Blog Archives

Mary P. Dobies

2/27/2023

    Mary P. Dobies, 84 of Skaneateles Falls, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on February 27th, surrounded by her loving family.
    Born in Shenandoah, PA, later moving to Syracuse after graduation and meeting her husband Robert of 58 years. They ventured to California and then headed back east in 1963 with Mary loving her Skaneateles Falls Home.
    They raised their 4 children there for 25 years. Mary was known for her expertise in the kitchen, offering a meal anyone who should come in the door. She could perfect any Polish meal and Sunday meals after church were special!
    Mary loved to travel, wintered in Florida, played Bingo, visited the casinos, and just visit with family. She would help and assist with any stray, or hurt animal or human in her path! She was always noted for her bright smile.
    Predeceased by her husband Robert Dobies, mother Helen Wardigo and sister Catherine Guers.
    Mary is survived by her 4 children; John (Sue) Dobies, Donna (Paul) Ashbarry, Gary Dobies (Tina Bower), Christina (Gene) Gray. 7 Grandchildren: Shane Dobies, (Elise Porreca), Jordan (Caroline) Dobies, Trevor Dobies (Erika Holland), Chad Gray, Connor Gray (Morgan), Tori Dobies. Great-Grandchildren: Jianni Dobies, Mason Gray, Thomas Dobies and nieces and nephews.
    As per her wishes services are private. Mary will be buried next to her husband Robert in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
    In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Matthews House 43 Metcalf Drive, Auburn, NY 13021.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Mildred "Midge" Grace (Hart) Tracy

2/26/2023

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    Mildred “Midge” Grace (Hart) Tracy, danced into Heaven on February 26, 2023, after celebrating her 87th birthday on February 12. She was the daughter of Millicent and William Hart and grew up in Minoa with seven siblings; Lil, Flossie, Bessie, Vera, Son, Raymond and Pete. She was married 60 years to her beloved husband Jack, who preceded her to Heaven in 2015.
    She was the best mother to Debbie, John, Jimmy (Kim), Kelly (Elizabeth) and Travis (Heather); a loving grandmother to Jared (Mattie), Jacob (Brandi), Joshua, Kristen, JP, Vanessa, Jessica, Erica, Katelyn, Karmyn, Skylar, Michael, Caleb (Shayna) and Christina; a great grandmother to nine precious great grandchildren along, with many nieces and nephews.
As a young married couple, Jack and Midge danced their way through life, building houses and a family, settling in Skaneateles for over 60 years.
    Jack and Midge shared a love for dancing, country music, Elvis, hard work and America. So many memories of Midge’s love, care, laughter and feistiness to cherish. She planted seeds of faith in Jesus Christ in our lives, such a special and unique role model. She loved and had a passion to create and utilized her God given gifts; helping Jack build houses and develop their business, painting landscapes, sewing, creating beautiful indoor spaces and outdoor gardening, baking intricate wedding cakes, blue ribbon pies and sugar cookies, celebrating each and every holiday with decorating and making special dishes, Christmas a favorite.
    Midge had a great love for babies, a special affinity for horses, especially Tinker and Susie. Midge never said no to a good cup of coffee with a sweet treat and loved anything the color of lavender. She enjoyed scenic riding adventures, trips to Disney, enjoying sunsets, deer and turkey on beautiful Skaneateles Lake.
    We want to express a special thank you to all of mom‘s caregivers, who so lovingly cared for mom in her home; Vera, Linda, Lisa, Kathy, Regina, Jessica, Jen and Anna. A thank you to the team at Hospice CNY also.
    In lieu of flowers, Midge would say eat something sweet, make the stop, take a moment to value family and friendships, dance like no one is watching, love Jesus and America with all your heart, make amends, never forget the importance of forgiveness and the power behind by the name of Jesus.
    A donation may be made in Midge’s name to SAVES, or Skaneateles First Presbyterian Church, or Hospice CNY.
    A celebration of life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, 97 East Genesee Street at 10 AM, on Wednesday, March 1. Private burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles.
    A remembrance reception will immediately follow the service, at The Lodge (previous Welch Allyn) 4355 State Street, Skaneateles Falls 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Donald L. Newell

2/23/2023

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          Donald L. Newell, 89, of Niles, NY. died Thursday, February 23,2023 peacefully at The Commons on St. Anthony, Auburn.
Born at home in Shepard Settlement, he was the son of the late George and Martha Newell.
        Don worked Newell Farm with his father and two sons. He was a member of New Hope Fire Department, NYS Trappers Assoc., Niles Senior Citizens, Marcellus Historical Society, and Eastern Milk Co-op. He enjoyed making maple syrup, woodworking, building doll houses and cookbook collecting.
    Don’s pride was the family that survives him. He was married to Helen Crysler Newell 67 years. Daughter Donna (Fred) Sovocool of Moravia. Sons John (Lea) Newell of Niles and Dale (Missy) Newell of Marietta. Grandchildren Greg (Cara) Porter of Parish, Andy (Pam) Porter of Durham, NC, Amy (Michael) Weeks of Moravia, Doug (Ashley)Porter of Niles, Donald (Sara) Newell of Haines City Fl. Dakotah and Harlie Newell of Marietta. Seven great grandchildren. Sisters Helen Cole of Avon and Barbara (Fred) Eberhardt of Niles. Several in-laws and nieces and nephews.
                       A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 11th at the Navarino Fire Dept Hall, 3276 Amber Rd. Syracuse at 2pm. Friends may call from 1-2 p.m. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.
    Contributions may be made to the New Hope Fire Department or Marcellus Historical Society.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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James F. Smith

2/22/2023

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    James F. Smith, 73, of Sennett passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Upstate University Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born December 31, 1949, in Auburn to the late Thomas and Ruth Smith.
    He was a graduate of Skaneateles High School and worked for the Town of Sennett Highway Department for almost 30 years. He was the President of the Cayuga County Town Highway Superintendents Association, the New York State Association of Town Superintendents, along with President of the Syracuse Microd Club.
    Besides his parents he was also predeceased by his wife and soul mate of 30 years Nancy Updike Smith and his loving daughter Crystal Smith.
    He is survived by his brother Richard Smith, sons James (Kari) Smith and Thomas (Ireland) Smith, daughter Stephanie (Cory Freebern) Smith and several grandchildren who adored him greatly. He also left behind his little sidekick and loving dog Bud.
    Family and Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Wednesday March 8th from 4pm-7pm at the Sennett Fire Department located at 3526 Franklin Street Rd, Auburn, NY 13021. Food and refreshments available.
    Jim was compassionate about his town and his love of racing.
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Town of Sennett Fire Department and the Syracuse Microd Club where his grandchildren will continue a family tradition of racing.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dolores M. Brillo

2/16/2023

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    Dolores M. Brillo, 84, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully at home on February 16th. Born in Syracuse to the late John and Kathleen Conley, she was part of the first graduating class of West Genesee High School in 1956. She went on to receiver her RN degree from O.C.C. then worked at Auburn Memorial Hospital.
    Dolores loved to spend time in her flower gardens, going on cruises and her beloved animals.
    She is survived by her three sons Peter, Joseph (Barbara) and Eric (Theresa), the joys of her life her grandsons Jacob, Joshua and Joey. Besides her parents she was predeceased by Joseph P. Brillo and brothers Robert and Donald Conley.
    Services will be private for the family.
Memorial donations in Dolores’ memory may be made to your local SPCA.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Scott Lavery

2/16/2023

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     Scott Lavery, who grew up in Skaneateles, passed away on February 16th while snowmobiling in Idaho.

     Scott graduated in 1972 from Skaneateles High School while he worked at both Riddler’s and Trabold’s garage which prepared him for his eventual 33 year career with United Parcel service. After three relocations and several promotions ending up in California, he retired in 2017 as West Region V.P. of Automotive Fleet Maintenance and Operations.

     His son, Joshua, passed away in 2005, and he is survived by his wife, Karen, and his daughter, Sara, and her family. Known as “Jupa” to his three grandchildren, he will be greatly missed.

     No services have been scheduled at this time. Donations may be made in his honor to Guide Dogs of America / Tender Loving Canines at: guidedogsofamerica.org, an organization Scott was passionate about throughout his career.

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Sidney R. Fisher

2/15/2023

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                                                                                        Sidney R. Fisher, 85, of Homer, NY went home to meet Jesus on February 15, 2023.
                 Sidney was born on June 26, 1937, the youngest of three children, to Sidney A. and Jessie Burroughs Fisher in Cortland, NY. He grew up and lived his life in Spafford, NY. After graduating from Homer High School, he continued the family career in dairy farming. He married Nancy Hamm in 1961. They were blessed with one daughter, Deborah. Sid and Nancy sold their farm in the late 1980’s and he went to work for Fesko Farms until he retired 3 years ago. Sid was an avid outdoors-man who loved hunting and fishing. Another passion of his was gardening. He was a volunteer in the Spafford Fire Department and a member of Borodino United Methodist Church.
         Sidney was predeceased by his wife Nancy, his parents, his brother Gilbert (Grace, Sally) Fisher, and his sister Ruby (Howard) Sweet. Sidney is survived by his daughter, Dr. Deborah Fisher (Lawrence Carney), and his two grandsons, Tyler Carney and Tucker Carney. He is also survived by his significant other, Suzanne Hutchinson, and other loving family members.
        Sid enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Young and old enjoyed Sid’s fun-loving spirit and great sense of humor. In the words of Jody Fisher, “Sid was and forever will be a great man!”
           A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13th at 11am at the Borodino United Methodist Church.
     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Borodino United Methodist Church, Skaneateles, NY. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.