Obituaries & Guestbook

Barbara J. Vargason (Deles)

8/13/2018

Barbara J. Vargason (Deles) died August 13 at The Commons at St. Anthony. She died two years and one day after Charles, her husband of 67 years, passed away. Barbara and Charles are survived by daughter Paula (David) and son Charles R. (Natoma) and granddaughters Hannah and Audrey. They were pre-deceased by their son Peter.
Barbara was a devoted mother, housekeeper and caregiver for many years to her mother Adelaide and her son Peter who battled MS for 15 years. Barbara was a congregant at St. James Episcopal, taught Sunday School there, and volunteered at the Church thrift shop. She was also known for her excellent baked goods, especially her cookies and cakes.
Barbara and her sisters Pat and Sally worked at the famous Comet Restaurant in Skaneateles which was opened by their parents Peter and Adelaide Deles. The restaurant became the Harbor House after Pat, who is now in Holland Michigan, took it over. Sally (White) passed 10 years ago.
Services are private. Barbara will be buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on her behalf.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

6 Comments

Richard E. Wilson

8/4/2018

9 Comments

Richard E. Wilson, 79, of Elbridge died peacefully at the Mathew House in Auburn on Saturday, August 4, 2018 after a short illness. He was born in Auburn NY. He is the son of Edward and Carrie Wilson and has a brother James. He lived most of his adult life in Elbridge with his Wife Janet and their children. Richard served in the Air Force during the Berlin Crisis, and worked as a Maintenance Mechanic at New York State Department of Transportation for 36 years retiring in 1995. He was an active member of St. Patricks’ Church in Jordan, belonging to the Knights of Columbus. Richard volunteered as a driver for Scat Van Service and delivered meals for the Jordan Elbridge Meals on Wheels. Richard was very active; he loved the great outdoors with many activities from golfing in leagues and with friends, fishing, hunting and hiking.
Surviving are his Wife Janet of 59 years, Sons, Greg (Susan) of Little River South Carolina, and Robert (Teresa) of Lake Orion, Michigan, and Daughter Anne Wilson Morley (Augustin) of Rochester, NY; Grandchildren, Scott (Sarah), Shawn, Sam and Katie Wilson; AJ, Jacob and Benjamin Morley; Great Grand Children Max, Eve and Katelind Wilson; his brother Jim (Dolores) Wilson,
A Mass will be held on September 1st at 10 am at St. Patricks’ Church, 28 N Main St, Jordan, NY. Much gratitude and many thanks to ALL the Nurses, and Caregivers at Mathew House that showed so much kindness and compassion.
Contributions in Richard's memory to The Mathew House 43 Metcalf Dr, Auburn, NY 13021 or CNY ASA (Autism Society of America) 4465 E. Genesee St, PMB 252, DeWitt, NY 13214.

9 Comments

Nancy Babbles

8/2/2018

10 Comments

Nancy Babbles, 88, a former Skaneateles resident passed away August 2nd, in Lancaster, New York.
She moved to Skaneateles in 1942, with her parents Maurice and Helene Carroll. A 1948 graduate of Skaneateles High School, she worked at several local businesses, including Hahn’s Pharmacy, Tucker Hardware, the Telephone Company and for Dr. Robert Horne. She, and her husband Peter, owned and operated The Villager Real Estate Company until his passing in 1977. She was an amazing woman with many talents including wood crafting, working with stained glass, sewing and many other handicrafts. She loved everyone and always had a beautiful smile on her face.
Mrs. Babbles is predeceased by her husband, Peter G. Babbles, Jr., her parents and her two brothers Alvin and John Carroll.
Surviving are a daughter, Teresa (Milton) Valerio of Chapel Hill, NC; three sons: Mark Babbles of Naperville, IL, Peter J. (Jean) Babbles, Sr. of Skaneateles, NY, and Matthew (Mary) Babbles of Syracuse, NY; eight grandchildren: Manuel (Danielle) Valerio of Boston, MA, Joao (Lara) Valerio of Chapel Hill, NC, Gregory (Hollis) Babbles of Wilmette, IL, Kerry Babbles of Scottsdale, AZ, Peter J. (Sarah) Babbles, Jr. of Buffalo, NY, Stephen Babbles of Skaneateles, NY, Alex Valerio of Boston, MA, and Kelly (Thomas) Largent of Adrian, MI; four great grandchildren: Gracyn & Seve Valerio of North Carolina, Charlotte Babbles of Illinois and Sophie Babbles of Buffalo. She is also survived by her beloved companion, Paul Englert of Lancaster, NY. A private service will be held at a future date. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles, NY. Please send any donations in her memory to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227 or Skaneateles Lions Club, PO Box 302, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

10 Comments

Crystal R. Smith

8/1/2018

59 Comments

Crystal R. Smith, 38, of Liverpool passed away surrounded by her loving family on August 1, 2018. She was born on June 6, 1980 in Syracuse, NY. Crystal was a Masters Prepared Registered Professional Nurse Educator who worked as a Coordinator of Health Occupations for OCM BOCES and Adjunct Instructor for Keuka College and Aspen University; previously a Nurse Resource Specialist for Utica College and a RN at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She loved her cats and dog, enjoyed dancing and attending concerts. Crystal also enjoyed traveling. She volunteered for and participated with many medical charities and research organizations. She was an advocate for higher education in nursing and pursued lifelong learning.
Crystal is survived by her father James F. Smith, raised by her loving father and mother Robert and Ruth Anderson of Mottville, her fiancé Thomas Haskell of Liverpool, her brother James Cooper Smith (Kari) of Sennett, half-brother T.J., half-sister Stephanie and a nephew Cooper Robert Smith.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 5th from 2 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A memorial service will be on Monday at 10am at St. Augustine’s Church, Baldwinsville. Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Francis House 108 Michaels Ave. Syracuse, NY 13208.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

59 Comments

William D. Barron

7/28/2018

5 Comments

William D. Barron, 89, of Mottville passed away peacefully Saturday July 28, 2018 at home. Born in Marcellus to the late Richard and Abbie Barron, he retired as a maintenance supervisor for Longley Jones. Bill could fix anything and was a skilled woodworker being able to build and carve anything out of wood. He loved to hunt and fish and was an exceptional copper wire fisherman. While in school he played baseball, hockey and boxed. He served our country proudly in the US Army.
Bill is survived by his children Gerald, David, Daniel (Maria) and Tammy McCormick. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Arthur, Melinda, Brandon, Alyssa and Clayton along with 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his wife Alice and son Thomas.
Services for Bill will be 11am Thursday, August 2nd at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home. Calling hours will be from 9 to 11am prior to the service. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
Memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Hospice of CNY, St. Mary’s of the Lake Church or the Mottville Fire Department.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

5 Comments

Melanie Ruth Hensley

7/23/2018

16 Comments

Melanie Ruth Hensley, 67, of Marietta, NY passed away unexpectedly on July 23rd. Melanie was born on January 18, 1951 in Syracuse, NY, to the late Lucius Homer Bailey Jr. and the late Ruth Dempster Bailey. She attended Corcoran High School and SUNY Delhi, then pursued a career in veterinary science. She worked for over 30 years at Nichols Veterinary Hospital in Skaneateles, NY.
Melanie served as a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, was an avid traveler, achieved a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and enjoyed daily walks with her border collies. Most of all, Melanie cherished spending time with her three beloved grandchildren.
Surviving are her children, Elizabeth Thomas (William) of Silver Spring, MD and Melanie Hicks (Erik) of Camillus, NY; three grandchildren, Rhys Thomas, Avery Hicks, and Beatrice Thomas; four siblings, Kristine Johnson (Bruce), JoAnne Myles (Richard), Sarah Carelli, and Jonathan Bailey (MaryJo); and sister-in-law Margaret Bailey. She was pre-deceased by her husband, John Frederick Hensley, and her brother, Lucius Homer Bailey III.
A memorial service will be held on Monday July 30th at 1pm at First Presbyterian Church, Skaneateles with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John Dau Foundation www.johndaufoundation.org.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

16 Comments

Kathlene (Kathy) Murray

7/22/2018

22 Comments

Kathlene (Kathy) Murray, 49, of Elbridge, NY, passed away after a short, but valiant, battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully at home with her family near her. Kathy was the daughter of Victoria Lee Hoffman and the late Bill Gabriel. She was married to the love of her life, Bruce Murray, for 22 years and cherished the wonderful times they had together at the farm, tending to their chickens, renovating and updating their home, and camping on Wellesley Island in their RV. Kathy was known for her dynamic personality, always making people feel welcome, comfortable and cared for. She had a beautiful smile to compliment her sparkling blue eyes and a loud, hearty laugh that filled the room. She was someone you could count on to lend a helping hand and helping she did, as she had been President and Test Chair of the Skaneateles Figure Skating Club, President of the Jordan/Elbridge Children’s Workshop Preschool, a La Leche League Leader, bereavement committee member, Soup Supper volunteer, and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. Mary’s of the Lake in Skaneateles and made dance and figure skating costumes for local dance and figure skating performances. She was the previous owner of Kathy’s Kustom Sewing. She had worked at M&T Bank in the Elbridge and Skaneateles locations. Her most recent position was as the Branch Office Administrator at Edward Jones. She loved her volunteer work and careers, and she loved her coworkers dearly, as well as all the clients, customers and friends she encountered along the way. However, her greatest joy came from her family. She cherished her time with her daughter, Ashley. They were best friends who did everything together. From traveling for skating competitions and tests, to getting Mexican food at Tres Premo, to shopping anywhere and everywhere together, they were always side by side. Ashley was known as “Kathy’s shadow.” Her son, Jeffrey, was Kathy’s comic relief, always giving her reason to laugh the belly laugh we all loved. Kathy adored her son and thoroughly enjoyed the times she watched him compete as a black belt in karate. He was her strong, independent, dependable young man and she loved him, her daughter and her husband with her entire heart and soul. Kathy also loved the times spent with her mother, Vicky. They spent many lunches together at Mac’s Restaurant and had amazing times together laughing by the bonfire.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Bruce, her children, Jeffrey and Ashley, of Elbridge, her mother, Victoria Lee Hoffman, of Auburn, NY, her brother, Mark Gabriel, of Auburn, her sister and brother in law, Kathleen and James White of Elbridge, Mark and Sandy Murray of Skaneateles, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her father, Bill Gabriel of Solvay, and her grandparents, Myrle and Margaret Lee of Auburn. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, July 26th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 25th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Kathy will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Contributions may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/kathy-murrays-funeral-expenses.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

22 Comments

Marissa N. Reilly

7/11/2018

10 Comments

Marissa N. Reilly, Age 15, Skaneateles NY passed unexpectedly from a seizure in her sleep July 11, 2018. Lived in Skaneateles NY all her life, going into 11th grade at the high school. She is survived by her parents Todd Reilly and Mystica Robinson-Dilallo. Leaves behind 3 half siblings on her mother’s side. Grandparents Rose & David Pease, Cindy & Mark Robinson, Rochelle Vanworner. Many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Been active in the Woodworking of CNY carving group past 4 years. Onondaga Cycling Club the last two years, helped her get up to 20-mile bike rides. Participated yearly in Odyssey of the Mind since 4th grade. Loved cosplay, played trumpet in the band, drawing, reading, hiking, kayaking, nature and the ocean waves. She loved to write, post fan fiction stories, produced a few youtube videos on makeup and songs. Sang in the middle school talent shows all three years-Let it go, firework and Jar of Hearts; blowing away her classmates with surprise of how good she was. She had a big heart and loved to help others, even when she felt all alone at times. Whether its to stop bullying or help buy a lunch for a hungry classmate. She would have been a strong role model and loving mother had she grown up. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 15th from 12:30 to 2:30pm with a service to follow at 3pm at the First Presbyterian Church, Skaneateles. Private burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

10 Comments

Lewis Reid

7/9/2018

7 Comments

On Monday, July 9, 2018, Lewis Reid passed away at the age of 92. Born in Kerny, NJ to Ernest and Etta Bergstrom on April 17, 1926. Etta passed away a short time later, and Lewis was raised by an Aunt and Uncle, Alta, and Ralph L. Reid.
Growing up on the St Lawrence River near Alexandria Bay, he played baseball and hockey, in addition to achieving Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Enlisting in the Army 10 days before his 18th birthday he told the Army that he could ski, which landed him in the 10th Mountain Division in Northern Italy. Lewis earned a Purple Heart from a Fascist bullet, and President Truman’s decisiveness saved him from being redeployed to fight in the Pacific.
Attending Clarkson University for Electrical Engineering. Member of Lambda Iota Fraternity. Lewis got his Professional Engineering License, eventually forming his own sales engineering firm as President, Cook & Reid, Inc. A Life member of American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, and universally respected in his profession by his peers.
Married to his childhood sweetheart, M. Elaine Root in 1948, the union produced three children; Ralph L. Reid II, Lawrence D. Reid, and Veronica L. Reid (French) resulting in five Grandchildren; Ethan Johanns, Evan Johanns, Jacob French, Amelia Bozek, and Adrian Bozek. Lewis lived as an incredibly selfless Father and Husband, enjoying golf and being on the water. Predeceased by his devoted wife, Elaine, Lewis dedicated his energy to the Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, and volunteer work in the community of Skaneateles.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 13th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 14th at 11am at the Presbyterian Church, Skaneateles. Interment is Monday, July 16th at the Riverside Cemetery, Wellesley Island, at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Honor Flight, the Presbyterian Church or the Masonic Home will all be appreciated. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

7 Comments

Daniel R. "Ray" Slater

6/30/2018

10 Comments

Daniel R. “Ray” Slater, 78, of Skaneateles died at Francis House on Saturday, June 30. Born in Syracuse, he lived his adult life in Skaneateles with his Wife Esther and their children. Ray served in the Marine Corp during peace time, and then worked at and was disabled from General Crush Stone in Jamesville, NY. He was an active member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Skaneateles Rod & Gun Club, and spent his free time shooting competitive trap in several local leagues, coaching young trap shooters and following his grandchildren’s activities. In 2017, he won the Sr. Vet Runner up at the Grand American in Sparta Illinois.
Surviving are his Daughter, Elaine (Mark) Kogler; Son, Dean (Leslie) Slater; Grandchildren, Kaylyn, Justin and Madeline Slater; his brother Dennis, several half-brothers, half-sisters, several step-brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, and his Sisters and Brothers in-law.
Ray was predeceased by his Wife Esther and their Son, Alan J. Slater; his Parents Daniel Slater and Catherine Avery and his Sister Martha Wheeler.
A Memorial Service will be held on July 27th at 10 am at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Jordan Road, Mottville. Burial at Shepards Settlement Cemetery immediately following service.
Much gratitude and many thanks to ALL of the Nurses and Doctors at Upstate Medical and to the Caregivers at Francis House that showed so much kindness and compassion.
Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Skaneateles Rod & Gun Club, Inc. PO Box 108, Skaneateles, NY 13152 for the Slater Future Trap Shooters Fund, OR to Francis House 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY 13208.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

10 Comments

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Welcome

Barbara J. Vargason (Deles)

Richard E. Wilson

Nancy Babbles

Crystal R. Smith

William D. Barron

Melanie Ruth Hensley

Kathlene (Kathy) Murray

Marissa N. Reilly

Lewis Reid

Daniel R. "Ray" Slater

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