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Rodney Miles Thomas

1/29/2020

Rodney Miles Thomas, 74, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, New York. Rod was predeceased by his parents Fred B. Thomas and Mildred M. Thomas of Skaneateles. He is survived by his older brother Donald M. Thomas (Janice), sisters Carol T. Shumway (Bruce), and Susan T. Sealy (Robert). Private services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery.

Rod was a graduate of Massanutten Military Academy and Auburn Community College. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Following his naval service he was employed by ALCO of Auburn for over 18 years and Thompson and Johnson in Syracuse for 20 years before retiring in 2010. Rod had been a student of the Frank Mucedola Accordion School since the age of 11 and remained a life-long accomplished accordionist. He was an avid reader and enjoyed researching history.

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Henry William Leubner

1/27/2020

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Henry William Leubner of Skaneateles passed away on Monday, January 27 at home with his loving wife of 72 years, Ella Louise (Dye) by his side.
Henry grew up in Marrietta, NY and was the oldest child of Edmund and Bertha Leubner. When his Dad died suddenly, Henry took over the family farm before he completed his education at Marcellus Central Schools.
On August 14, 1948 Henry married the love of his life and soulmate Ella Louise Dye at Rose Hill Baptist Church. This event began the establishment of our huge family tree. Henry and Ella were blessed with 10 children, Henry Jr. (Rebecca Slater), Jane (Donald LaMay), Debra (Thomas Roe), Daniel (Terri Tucker), Mark (Carol Townsend), Melody (Thomas Notarpole), Sherry (John Kucher), Paul (Lisa Nelson), Jonathan (Kara Day), and Tom (Lisa Spearing). From these 10 families Henry and Ella have been blessed with 42 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. So, what is a legacy? Papa put his mark on all our futures and they will be carried on for generations and generations to come.
   Henry worked his own farm on Benson Road until he bagan working at New Venture Gear, where he worked until he retired. While at NPG “Hank” was known for handing out Our Daily Bread devotionals to everyone he came into contact with, along with a lot of stinky cheese. Sharing his faith and the message of salvation wasn’t just a hobby, it was a deep passion he held. Dad was especially burdened for those who had not yet placed their trust and hearts with the lifesaving knowledge of Jesus.
   Dad’s passions besides his family, included spending time at his pond feeding the ducks and napping at his cabin. He was always in awe as he looked at God’s creation around him. He was marveled by how beautiful the screnery was whereever he went. He also collected 2-cylinder John Deere tractors, taught Sunday school, and he LOVED food, especially limberger cheese.
   Although Dad had this tough, rock solid exterior, he had a soft spot in his heart for ALL “his” babies (no matter their age).
   Dad enjoyed his daily excursions to destinations unknown to us all. You would hear, “going to the city” and he’d be gone for hours. He would then return so excited over his “sale” purchase – that he had driven 100 miles to get.
   One of my favorite parts of Dad was that no matter your name, he would always re-name you. These special nicknames have forever stuck and always make us laugh.
   We wanted to include some of Dad’s favorite bible verses, but after looking at his bible, there are more verses underlined than not. I truly believe I speak for all of us, it was an honor and a privilege to call him Dad and Papa. I can clearly hear Jesus saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant – welcome home”.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 11am at Rose Hill Baptist Church. Calling hours will be on Friday from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Henry will be buried in Thorn Hill Cemetery. Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rose Hill Baptist Church, 2609 Rose Hill Rd. Marietta, NY 13110.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Clara Elisabeth Coppolo

1/20/2020

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HUDSON, MA & SKANEATELES, NY

Clara Elisabeth Coppolo (nee Holbein), known as Betsy, entered heaven Monday, January 20, 2020 in Care Dimensions Hospice House, Lincoln, MA at the age of 92.
She leaves three daughters: Sandra A. Anderson ( Richard Fish) of Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada, Bernadine Perham of Hudson, MA and JoAnne Coppolo (Charly Ehlin) of Somerville, MA; brother, Robert Alan Holbein of Auburn, NY; two grandchildren: Sean Perham (Julia) and Amber Dawn Upfold ( CJ Rowe); two great-grandchildren, Maya and Andrew Perham. Aunt ‘Bets’ will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and their families. Predeceased by her former husband John F. Coppolo (1927-2014); son John W. Coppolo (1952-1954); and grandson, Andrew J. Perham (1980-1997) and siblings, George Peter Holbein, Marion Almina Gilfus and William David Holbein.
Born in New York, NY on Nov. 19,1927, Betsy, her parents Walter and Viola (Gray) and four siblings moved to a number of locations in central New York until settling on the family farm in the Township of Owasco, NY. At the age of 16, she graduated from Skaneateles High School, as Salutatorian of the Class of 1943. As a cadet nurse she attended Ellis Hospital School of Nursing in Schenectady, NY. Betsy was editor of their yearbook and 1947 representative at the International Congress of Nursing in Atlantic City. She graduated third in the class of 1948. While in her 30s, Betsy went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health from Syracuse University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1962.
Betsy’s experiences as a registered nurse includes Obstetrics, hospital supervising Nurse and as a visiting Public Health Nurse. After Betsy completed her BS degree, she remained a New York State Public Health Director until she retired in 2003. Following retirement, Betsy relocated to Florida for several years and worked part-time as a Nursing Instructor in Dade County. She later returned to New York, and continued to work part-time for the National follow up service doing phone interviews for discharged rehabilitation patients. In 2014, she relocated once again, to Massachusetts to be closer to her family.

Betsy was a giving, optimistic person who always paid it forward by freely giving her time volunteering. As a 4H leader when her children needed a group leader, helping in a local soup kitchen and assisting refugees through her church. She was also an Overeaters Anonymous member, sponsor and mentor. Betsy was an active and devout member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic church in Hamburg, NY where she was a Lector, Eucharistic minister and Health ministry member.
Betsy’s bucket list included traveling and she was proud to have visited all 50 states and Scotland. These adventures, family history and events she carefully documented in labeled and dated binders. Above all, Betsy adored her family. She never missed a birthday – children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews could always count on her, to remember them with a card each year.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans, the Salvation Army, or Care Dimensions Hospice House, 75 Sylvan St., B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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John "Jake" Moore

1/11/2020

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John “Jake” Moore, 86, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2020. He was the son of the late, Leo and Mabel (Cox) Moore. Jake graduated from Cathedral High School in Syracuse, and the University of Massachusetts at Stockbridge. He worked at the Skaneateles Country Club as a superintendent for over 40 years and was a member of the GCSAA for over 50 years. Jake was a US Airforce veteran and a member of the American Legion Post #239.
He was survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Tierney Moore; daughter, Kathleen Moore Bianchi; son, John K. (Shay) Moore of Richmond, VA; two grandsons, John “Jake” and David Bianchi; three sisters, Elaine Sexton, Dorothy (Mike) Cogswell, and Carol Shannon, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be private. Donations in Jake’s memory may be made to SAVES or Michael Cogswell’s Scholarship Fund.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Nancy Mains Ennulat

1/8/2020

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Nancy Mains Ennulat, 84, of Skaneateles, died peacefully on January 8, 2020 at Upstate University Hospital.
Born in Kingston, PA on October 26, 1935, she was the daughter of Charles V. Mains and Neva Gertrude Mains. Mrs. Ennulat went to preparatory school at Wyoming Seminary, continued her education at Syracuse University and completed a Master of Science in Microbiology at Upstate Medical Center, where she worked as a Transplantation Researcher.
She married Joachim Ennulat August 4, 1956 in Germany and they have two sons David Ennulat of Phillipston, MA and Sean Ennulat of Jordan, NY. They lived on a picturesque farm in Skaneateles, NY. Her hobbies included horseback riding, gardening, and sailing. She completed a lifetime dream with her husband of sailing from Cayuga Lake to the Bahamas.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband as well as her two sons and five grandchildren Nathan Ennulat, Melissa Ennulat, Tase Lottermoser, Colin Ennulat, and Ashlee Ennulat.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life of Nancy M. Ennulat at
The Fair Haven Yacht Club, 14510 West Side Dr, Fair Haven, NY 13064 on Saturday, July 25, 2020 from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm. Food will be served.
https://fhyc.org/

Kindly RSVP by E-mail to dennulat AT hotmail.com with a Subject of "Celebration of Life".

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Mrs. Ennulat’s name may be made to The Wyoming Seminary 201 North Sprague Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Ethel Stewart Sheppard

1/5/2020

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Ethel Stewart Sheppard passed away surrounded by family on January 5, 2020 in Geneva at the age of 101 just shy of her 102nd birthday. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Kenneth; her brothers Richard and John, sister Eleanor Clark and grandson Jeffrey Sheppard. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Knitter (Carl) and son Stewart (Jeralyn), 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren.
She was born in Auburn to Clifford and Clara Stewart of Skaneateles where she lived most of her life. She graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1937. She was a life-long member of Skaneateles Methodist Church. After high school she worked in many restaurants in Skaneateles including The Krebs and Sherwood Inn. She worked at Thomas' 5&10 Store. She married and was a homemaker. After her children left home she worked in the cafeteria at the school and also babysat for two families in Skaneateles. She was an avid bird watcher and loved flowers. In her younger years she grew African Violets for sale and had quite a business. She loved her family and always enjoyed seeing all of her grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 10th at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles with a memorial service to follow at 12n. Ethel will be buried in Lake View Cemetery. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Mottville Fire Department or SAVES.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Harold Edward Leonard

1/4/2020

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Harold Edward Leonard of Skaneateles and Brookdale Senior Living, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Saturday, January 4, 2020 in Syracuse at the age of 91. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 59 years, Mary and his brother Lester. He is survived by his children, Jim (Patty), Amy and Dave (Susan) and grandchildren Elizabeth, Ellie, Katie and Tim.
Harold was born to Walker and Gladys Leonard of Skaneateles, where he lived most of his life. He graduated Skaneateles High School in 1946, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Rochester in 1950, and a Master’s degree from Syracuse University.
His introduction to teaching science and technology came during the Korean Conflict when he was selected to be an instructor in the Ground Radar School at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. After the service and a year teaching high school science, he transitioned to college level instruction. He joined the faculty of Cayuga Community College (Auburn Community College) in 1956 and served as a full-time professor for over 40 years.
His hobbies were as wide as his intellectual curiosity. Camping, sailing, gardening, radio-controlled model boats, bird-watching and music were all a vital part of his life. His favorite activity however was fishing, and he loved nothing more than being on the lake catching perch, bass, salmon and especially trout. He served as a ranger naturalist for the National Parks Service in Glacier National Park for two summers, volunteered for the Boy Scouts, and led family camping expeditions every summer. He was an active member of both the Skaneateles and Auburn Community Bands, and could be found most summer Friday nights in the Gazebo at the end of the lake in the “horn” section. He was particularly proud of giving back to the community, and volunteered regularly at Baltimore Woods, the MOST in Syracuse and for the Skaneateles historical society at the Creamery.
Calling hours will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 11th at the Skaneateles Methodist Church, with a memorial service at 2:00 pm. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Baltimore Woods Nature Center.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Rodney Miles Thomas

Henry William Leubner

Clara Elisabeth Coppolo

John "Jake" Moore

Nancy Mains Ennulat

Ethel Stewart Sheppard

Harold Edward Leonard

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