Obituaries & Guestbook

Helen A. Austin

9/18/2020

Helen A. Austin, 101, of Auburn, passed away on Friday September 18th. She was born at home on April 2, 1919 in Niles, NY. Helen was the daughter of Charles and Edna Gravitt. Helen was a homemaker and she was a member of Owasco Reformed Church. Helen was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who enjoyed sewing, crocheting, canning, and growing flowers. She enjoyed traveling to Florida and spending her winters each year with her husband Harold in years past.
She is survived by her son Norman E. Austin and his wife Mary K. Austin; seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband Harold A. Austin, daughter Cynthia A. Austin, and sister Doris Rejman.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd at 11am at Owasco Rural Cemetery.
The Austin family thanks the staff at AMH and The Commons for their care and support. Donations may be made in Helen’s memory to Owasco Fire Department, Fleming Fire Department and Owasco Reformed Church. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Robert G. Werner (Bob)

9/13/2020

7 Comments

Robert G. Werner (Bob) passed peacefully September 13, 2020 surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. Born March 6, 1936 in South Bend, Indiana, he graduated from Purdue University, married his beloved wife Jo (Hite) and spent 2 years serving in the Marine Corps. He went on to get a Master’s degree from UCLA and a PhD from Indiana University. In 1966 the family moved to Syracuse, New York where he began teaching at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His specialty was ichthyology and limnology. He also spent 2 years at Cornell University before returning to ESF and moving to Skaneateles where he has become a champion of Skaneateles Lake and the surrounding Finger Lakes. He was actively involved in managing invasive species and caring for the general health of the lakes.
Additionally, in 1978 Bob spent 6 months in Oban, Scotland working with the Scottish Marine Biological Association and in 1988 Bob and Jo went to Argentina under a Fulbright Scholarship.
Bob’s love for the Finger Lakes and the community of which he was a part was superseded only by his love for his family. He was an inspiration to many not only in his intelligence and scientific knowledge, but also in his patient and modest way. Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, a daughter Kitty Robinson (Andy), a son Kurt, a sister Anita (Richard) O’Toole, and a brother Michael (Virginia) Werner and 5 grandchildren; Jeff (Jamie), Corey and Haley Werner, Rachel and Anita Robinson.
There is a CaringBridge website for Robert Werner where we will post information on a memorial sometime in the future. You can subscribe to the site to receive e-mail updates.
Donations can be made to Skaneateles Lake Association or Finger Lakes Land Trust.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Robert Carl Spearing

9/4/2020

39 Comments

Robert Carl Spearing of Marietta, NY passed away unexpectedly on September 4th, 2020 while mountain biking with his dear friends in the Adirondack Mountains. He was only 53 years old.
Rob was born on November 12th, 1966 in Auburn, NY. He graduated from Jordan-Elbridge High School in 1985. Rob first attended the State University of New York at Oswego where he received a bachelor’s degree in teaching and then attended the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he received a second bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Rob began his young engineering career at Phillips and then moved to Pall Trinity in Cortland in 1991. In 2012 he moved to the Carrier Transicold Corporation as an engineering manager. Within eight years he had been promoted to an Associate Director of Engineering Management position. He was incredibly respected by his peers and colleagues alike.
A passionate and enthusiastic hunter and fisherman, an avid boater and adventurer, Rob loved to be outdoors. He cherished his time as a charter boat captain on Lake Ontario for 7 years through his college years and beyond. Rob joined the Cazenovia Fire Department in the late nineties where he served there for 11 years as an officer. During that time, he enjoyed conducting training for the Madison County Search and Rescue Dive Team. In 2009, Rob moved to Otisco Lake and joined the Amber Fire Department not only becoming a respected member and receiving their 2014 Fire Fighter of the Year Award, but also a man who fully embraced the members of the lake community.
Rob 1st became a father in 1996 when his son Tristan was born and again in 2002 when he adopted his daughter Victoria, he embraced fatherhood spending every moment possible with his children. From coaching their baseball teams, teaching them to ski, taking them hiking, attending their swim meets and attending Victoria’s soccer games, he was a constant encourager and mentor. He cherished his role as their Dad and adored them beyond compare. Rob passed on his large passion for life, his sense of adventure, his gentle kindness and ever-expansive generosity.

In 2009, he met his future wife, his true soul mate and love of his life, Jennifer Tambroni Spearing. They married on January 7th, 2012 and he did not hesitate to take a place beside Zachary & Olivia Maitland (Kopec), in his role as their father, embracing them with love, wise guidance and happiness.
He was a selfless man of true character. A kind, gentle and humble man who was loved, respected and revered by family, friends and colleagues alike. Perpetually happy and always looking for the next great adventure to embark upon; his positive energy and fun spirit have left a gaping hole in a sea of aching hearts. He effortlessly and kindly touched so many, many lives in a positive and meaningful way. The sudden, tragic passing of his beautiful soul is shocking and has left many in unbearable pain. He would have wanted everyone to make sure to be excellent to each other through this difficult time.
In addition to wife Jennifer and children Zachary, Olivia, Victoria and Tristan, he is survived by his mother, Sheril Spearing, sister Karen Spearing Sikorski and her daughters; Ashley Sikorski (Zachary Edwards), Caitlyn Sikorski (Dan Culotta), great niece Kadence Sikorski, son in law, Paul Kopec and grandson, Paul Kopec Jr. He is predeceased by his father, William F Spearing and brother in law, Rich Sikorski.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 17th from 4 to 8 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
The open-air funeral will be held on Friday, September18th beginning at 10 am at the Lafayette Apple Festival grounds – 5330 Rowland Road, La Fayette NY 13084. Please dress accordingly and plan to arrive promptly at 10 am to seat yourself/group in the lawn. Chairs will be provided at the venue. We ask that you bring a face covering and practice the allotted 6 feet of social distancing between groups. We invite you to join us after the service for a meal and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amber Volunteer Fire Department.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Charles Bradford Rounds

9/2/2020

19 Comments

Charles Bradford Rounds (CBR, Charlie), 69 of Skaneateles passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday.
Charlie, a reputable lifetime resident of Skaneateles, contributed immensely to our community throughout his career by developing and enhancing many of our lakeside properties through his business ‘The Boat Barn.’ Charlie fully restored the Civil War cannons in the Lakeview cemetery for our community. His generosity, meticulous craftsmanship and extraordinary memory of our community’s history and culture will long be remembered.
Charlie is survived by his wife Melanie, daughter Abby, his favorite little friend Grace and a grandson Jonathan. He is also survived by his cousin Dave Rounds, step mom Eloise Wentzel, step sisters Leslie and Leigh, step brother Van. Several nieces and nephews, and his many, many dearly loved friends.
Charles’s wishes were in lieu of flowers please donate to the SPCA. He loved his kitties Max and Emmy with all his heart. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 9th from 4 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Masks are required and limited entry in the building at one time. There will be a celebration of Charles’s life at a later date.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Richard E. Hunt

8/29/2020

4 Comments

Richard E. Hunt, 87, formally of Skaneateles, who resided in Sennett at the time of his death passed away Saturday, August 29th. Surviving are his wife Arlene of Sennett, his son Terry (Joanne) of Skaneateles, sisters June May of King Ferry and Judy Baloni of Auburn, a granddaughter Tara (Tom) of Fayetteville, and several nieces and nephews. No services will be held at this time.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

4 Comments

James (Jim) Beaser

8/26/2020

13 Comments

James (Jim) Beaser 69, of Skaneateles passed away at home on Wednesday after a vigilant 4 1/2-year battle with stage four lung cancer. Jim is predeceased by his brother Donald, and his parents, Jean and Dennis. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jacqueline, his son Jonathan (Kathleen) and grandchildren Reese and Brady, and five step siblings. He enjoyed traveling, the lake and most of all spending time with his family. He loved playing and watching sports and was an avid sports collector.
Calling hour will be held on Tuesday, September 1st from 9 to 10am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Masks are required and limited entry in the building at one time. Funeral service will be private. Jim will be buried in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society 6725 Lyons Street PO Box 7 East Syracuse, NY 13057.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Arthur T. Dudden

8/26/2020

8 Comments

Arthur T. Dudden 80, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Arthur was a lifelong resident of Skaneateles. Arthur worked over 25 years with the Skaneateles DPW and worked as a ground’s keeper at the Skaneateles Greens. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, life member of the Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club, Model Aeronautics Club of Syracuse Marcellus Field. Arthur was predeceased by his wife Caro A. Belknap in 2004, his parents Thomas J. and Margaret (Cox) Dudden and 2 brothers Thomas and baby Jack. He is survived by 4 children Jodie (Dennis) Morgan, John (Kathy) Dudden, Jane (Mike) Murphy and Jeff (Robin) Dudden; brother Robert (Sandy) Dudden; 7 Grandchildren Alex, Nick, Staci, Jordan, Kyle, Evelyn, Natalie and 5 Great-Grandchildren. A special thank you to Jerry, Hayden, nurses Beth and Grace. Services are private. Arthur will be buried in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles. In lieu of flowers donations in his name can be made to SAVES.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Brenda Marie Greene

8/19/2020

5 Comments

Brenda Marie Greene, born April 22, 1964, passed away after battling cancer on August 19th.
Born to Janice and the late Floyd Woodcock in Rome, NY, Brenda grew up surrounded by her large family in Skaneateles and attended Skaneateles High School. Brenda worked locally, spending the last years of her career at Allred and Associates Inc. fabricating carbon fiber products. Brenda loved reading, playing card and board games with her family, and clogging with the Erie Canal Cloggers.
Brenda is survived by her husband Charles Heitman, daughters Kelly Ware, Amy Greene, and Jessica Greene, and her grandson Benjamen Robert Ware. Brenda is also survived by her mother Janice Woodcock, her siblings David (Monica) Woodcock, Deborah (Steve) Woodcock, Robbie Woodcock, Donald (Michelle) Woodcock, and Laurie Woodcock, her lifelong friend Barbara Brenneman, in-laws Patricia (David) Gambier, Mark May, and Barbara Heitman, and her many nieces and nephews. Brenda was predeceased by her father, Floyd Woodcock on September 24, 2007, and her first husband, Richard Greene on October 6, 2000.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 8th from 4-6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Masks are required and limited entry in the building at one time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

5 Comments

Eleanor Dunfee

8/17/2020

14 Comments

Eleanor Dunfee, age 95, passed away at home on Monday August 17th. Eleanor was predeceased by her parents and siblings. She was also predeceased by a great nephew, Gary Spencer, who kept her home in good repair and accompanied her to medical appointments for many years. She is survived by a great niece, Melissa (Spencer) Hunter who provided for her daily needs in the last few years and a great nephew, Stephen Spencer of Naples, FL. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews of multiple generations. In addition to her family, she will be missed by her neighbors, friends and her many former students.
Eleanor was a fiercely independent woman. She taught school in Jordan Eldridge, retiring in 1983. She had a home built in Skaneateles over 50 years ago and resided there until her death. She loved and enjoyed life and people Miss Dunfee, as she was known by her students, was always positive, upbeat, generous and kind. She will be sorely missed.
Local services will be at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Towanda, PA. Memorials may be directed to Dollars for Scholars at Jordan Eldridge Central Schools.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

14 Comments

Vincent A. Benko

8/4/2020

8 Comments

Vincent A. Benko, 90, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 4, 2020. Vincent was born in Binghamton, N.Y. to Frances and Vincent Benko Sr. on November 23,
1929. He graduated from North High School in Binghamton in 1947 and entered the Engineering Program at IBM Endicott, where he worked as an engineer for 45 years. In 1950 he married Irene M. Gobany and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 22, 2020. They had resided in Binghamton N.Y. for 62 years until relocating to Skaneateles N.Y. in 2016, where he resided at the time of his death. Vincent was a communicant of St Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles N.Y. and St. Cyril’s in Binghamton, N.Y.
Vincent’s family and friends will remember him for his gentle nature and love of life and family. Vincent was predeceased by his parents Frances and Vincent Benko Sr and his brother Henry.
He is survived by his wife Irene and his children, David (Christine) Benko, Munroe Falls, OH, Diane (Peter) Lynch, Skaneateles, N.Y., and James (Janet) Benko, Gaithersburg, MD., grandchildren, Jessica (William) Murphy, John (Danielle) Lynch, Patrick (Jackie) Benko, Regan (Ryan) McKinley, Brian Benko, Mary Elizabeth (Dennis) Woo, Colin (Lizzie) Benko, Sarah (Dan) Oska and Margaret (James) Buckley and great -grandchildren, Emma and Will Murphy, Hannah, Callaghan, and Andie Lynch, Maeve, Cormac and Aileen McKinley, Owen, Connor and Aiden Benko, Benjamin and Josephine Oska and Connor Buckley.
Services will be private and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be to The Skaneateles Education Foundation.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Helen A. Austin

Robert G. Werner (Bob)

Robert Carl Spearing

Charles Bradford Rounds

Richard E. Hunt

James (Jim) Beaser

Arthur T. Dudden

Brenda Marie Greene

Eleanor Dunfee

Vincent A. Benko

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