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Barry Crimmins

2/28/2018

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 Comedian and activist Barry Crimmins of Skaneateles, NY passed away on February 28, 2018. He was born in Kingston, NY on July 3, 1953. Barry is preceded in death by his father Phillip Crimmins. Much loved, Barry is survived by his wife Helen Crimmins (nee Lysen), his mother Margaret Hooe, three sisters, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was raised in Skaneateles, NY. A popular student with many lifelong friends, Barry was proud to have played football and baseball for Skaneateles Central High (class of 1971).
A scathing political satirist, Barry was one of the founding fathers of the exploding Boston comedy scene of the 70’s and 80’s. He ran the city’s first full time comedy club out of a Chinese restaurant in Cambridge called The Ding Ho helping to launch the careers of Steven Wright, Lenny Clarke, Kevin Meaney, Jack Gallagher, Tom Kenny, Bobcat Goldthwait, and many others. He also encouraged and influenced comedians such as David Cross, Patton Oswalt, and Margaret Cho. Respected for his blistering takedown of hypocrisy, Barry opened for musical acts such as Jackson Browne, Billy Bragg, and Bill Morrissey. His fans ranged from Kurt Vonnegut, Bill Hicks, Noam Chomsky to Jerry Lewis.
In 1993, Barry proudly accepted the Courage of Conscience Award from Howard Zinn on behalf of the Peace Abbey. As an abuse survivor, he was an outspoken advocate for those who needed a voice. In 1995, Barry testified before a Senate Judiciary Committee where he took AOL to task for their lax policies on child pornography trading and profiteering on their service which led to them changing their policies.
Barry wrote for The Boston Phoenix and authored the book “Never Shake Hands With a War Criminal”. His comedy album “Kill the Messenger” was loved by many and was a critical success. As a national headliner, Barry appeared on several TV shows including “Conan”, “HBO’s Young Comedians Special”, and “Evening at the Improv”. As a television writer, he wrote for “The Dennis Miller Show” and “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour”.
In 2015, Barry was the subject of Bobcat Goldthwait’s award winning documentary entitled “Call Me Lucky” where he recounted his life in comedy, activism, and victory over personal struggles. Later that year he became a member of The Friars Club. In 2016, he released his first comedy special “Whatever Threatens You”. An album of the same name was released in 2017.
Dear friend and comedian Robin Ince stated that “Barry was a warrior for compassion and fairness.” Writer/director/producer Judd Apatow said, “Barry touched so many lives. He gave so much of himself to help other people. I hope his life inspires others to follow his example. And he was hilarious.” Barry religiously tweeted at the pope to demand excommunication from the Catholic Church. When asked why, he replied “You gotta have a hobby.” Barry loved laughing with his wife and friends, music, dogs, and the Yankees.
A memorial ceremony for family and friends will be held at the Lodge at Welch Allyn (4355 State Street Road Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153) on March 17 at 8 p.m. to midnight. In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.gofundme.com/helenlysen
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 
 
 

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Barbara "Barb" Kuppinger Greenfield

2/17/2018

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Barbara “Barb” Kuppinger Greenfield, 87, of Skaneateles, NY, passed unexpectedly Saturday, February 17th, in Tampa, Florida.
Barb was born and raised in Owasco, New York, to Henry and Hortense Kuppinger. She was a 1948 graduate of Skaneateles High School and received her RN degree from Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY. Shortly after nursing school, she met her husband, Webb Benton “Banjo” Greenfield and they were married on April 26, 1952. Barb helped build and run Greenfield Farms LLC. on West Lake Road in Skaneateles. Barb was a proud mother to six children, “Gram” to 12 grandchildren, and “GG” to three great-grandchildren.
Barb was a founding member of SAVES, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Laker Limo, and a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church. Barb was also a longtime school nurse at Skaneateles Waterman Elementary and Middle School, where she enjoyed getting to help and know so many local families. In her retirement years, Barb enjoyed playing dominos and bridge with friends and spending winters in Florida.
Barb was a woman devoted to her family and faith. She was the definition of what it meant to be a “true friend.” She had a remarkable ability to make you feel incredibly special and loved. Among many other qualities – her infectious laugh, incredible story-telling, and unconditional love will be missed by all.
Barb is survived by her children; James Greenfield, Margaret Card (Michael), William Greenfield, Susan Murphy, and Thomas Greenfield (Lisa); sister Mary Ann (Kuppinger) Carmody; 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Webb Benton “Banjo” Greenfield, son David Greenfield, granddaughter Kerri Card, and brother Thomas Kuppinger.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 22, from 4 to 8pm at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 23, at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. Barb will be buried in Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SAVES, the Skaneateles Fire Department, St. Mary’s of the Lake Church Skaneateles, or the charity of your choice.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 
 
 
 
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Mary Sheppard Barron

2/16/2018

346 Comments

 
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 Mary Sheppard Barron, age 95 of Syracuse and Skaneateles, passed away on February 16, 2018.
Born in Skaneateles on December 31, 1922 Mary was a native and life resident of Skaneateles.  She graduated from Skaneateles High School and Powelson Business Institute.  She retired from the Greene Insurance Agency in 1984, and from Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County, Inc. in 2011.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Skaneateles, the Skaneateles Society of Business Women, the Seniors of Skaneateles, The Historical Society and the Native Old Times Group.  Mary was an avid bowler for 50 years and a Charter Member of the Auburn Women’s Bowling Association and a member of the AWBA Hall of Fame.  She served with the USO in Syracuse during World War II.  Mary was a devoted Yankees fan.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Ellen Sheppard, a sister, Helen Moe, brother Herbert and brother, Charles.  Mary’s husband, James, passed away February 2, 1996.
She is survived by two sons, Michael (Kyle) Barron of Orchard Park and Christopher (Deborah) Barron of Syracuse.  Grandchild, Geoffrey (Alison) Barron of Skaneateles and great-granddaughters, Alexis Barron and Makayla Barron.
Step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Gary) Wilson and Shari (Paul) Johnston of Michigan and Joey Godin of Texas.  Step-great grandchildren, Courtney, Makenzy and Briana Wilson and Brittany (Jaremy) Meador, Gabrielle, Kellijene Gillentine, Miles Soumbeniotis.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 20th from 11:00am to 1pm with a service at 1pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Mary will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to SAVES Ambulance, 77 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, NY  13152.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 
 
 

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Dr. Sebastian (Seb) Bentivegna

2/13/2018

21 Comments

 
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 Dr. Sebastian (Seb) Bentivegna, 80, of Skaneateles, New York, passed away on February 13th at Auburn Community Hospital, in the presence of family and friends.
Born in New York City, he moved to Rochester as a child. He graduated from Madison High School in 1955, attended The University of Buffalo, St. John Fisher College, and The New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He practiced Podiatry in Rochester for almost 30 years, before moving to Skaneateles, where he practiced for another 7 years and became an integral part of the community.
He is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 56 years, his children and their spouses: David and Annik; Stephen and Jeanne; Jeffrey and Rebecca; and Paula and Timothy Sullivan; grandchildren Stephen and wife Valerie, Valerie, Kristen, Anna, Wade, Janelle, Joshua, Brooke, Jack, Sebastian, and Jami; and great-grandchildren Sonny and Gabriella. He is preceded in death by his siblings Michelina, Salvatore, and Joe William.
To his family he was King, to his friends – an Ace. To all, he was larger than life itself, and blessed so many with his love, wisdom, and joy.  A great man was lost, and he will be truly missed. We take comfort in the fact that he will never be forgotten, and that his was a beautiful life fully lived.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 17th at 12n, calling hours will be from 10am to 11:30am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. 2nd Service will be at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home located 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester, NY 14626. Seb's visitation will be Monday, February 19th from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, February 20th at 10:30 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 26 Mendon Ionia Rd., followed by Seb's burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Darwin Francis Pickering

2/8/2018

6 Comments

 
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 Darwin Francis Pickering, 72 of Jordan passed away on Thursday February 8th at the VA Hospital. A native of Plattsburg, NY where he resided with his predeceased wife Lyn. He was born October 5, 1945 to the late Raymond Pickering and Vivian Slater. Darwin attended school in Elbridge and joined the Navy at the age of 17 where he finished his schooling. Darwin served on the USS Turner Joy Destroyer during the Vietnam War. He visited 20 ports around the World, his favorite was Australia. Darwin was an RD3 Radarman Petty Officer 3rd class. He received 2 Bronze Stars and many certificates. Darwin continued his career and became a machinist and went to college for heating and air conditioning. Darwin will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, dance moves and devotion to his mom. He was predeceased by his wife Yolaine (Lyn) Lawrence in 1983, mother Vivian Slater in 2017, step father Daniel Slater in 1995 and father Raymond Pickering. He is survived by his siblings Darlene (Walt) Smith of Florida, Daryle (Donna) Pickering of Skaneateles Falls, Raymond Pickering of Conquest, Donna (Bruce) Seamans of Jordan, Dennis Pickering of Memphis, Donald (Tina) Slater of Kentucky, Debby (Link) Green of Auburn and Duane (Colleen) Slater of Jordan, step sibling, Martha Wheeler and Raymond Slater. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 11th from 3 to 5pm with a service to follow at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Private burial in Highland Cemetery, Marcellus.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 

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Deborah Lynn Magnotta

2/1/2018

25 Comments

 
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 Deborah Lynn Magnotta, age 64, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2018 surrounded by family after a brave and courageous 10-month battle with cancer.   She was a warm, gentle soul and beautiful light of love to everyone she met.  She was born March 29, 1953 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Peg and George Beddoe. She was a 1971 graduate of West Scranton High School. Her passion in life was children and teaching them how to read was her gift. She earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Marywood College and her MS as a reading specialist from Kutztown University.  Debbie moved with her husband Vincent to Allentown, PA in 1976 where she stayed home to raise her children and later taught kindergarten at St. Thomas More School.  She prided herself in being a mother above anything else. She often said what gave her the most happiness in life was making homemade meals and surrounding herself with those she loved in her home.  In 2014, she moved with Vincent to Camillus, NY to be close to her daughter’s growing family.  While in Syracuse, she worked as a preschool teacher at Learn As You Grow and later Holy Family School.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Vincent; daughter Lauren LaGrow and son Zachary Magnotta. Mother-in-law to Joshua LaGrow, Nana to Grayson, Parker and Norah LaGrow; and in passing she is now with her son, Vincent Mark.  Sister to Cheryl George, Patricia Nicastro and Marion Iobst. Debbie was a gift from God shared with everyone she knew.
 Her life will be celebrated in a mass at Holy Family Church, 130 Chapel Drive Syracuse, NY on February 10th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Vincent Mark and Deborah Magnotta Fitness and Wellness Scholarship”.  Debbie and her husband started this scholarship in 1999 after losing their son Vincent Mark to cancer at the age of 20.  This scholarship is awarded annually for students at Emmaus High School who exemplify outstanding character and make fitness and wellness a priority, which were important to Vinny and Debbie. Checks can be made out to East Penn School District Memorial Fund with a notation “Vincent Mark and Deborah Magnotta Fitness and Wellness Scholarship”. East Penn School District, 800 Pine Street, Emmaus, PA 18049.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 
 
 

25 Comments

John Michael Shannon

2/1/2018

37 Comments

 
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 John Michael Shannon, the eldest son of nine children born to John and Veronica Shannon, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at Loretto Nursing Home in Syracuse. His wife of 42 years, Carol, was by his side. John was raised in the Tipperary Hill neighborhood alongside the many Irish-American families that populated “the west end”. The friends John made as a boy in that neighborhood became lifelong friends. He attended
St. Patrick’s Parochial School and after graduation enrolled at Niagara University. John earned a law degree from Syracuse University, after which he served in the Vietnam War. John was hired as a prosecutor at the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, rising to Chief Assistant District Attorney, where he worked alongside exceptional colleagues who also became friends. During this time, John met and married Carol Ann Moore.
Eventually, John left the Office and became a partner at Milford Lynch and Shannon in Skaneateles. Together, John and Carol raised four happy children. John shared his love of skiing, sailing, camping, and reading with all of his children. He loved Syracuse and its traditions. John was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Skaneateles, Rotary International Club, and remained a member of the Bar Association and the American Legion. Alzheimer’s disease took its toll on John but he was helped immensely by the love and support of his extended family and network of friends. He enjoyed frequent visits from his siblings and received great care from the staff on the eleventh and thirteenth floors at Loretto. John was born March 11, 1941. He was predeceased by his sister Marie and his parents John and Veronica Shannon. John is survived by his wife, Carol Shannon, and children, Allison Olley (Michael), Carolyn Shannon (Chris Donovan), John Shannon, and Molly Shannon. John will be missed by his five grandchildren, Ruby and Emmett Donovan, and Sean, Sam, and Leo Olley; and by his siblings, brothers Robert (Sonja), Peter (Sheila Brady), Paul (Linda), Thomas (Arlyne), William (Claudia), and sisters Patricia (Bruce) and Margaret. An Irish celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Roman Catholic Church on Jordan Street in Skaneateles at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following and until later afternoon all are invited to join his wife and family at a reception at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Michael C. Cogswell Scholarship Fund at Marcellus Central Schools.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 
 
 

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