Public Works (DPW) in Skaneateles, NY in 1974, he became superintendent in the early 1990s, and retired from the DPW in 2005. Bob loved the community of Skaneateles which led him to be elected as Mayor of Skaneateles for 3 terms from 2005-2011. One of his many accomplishments he was proud of was building the new fire station.
    Growing up in Owasco, NY, he attended Skaneateles Schools.   Upon listing in the US Navy in 1968, he was stationed out of Jacksonville, FL., Bob married his high school sweetheart, Susan Wilson, while in Jacksonville, where his daughter, Tamara Green Grant was born. His time on the combat ready USS America, while working on the flight deck, lead him to be deployed to North Vietnam where he assisted with the launch of up to 50 planes/hour. Serving 4 years in the US Navy, Bob was honorably discharged in 1972 as an Aviation Ordnance Second Class Petty Officer. Bob was incredibly proud to serve his country and community.
    Eventually enlisting in the Air National Guard (ANG), The Boys of Syracuse, he became a Master Sergeant, where he was activated for Desert Storm to provide logistics support.     Retiring in 1996, Bob was very proud to have served for a total of 24 years in the military. Prior to his retirement, Bob had the privilege of flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Bob was awarded numerous medals with a few examples being the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct, and Legion of Merit. Bob also earned the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon in 1988.
    Early on in his life, Bob enjoyed flat track motorcycle racing for Harley Davidson where he was ranked second in the Northeast. During this time, he was very proud to have his entire family by his side. Bob also developed a love for photography which started as a way to pass time while traveling on aircraft carriers but blossomed into a hobby that he gained notoriety for through Fineartamerica.com, selling all over the world.
    Bob’s life changed when he met the love of his life, Patricia Callahan. He joined a large family that welcomed him as one of their own. Patti and Bob enjoyed together their love of music, traveling, spending countless hours on Skaneateles Lake on their boat and ultimately being with their loving family and friends.
    Bob really loved sports, especially golf, Syracuse football and basketball, and the Boston Red Sox. One of Bob’s biggest joys in life was being with his grandchildren and supporting them in every way possible. Bob’s lung disease did not slow him down later in his life. He attended many of their sporting events, alpine ski races, concerts, and piano recitals. There were annual traditions, including taking his grandchildren to Lights on the Lake. Bob shared his photography gifts by taking many pictures of his grandchildren in “action”. His photography of nature produced jaw dropping pictures. In September 2021, Bob was thrilled to be invited to join other Veterans on the Honor Flight of Syracuse where they were flown to Washington, D.C. to view numerous historical monuments and share stories of their service to our Country that they love.
Bob was former President of Laker Limo, a member of the Republican Committee, a former board member of The Creamery in Skaneateles, and a member of Skaneateles American Legion Post 239. Bob and his family are eternally grateful to the compassionate skilled healthcare providers in the ICU at Upstate Community Hospital.
    Bob was predeceased by his wife Susan; his father, Robert A. Green Sr. and his mother, Frances L. Green. He is survived by Patricia Callahan; his brother, Randy Green; his sister, Debbi Green, his cherished grandchildren - to whom he will always be known as “Grandpa Bob” - Gwenyth Iles, Kirsten Iles, Meghan Iles, Owen Iles, and Abby Iles; his daughter, Tamara; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.
    Calling hours will be 4-7 pm on Thursday, January 20th at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A funeral mass will be at 10 am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles on Friday, January 21st. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Laker Limo, P.O. Box 644, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Beverly Louise Short

1/10/2022

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    Beverly Louise Short, 86, of Sennett, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday. Beverly was born in Aurelius, NY in 1935 was the daughter of Alfred and Dorothy Foster.
    She was a wife, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt and a friend to many. Beverly enjoyed sewing, gardening, card club, raising ten kids and enjoying her grandchildren and parties at the Bunny Hut. On her 25th Wedding Anniversary Beverly and Charles took a trip to Hawaii with friends. She was a member of Lakeview chapter order of Eastern Stars.
    She is pre-deceased by her husband Charles G. Short in 2000, her parents Alfred & Dorothy Foster, sister Eleanor Powers and 4 brothers Ralph, Donald, Stewart and Carl Foster.
    Survived by her children, Connie (Ted) Scriven, Mary (Dan) Dobrovosky, Martin (Cindy) Short, Steven (Laurel) Short, Carol (Jack) Wagner, Gary Short, Daniel (Marge) Short, David (Lori) Short, Scott Short and Brian Short, 19 Grandchildren and 25 Great-Grandchildren and 4 brothers Boyd, Rodney, Rodger, Craig Foster and several nieces and nephews.
    Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 13th from 4 to 7 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be held on Friday at 10am at the funeral home. Beverly will be buried next to Charles in Soule Cemetery.
    Donations can be made to SAVES Ambulance or to Meals on Wheels.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Robert G. Bulman

1/4/2022

3 Comments

    Robert G. Bulman, 88 of Skaneateles NY, formerly of Newtown CT, passed away on January 4, 2022, at Auburn Community Hospital. He was born February 16, 1933, in Millinocket ME, grew up in New Haven CT. Known as Bob to his friends and Pop to his children & grandsons. He was a great father & grandfather, teller of tall tales, magician, comedian, teacher of life’s lessons. A former Boy Scout leader who would impart pearls of advice such as “Anyone can get wet it takes someone smart to stay dry” and most importantly “Don’t nobody panic!”. Sharing his outdoorsman heart with his family, Sunday hikes throughout CT and NY were a weekly occurrence. He loved to fish, camp & create epic campfires, canoed the Delaware River with his sons, hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail, climbed Mount Katahdin, Mount Washington & the many peaks of CT. He retired from Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, CT and was a proud US Air Force veteran. After retirement he and his wife moved to Skaneateles to be the number one cheerleader for their grandsons, rarely missing a concert, football, or lacrosse game.
    He is survived by his sons Robert (Linda) Bethel CT, Jeffrey (Debby Sliwa) Torrington CT, daughter Deb (Dave) Spearing and grandsons Tyler & Owen Spearing, Auburn NY. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Terry, in 2016.
    Services are private.
    The family would like to thank Auburn Community Hospital for their kindness & compassion, especially the ER, 2nd Memorial & CCU. As well as Primary Care Team Red at the Syracuse VA, Skaneateles FDP, S.A.V.E.S., and the staff at Kindred Care. Finally, as Pop would say “If you don’t see me in the Spring, look for me in the mattress”.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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John Omar Spain

12/31/2021

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    After a brave, year-long battle with stomach cancer, John Omar Spain, a Skaneateles resident, died at home on December 31, surrounded by his family who are left to instill and perpetuate his innovative and helpful nature to others.
John was born April 12, 1944 in Washington, D.C. to Nancy and Omar Spain. As the son of a Naval officer, John lived in several locations before his family settled in Skaneateles, where he graduated from high school in 1964.
    The day after graduating, John began working as a machine operator at Chrysler Corporation’s New Process Gear plant. After a year, he became a Toolmaker Apprentice in a four-year program, followed by several years as a Toolmaker Journeyman. John then accepted a management role as Maintenance Foreman, followed by another promotion to the second shift Plant Maintenance Manager of the 1.7 million square-foot facility that housed 4,000 employees, and operated 24/7, which created the toughest of situations to maintain equipment, machines, robots, and 14 assembly lines. John retired in 1999 at age 55, but was asked to return to manage a re-build project of a fully-automated section of the factory, which he completed and then retired permanently in 2000.
John was a generous person, who gave his time and talents throughout his life and was always looking for ways he could make life easier for others. He was a championship coach for both little league baseball and softball and was a Scout leader. He was a member and President of the Skaneateles Jaycees, a group of men focused on helping the community. He was a member of the NPG Management Club. He was a board member and volunteered for decades at the Presbyterian Manor, a senior living facility in Skaneateles, with his most appreciated accomplishment there being the conversion of individual rooms into comfortable suites for all residents. He was a member of the Skaneateles First Presbyterian Church, the Skaneateles Lake Association, and the Finger Lakes Land Trust.
    John loved spending time at his cottage on Skaneateles Lake where he could often be found boating, kayaking and teaching others to kayak or just relaxing at the grill or by a fire. He was passionate about following and investing in the stock market; and took pride in renovating homes that included the oldest Skaneateles village residence, and cottages on both Otisco and Skaneateles Lakes. He enjoyed traveling throughout the US and each year looked forward to a trip with the Caravan Caravan Club, a group of local couples who took annual trips to scenic and historic places in New York State. He was a fabulous cook who could turn any set of ingredients into a tasty meal. Family and friends also appreciated that he could repair or build anything, oftentimes using innovative solutions, for which the term, “injohnuity” was coined. He appreciated every sunset and anything mechanical. He loved celebrating life with family and friends and was always up for a gathering.
    John is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 56 years, Barbara Bendall Spain, whom he met in high school; son, Jeffrey (Patricia), daughter, Amber Spain-Mosher (Peter) and grandchildren whom he adored, Parker, Phoebe and Joslynn Spain; Jonas and Genevieve Kerr; and, Mason, Eden, Jack and Sam Mosher. Also surviving are his brother, Norman (Judy); sisters-in-law Pamela and Leigh; and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, as well as siblings: Nancy; Thomas; and James.
    Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 10th from 4 to 7 PM at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 11th at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church Skaneateles. John will be buried in Lake View Cemetery.
    Contributions in John’s memory can be made to the Presbyterian Manor, in care of the First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152. (skaneatelesmanor.com) or to the American Red Cross blood donor program, where John for decades donated pints of blood for others.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

15 Comments

Bryan A. Byler

12/30/2021

1 Comment

Bryan A. Byler, 58, of Auburn passed away on December 30th unexpectedly at his house. Survived by a son Dylan Byler of Fort Hood, TX and other family members. Services are Private.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Mary Louise Schreck Gray

12/28/2021

10 Comments

Mary Louise Schreck Gray, 94, of Elbridge died on Tuesday, December 28th after a brief illness. Mary was born in Auburn, NY in 1927 to the late Karl and Elizabeth Schreck.
She lived in Skaneateles before moving to DeRuyter, NY in 1959 where she and her husband Robert opened Gray’s Restaurant. Then, in 1973 they moved to Baldwinsville, NY and opened King Cole Restaurant.
Mary liked to play cards and was an avid knitter making hats, gloves, dolls and numerous baby sweaters for all. Mary was fond of her family gatherings and loved having visitors. She always had cookies and Twizzlers for the grandkids and great grandkids. She loved watching numerous sports on television and never missed Jeopardy.
Mary was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Robert D. Gray Sr. in 1992 and her son, Robert D, Gray Jr. in 2016, She was also predeceased by four sisters and one brother.
Mary is survived by her children, Thomas (Kathy) Gray of Auburn, NY; Mary Ann (Rick) Barletta of Estero, FL; Patricia (Ted) Corwin of Liverpool, NY; Joanne (Eric) Tills of Liverpool, NY; daughter-in-law Valerie Gray of Skaneateles, NY; 10 grandchildren Pamela, Kristin, Robert III, Gretchen, Rick, Heidi, Jennifer, Jeff, Emily and Ian; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022 at 11am at St. Alphonsus Church in Auburn. There will be a visiting hour from 10am to 11am before the funeral. The burial will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles. Funeral Service Live Stream Link: https://youtu.be/oePtMOSTfXo
We would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Fingers Lakes Center for Living for the care they provided Mary this past month.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Mary. To leave condolences, visit www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Russell J. (Skip) Pringle

12/22/2021

3 Comments

A life of Amazing Adventures
Russell J. (Skip) Pringle, 95, passed-away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at his home in Skaneateles, New York, surrounded by his loving family. Known as Skip to his family, he led an extraordinary life full of adventure that came about by dreaming big and positive thinking. He was a true gentleman whose honesty, friendliness, kindness, humility, and courage were witnessed by all who knew him. He was the best example of a father and grandfather any child or grandchild could ask for. His family was most important in his life, and he was generous and loving to all of them.
Born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, on January 15, 1926, Skip was raised by Herbert and Viola Pringle until he started his first major adventure in life by entering the Navy during World War II in 1943. He served as a motor machinist's mate on Landing Craft Tanks (LCT) in the Pacific Theater, where he was promoted to Group Staff Engineer. His war tour of duty in the Pacific included Johnston Atoll and the Marshall Islands, Guam, the Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan. He operated LCTs throughout the Pacific war zone specializing in the challenging and daring act of landing war tanks on the island beaches for troops to use in battle. In one adventurous experience, his unit of LCTs were caught in a typhoon off Okinawa, but Navy Destroyer escorts eventually rounded up the watercraft. He received several battle commendations and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946.
After the war, he had his eyes on a beautiful girl named Carolyn Collins. He never thought she would give him the time of day until that one moment that turned her into the love of his life. They were married in 1946. Described as a woman of style, beauty, and class, Skip enjoyed a long loving relationship and many worldly adventures with Carolyn for 73 years until her death on June 7, 2019 in Skaneateles. They welcomed three children into their lives.
Skip started his career as an auto parts salesman that eventually turned into an opportunity to purchase Kellogg Auto Supply in Cortland NY. He soon turned one store into five Napa Auto Parts stores in Central New York. Skip was very involved in the Cortland business community and served on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Cortland and the Dime Federal Savings and Loan Association. He was an active Mason and a member of the Cortland Masonic Lodge, #470. He served as president of the Cortland Rotary Club and worked with fellow Rotarians to fund the international effort to eradicate polio worldwide.
Skip had many interests and passions. In his earlier years he was an award-winning pistol target shooter in the Syracuse area. He had a lifelong love for skiing that started in the late 1940’s which led to Skip being involved with the Greek Peak Ski Resort in the Town of Virgil, New York. Skip served many years on the board of directors for Greek Peak and eventually became a part-owner of the ski area in the 1980s. His passion for skiing created many happy family memories that are continuing on with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Together, Skip and Carolyn also had a life-long love of sailing on Skaneateles Lake and the Caribbean. For him, it began when he was a young boy drawing pictures of sailboats. His real-life sailing adventures began with racing the renowned Lighting class sailboats on Skaneateles Lake with The South End Singing and Sailing Society. His big dreaming led him to larger vessels and ocean waters for the remainder of the couple's sailing adventures. He supervised the custom construction of two sailing ketches by the Shannon Boat Company of Bristol, Rhode Island, calling Virgin Gorda of the British Virgin Islands their home port. Skip expertly navigated the Caribbean Sea and sailed ocean passages with his sons. Skip's favorite places were the homes he and Carolyn built on Skaneateles Lake and Virgin Gorda.
Later in life, he became a steward of the land. He was a conservationist at heart and bought farmland in the Skaneateles watershed that he turned into a wildlife habitat.
Russell J. (Skip) Pringle is survived by his three children: David (Francie) Pringle of Skaneateles; Daniel Pringle of Gunbarrel CO; and Kathy Pringle of Skaneateles. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Collins (Emily) Pringle of Teton Valley, Idaho; Tassie Pringle (Dror) of Portland, Oregon; Russell Burkhardt of Newman Lake, Washington; Abby Burkhardt and LB Burkhardt of Skaneateles. He also joyfully welcomed four great-grandchildren, Soren and Niko Pringle of Teton Valley, Idaho and Tahmi and Zev Zaluski of Portland, Oregon.
The Pringle family is planning to celebrate Skip's life in the spring of 2022.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Donald Henry Cross

12/19/2021

2 Comments

Donald Henry Cross passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 19, 2021 in Syracuse, NY.
Don was born in Syracuse, NY on November 11,1927 to Edwin Maxon and Marguerite (Vogler) Cross. Don served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. He served his community of Skaneateles as a Rotarian, member of the Skaneateles Planning Board, an inaugural member of the Skaneateles Ski Hill and honorary and founding member of the Skaneateles Polo Club, and an avid golfer and longtime member of the Skaneateles Country Club.
    Don and wife Suzanne Lipe, dedicated a multitude of years volunteering for Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Services (S.A.V.E.S.) and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Don was an avid Skaneateles Lake fisherman. He enjoyed cars and racing and was a private pilot.
    He is survived by sons Charles T. and Donald E. (Heidi), daughters Brenda DeVreugd, Debra Cross (Edward) Rogers and Allison L. Cross. He is survived by sisters Marilyn (Raymond) Salvie and Linda (Bob) Kick;11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
     Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suzanne Lipe Cross and his daughter Eloise Hoyt, brothers Douglas and Edwin. A long-time resident of Skaneateles, Don and Sue raised their family on the lake enjoying clam bakes, water and equestrian sports, and raising horses and dogs. They enjoyed annual vacations in Boothbay Harbor, ME.
     A memorial gathering is planned for Summer 2022.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to S.A.V.E.S.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Michael James Richardson

12/17/2021

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On Friday, December 17, 2021, Michael James Richardson passed away quietly at his home at the age of 69. Mike was born August 5, 1952, in Binghamton, NY. He attended Union Endicott High School, shortly after he was drafted into the United States Army on November 27, 1972, as a Water Craft Operator until August 2, 1974. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Mike reenlisted in the National Guard, where he served in the 204th Engineering Battalion. He retired from service November 5, 1995 as a Sargent and was a member of the Legion Post 239 of Skaneateles, NY.
Mike was employed by the Pioneer Company and worked for Michael J. Falcone, Sr. as a Building and Grounds Supervisor for 35 plus years in Skaneateles, NY. Mike was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Mike was a life member at the Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club.
            Mike was predeceased by his parents, Chauncey and Helen (Murphy) Richardson. He is survived by three sisters, Judy (Lou) Anderson, Roxane Schneider, Mary Richardson and two brothers Raymond Richardson and Wallace Richardson and several nieces and nephews.
            Calling hours and funeral services will be postponed until spring.
            In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club, P. O. Box 108, Skaneateles, NY 13152 or the American Legion Post 239, 3808 Jordan Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Sharon Marie Wilcox Snyder

Robert A. Green, Jr.

Beverly Louise Short

Robert G. Bulman

John Omar Spain

Bryan A. Byler

Mary Louise Schreck Gray

Russell J. (Skip) Pringle

Donald Henry Cross

Michael James Richardson

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