Blog Archives

David William Hares

3/18/2019

David William Hares passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2019 in the comfort of his home. David was the son of the late Frank & Dorothy (Hart) Hares. David loved everything outdoors. Many of his happiest times were helping his two brothers on their farm in Newark, NY; hunting on his sister’s farm in Venice Center, NY; or simply being outside on a sunny day. David enjoyed gardening and animals. Summers were spent in the garden growing vegetables and flowers. He raised many animals over the years. David enjoyed sitting on his porch and reading the newspaper from cover to cover! Most important to him was the time he spent with his family.     Especially his grandchildren for whom he absolutely adored! He was a loving and respected uncle to many nieces and nephews. David was pillar of his community, he was very giving and generous of his time supporting numerous community organizations. Not the least of which was his dedication to his church and the New Hope Fire Department. He was a fireman and served as 3-Town Fire Chief for many years in the New Hope and Niles areas. He leaves behind many friends of which he made through the numerous organizations he belonged to.
David was preceded by his wife of 50 years, Mary Lee (LeFever) Hares in 2014. The two were always very active in their community and had a wonderful life together. David was also predeceased by a sister, Gloria (John) Denman, two brothers, Donald (Dorothy) Hares and Stanley (Jean LeFever) Hares.
David is survived by his three children James Hares of Skaneateles; Julie A Brickey of California; and Jennifer A. Hares of Skaneateles. Four Grandchildren, Alex Kowal; Madison Hares-Ryan; Kaelie Kowal; and Jackson Hares-Ryan.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 25th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A Funeral service will be held at the New Hope Church on Tuesday at 11am.
In lieu of Flowers, contributions can be made to the Mid-Lakes United Methodist Church, 3703 Route 41A, Moravia, NY 13118 or to the Local Food Pantry.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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John Edward Kelly, Jr., MD

3/15/2019

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John Edward Kelly, Jr., MD passed away peacefully, in his home in Skaneateles on March 15, 2019. Dr. Kelly was born in Syracuse, New York in 1930, the first son of Dr. John Edward Kelly and Rosamond Meagher Kelly. He grew up in Syracuse, attending St. Anthony’s, Most Holy Rosary, and the Edward Smith School. He then attended Christian Brothers Academy High School, graduating in 1948, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Kelly obtained his medical degree from the University of Maryland, did his initial internships and residency in Baltimore, and subsequently received a commission as an officer in the Navy. He was promoted to Lt. Commander, and completed his naval service in 1963. After completing his residencies, he returned to Syracuse where he established his practice in internal medicine and general surgery, and practiced there until his retirement.
He married his wife Sheila in 1959, and they were together until her passing in 2015. In their marriage, neither was ever happier than when in the other’s company. Their faithfulness to each other survives as an example of their convictions. Together they had seven children, keeping them very active in the local community. They were both passionate about their faith, and were long time parishioners at St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church.
Dr. Kelly leaves behind five surviving children, Chris (Lynn), AJ (Cynthia), Jennifer, Maggie and Terry (Leigh). He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Paige, Connor, Shannon, Jess, Sarah, and John, and one great grandson, Wyatt. He is survived by two sisters-in-laws, Mary and Madeleine (Richard), and their children and grandchildren as well as countless family, friends, and loved-ones, too numerous to mention, but far too important to forget.
His parents preceded him in death, as did his brothers, Bill and Kevin, his sister-in-law, Alice, his brother-in-law, Bob, his son, John Edward, his daughter, Mickey, his son-in-law, Scott, and many grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Dr. Kelly was a dedicated physician, who took the care of his patients with a passion many have never forgotten. It was his mission to provide the absolute best care for his patients, just as his father had in his career as a physician. He will be remembered for that passion, his work ethic, wonderful bedside manner, and his openness to see a patient in need at any time, regardless of circumstance.
A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Dr. Kelly’s life will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church in Skaneateles, New York, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s, or to the favorite charitable organization of your choice. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Robin Renae Bradley

3/14/2019

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Robin Renae Bradley
January 15, 1978 - March 14, 2019
Robin always had a unique talent for bringing people together. She made and kept up with so many connections throughout her life. She always dreamed of living in a village so she could visit with as many friends as possible every day. She was finally able to make that happen when she moved to the Village of Skaneateles in 2017. Robin also loved to travel with her family and friends, especially to warmer climates during our winters. She loved her family, loved her friends, loved to laugh and loved to unite. She certainly made the most of her 41 years here on earth and she will always be remembered. Too bad for all of us that she had to leave so soon. Funny the way it is.
Robin passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was an absolutely amazing mother of three boys, wife, daughter, sister and aunt. She attended Oxford Academy High School and then went on to Clemson University for two years before graduating summa cum laude from the University of Georgia with a degree in Real Estate Finance. After leaving her hometown of Oxford, NY, she lived in Clemson, Athens, Atlanta, Baltimore and Skaneateles, making many life-long friends along the way.
Robin is survived by her husband of 18 years, John, and their three boys, Cader (14), Graham (11), and Nolan (10); her first and only dog, Roo; her parents, Michael and Barbara Mayhood of Oxford, NY; sister Loralee and husband Matthew Bodo and their two children, Mason and Laina; sister Michelle and husband Derrick and their daughter Charlotte.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, March 20th from 4 to 8pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A private burial service will be held at Lake View Cemetery. And a Celebration of Life party, as Robin wanted of course, will be held at the Welch Allyn Lodge Thursday night at 6 pm for all to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robin's name can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.
Messages to the family can be left at
robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

79 Comments

Robert C. Murphy, Jr.

3/13/2019

16 Comments

Robert C. Murphy, Jr. 75, of Elbridge for 75 years passed away on Wednesday, March 13th at the Francis House. Bob graduated in 1964 from Marcellus High School. He was drafted into the Army in 1965 where he served his country and then went onto the Army reserves until 1971. Bob was employed for 41 years at Alltel Communications as a Telephone repairman and installer. He was an avid bowler and bowled the first ever 300 Game at Marcellus lanes on Easter Sunday, April 11, 1982. Bob thru a 2nd 300 Game in October 11, 1995. He was a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles where he was an usher for nearly 20 years. Bob loved his family and all their activities together, he will be deeply be missed.
Bob is predeceased by his father Robert C. Murphy, Sr. He is survived by his loving wife Judith Ashby Murphy of 54 years together, his children Robert C. Murphy, III (JoAnn), Timothy Eddicus (Rachelle), Andrew Davis (Fiancée Yvonne), his mother Shirley Nightingale Murphy, a brother David J. Murphy (Marilyn), a sister Ann M. Murphy. Bob is also survived by 6 grandchildren Robert D. Murphy, Reese A. Murphy, Riley A. Murphy, Kiersten H. Salemi, Katlin R. Salemi (Fiancée Dylan J. Sylvester) and Zachary W. Copp.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 15th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Bob will be buried in the Spring at Shepard Settlement Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Francis House 108 Michaels Ave. Syracuse, NY 13208 or to be made to Autism Speaks as his granddaughter Riley has Autism, autismspeaks.org. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Joyce M. Levitre

3/8/2019

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Joyce M Levitre, 84, passed away peacefully on March 8th with her family by her side. Joyce was known to all as very friendly, helpful and honest. She was often the moral compass to guide others in making decisions. Joyce initially started her journey as the daughter of a milk inspector (Lynn Harsh) and secretary (Irene Pounder) while living with her sister Audrey Sammon on Long Island. They were a happy and connected family who passed their experiences and values onto their own families. Joyce was then married to Richard E Levitre and had two children Michelle Levitre-Phillips and Raymond R Levitre. She was the matriarch of the family and will be deeply missed by her family (Richard Phillips and Mimi Levitre), friends, grand pets and grandsons Brian Vivenzio and Richard Phillips Jr.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 11th from 4 to 6pm with a service at 6 at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Joyce will be buried in Lake View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers you may send a donation to either The American Cancer Society or Finger Lakes SPCA.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Betty M. Welch

3/2/2019

8 Comments

Betty M. Welch, 96, passed away peacefully on March 2nd, at the Commons in Auburn. Betty was a secretary for many years at the Milford, Lynch and Shannon Law Firm in Skaneateles. She was a former longtime member of Skaneateles County Club and a parishioner of Saint Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. She was happiest when around her family, especially her two grandchildren, Amy (John) DeVito of Ballston Spa and Jeff (Kara) Welch of Syracuse and her three great grandchildren, Jake and Samantha DeVito and Noah Welch.
Betty is predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, Fred Welch on February 24, 2003, parents, James and Charlotte Murphy, a sister and two brothers. She is survived by her son, William (Suzanne) Welch of Skaneateles, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and brother, Francis Murphy and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was an active resident of the Camillus Ridge Terrace Assisted Living Community for the last three years and the family would like to thank the entire staff there for the loving environment and care provided.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, March 7th at Saint Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. Per Betty’s wishes, family will receive friends at the Parish Center following the service. Betty will be buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Mary’s of the Lake Church or SAVES.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.