Blog Archives

Ann Elizabeth Collins

3/31/2023

Ann Elizabeth Collins of Skaneateles, NY. (nee Mullen). 3/31/2023
Surrounded by her children Ann Collins died peacefully in her home after a short illness on Friday March 31, 2023. Ann “Nancy” was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on May 9, 1929, to the late William and Nora Hyland Mullen. In 1951, she married the late Dr. George H. Collins, and they shared an amazing life together for over 60 years. Nancy volunteered and contributed to many community organizations.
   She and her husband enjoyed classical music and spent many hours with friends playing bridge, tennis, and exploring the Adirondacks as well as attending and hosting numerous family celebrations. Nancy was an excellent cook, kept up on current events and never tired of watching tennis on television or playing Sudoku. She was an avid reader, frequenting the library and a member of the Skaneateles Leisure Hour, a women’s book club started in 1892.
   Beloved mother of six children; Cathy Burke (John) of Woodford, VA, Beth McNamara (Mark) of East Aurora, NY, Trish Collins (Bob Burke) of Concord, MA, Josh Collins (Mary Malaszek) of Hamden CT, Amy Kolcum (Brian) of Leesburg VA and Bill Collins of Skaneateles. She will be dearly missed by her 18 grandchildren: Sarah, Tay, Bryan, Josh, Georgie, Becca, Conor, Liam, Emily, Attie, Meghan, Zoe, Jonathan, Dacheka, Xiu, Emmet, Mei, Agnes, and 14 greatgrandchildren.
   Nancy was predeceased by her five siblings: James Mullen of Cheshire CT, Betty Shutts of Cheshire CT, Marie Kelliher of Belmont, MA, Monsignor William Mullen of Hartford CT, Patricia Kelly Shaw of Weston VT. She also leaves countless nieces and nephews.
   The family would like to thank the staff of Peregrine Home Care Services for their exceptional dedication and Hospice of the Finger Lakes for providing comfort at the final stage of her life.
The family will host a private reception in honor of Mrs. Collins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry 819 West Genesee St. Rd., Skaneateles, NY, 13152, (315) 685-5048. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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Joseph R. Cottrell, Jr.

3/30/2023

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    Joseph R. Cottrell, Jr, 64, of Auburn passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2023. Joe was a graduate of Jordan Eldridge High School.
    Joe was very much a history fanatic. Researching and writing about the early colonial years and how our country came to be. He also enjoyed going to Rendezvous with his wife and friends, living as the early settlers did in the 1800’s.
    Joe is survived by his wife of 19 years, Valerie, and his mother Virginia Doyle. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph R. Cottrell, Sr.
    At this time, there are no services.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Edward J. Stigliano, Sr.

3/29/2023

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Edward J. Stigliano Sr., 89, of Brockport, NY passed away peacefully on March 29, 2023. Ed was born on January 1, 1934, in Holley, NY. He graduated from Holley High School, where he excelled in multiple sports. He immediately enlisted in the US Navy and served during the Korean War. After discharge he worked 30+ years as an armature specialist with Delco Products in Rochester. He met the love of his life, Helen at Lista’s Italian Restaurant in Brockport.
They resided in Brockport for more than 60 years, where they raised their four children. Ed was predeceased by his wife Helen (Gailor); his parents Anthony and Mary Stigliano, two brothers Michael and Leonard Stigliano, and sister Helena Keller.
He is survived by his children; Edward (Sandy) Stigliano Jr. (Enville, TN), Lori (Robert) Snyder (Clifton Park, NY), Christy (Brian) Collins (Naples, FL), Terri Stigliano (Marcellus, NY), and honorary daughter Cheryl Pitman (Marcellus, NY). He leaves behind seven grandchildren: Sean (Sarah), Charlie, and Erin Collins, Paul and James (Emily) Rodgers, and Emily and Adam Snyder, one brother Anthony (Jeanette) Stigliano Jr., sisters-in-law Doris Lista, Mary Johnson, Fran Gailor, numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and their children. Ed was a warm, generous soul with a much-loved sense of humor and strong dedication to family, Veterans, and the Catholic church.
Graveside Service: Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Mount Olivet Cemetery, East Canal Road, Brockport, NY at 12:00 pm. A reception following will be held at the VFW, 222 West Ave, Brockport.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Edward’s name to the VFW in Brockport, Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Brockport, or American Legion Post 239, Skaneateles, NY.

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Steven R. Mueller

3/26/2023

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    Steven R. Mueller, 73, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully at home, on March 26, 2023, with his wife Diane by his side after a short illness.
    Steven was born in Syracuse on June 1, 1949, and grew up in Central New York. He graduated from West Genesee High School in 1967, enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1971. He then went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Auburn Community College. He worked as east coast sales representative for Welch-Allyn and Tri-Mech Solutions for many years.
    Steven was predeceased by his parents Albert and Virginia, his brother Larry and nephew Joseph.
    He is survived by his wife Diane, the love of his life and her children Peter (Melinda) Hawley, Anne Hawley, and Rachel (Jason Updegraph) Hawley, who affectionately called him “Stevie-Gee.” His survivors include his grandchildren Skylar, Eve, Petra, Jaxon, Elise, Quinn, and great-niece Amelia who so loved her JaJa. He also leaves behind his brother Jim (Wendy) Mueller, sister Wendy Mueller and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
    Steven was an avid fisherman and hiker. He loved Skaneateles Lake and the Adirondacks. As a member
of the Adirondack Mountain Club, he adopted a lean-to on Cranberry Lake; keeping it clean and litter free for others to enjoy. One of his proudest accomplishments was the solo completion of the Northville/Placid Trail.
     Steve loved the music of the Blues and could be found at many live music venues around the area. He often traveled far and wide to see his favorite blues guitarists. He enjoyed listening to John Hammond, John Prine, Albert King, and Robert Johnson to name a few. He was a big Stevie Ray fan.
    Calling hours for Steve will be held on Monday, April 24th from 4 to 6 pm at Robert D Gray Funeral Home,
Skaneateles.
    In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Steve’s name to the Mottville Fire Company, 4149 Frost
Street, P.O. Box 9, Skaneateles, NY 13152, or CNY Cat Coalition, P.O. Box 6182, Syracuse, NY 13217 Attention: Skaneateles Cat Rescue.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Judith Ann Fitzpatrick Morrissey

3/21/2023

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Judith Ann Fitzpatrick Morrissey
August 20, 1935 – March 21, 2023

    Judy Morrissey, age 87, died peacefully at home on March 21, 2023, surrounded by her large and loving family. Judy lived in Skaneateles for 64 years and was known throughout the community for her incredible warmth, unique sense of humor, and unmatched bridge-playing skills. As the mother of ten and grandmother to 20, Judy kept a packed schedule of sporting events, dance recitals, and school functions for more than 50 years. She always made time for her friends and loved to play tennis and golf when she could squeeze it in.
    Judy was born and raised in Westbury, New York and later moved with her family to Pittsford, Vermont where she graduated from high school. She earned her RN from Jeanne Mance School of Nursing in Burlington, Vermont – a degree she put to good use raising her children, working at Camp Columbus for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and acting as a private duty nurse for families within the community.
    Judy often reminisced about her wonderful childhood summers spent on Bear Pond in Maine, and as an adult she loved visiting family on Lake Champlain. Judy’s heart and home were always open to family, friends, and neighbors. Her dinner table was never too crowded for one more. Judy was an active member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles for decades and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Skaneateles Historical Society.
    Judy is survived by her children Kevin (Joni), Patti (Dan), Michael (Renee), Jean, Jerry (Kathleen), Steve (Lisa), Tom (Sarah), Mary, Jim (Courtney), and Karen (Scott); her brother Jim Fitzpatrick (Susan); and her grandchildren Madelaine (Connor), Emily, Ellie (Eduardo), Amanda, Kevin, Karianne, Brian, Bauer, Cooper, Colin, Tommy, Kathryn, Sean, Keating, Casey, Phoebe, Easton, Leo, Lola, and Olivia.
    She is predeceased by her former husband, Gerald D. Morrissey, her parents Jerome and Helen (Grady) Fitzpatrick, and five siblings.

    Calling hours for Judy will be held on Thursday, April 20th from 3 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10am on Friday, April 21st, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles, followed by a private burial and a reception for friends and family.
    In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Judy’s name to the Skaneateles Library or the Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Richard "Dick" Pitman

3/17/2023

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    On Friday, March 17, 2023, Richard L. Pitman, affectionately known as Dick, passed away at the age of 76 after a long illness and went home to be with his Lord and Savior. Dick, born on July 23, 1946 was a lifelong resident of Skaneateles, NY.
    Dick was a 1964 graduate of Skaneateles High School and went on to graduate with an Associate Degree from Cayuga Community College. Dick has had many accomplishments in his life. He served in the US Army as a helicopter mechanic from 1966-1972.
    He was an integral part of the Mottville Fire Company where he served on the Board of Commissioners for 20 years. Dick was a member of the Robert J. Hydon American Legion Post 239 and performed the role of co-chair for the Bell Jar Committee. For many years he was on the committee for Operation Christmas Hope to aide Veterans and their families.   As a member of Post 239, he received the prestigious Erik J Amberge Selfless Service Award.
    Dick was a past President of the Board of Directors for the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce and was involved in the annual Classic and Antique Boat show where he served on the committee for several years. Dick loved his church family and was on the Vestry for 8 years. He was affiliated with the Laker Limo Transportation Van where he volunteered and served as Vice President.
    Dick was known in the Skaneateles community as the helpful and smiling face at Skaneateles Savings Bank where he started working in 1972. He had a wonderful career in banking with Key Bank and M&T Bank, where he retired after thirty-eight years in 2010.
    Dick is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Timm) Pitman of forty-nine years. He and Dot loved to garden, travel, dine out and get together with family and friends. Dick also leaves behind his 4 children, Mark (Krista) Pitman, Long Island, NY, Geoffrey (Bethany) Pitman, Skaneateles, NY, Michael (Stephanie) Pitman, Skaneateles, NY, and Jennifer (Collin) Kirkpatrick, Aiken, SC. To cherish his memories are his eight beautiful and loving grandchildren; Nathaniel, Benjamin, Lily, Owen, Amelia, Avery, Kelsey, and Zoey; Sisters Joan Clark, Venice, FL and Karen Gilmore, Marcellus, NY. Special Sister-in-Law Heidi Oney, Skaneateles, NY and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dick was pre-deceased in death by his parents Reese and June (Sweet) Pitman.
    Calling hours for Richard will be held on Tuesday, March 21st from 4 to 7 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
    A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, March 22nd at 10 am at St. James Episcopal Church, Skaneateles with a private burial to follow.
    Contributions may be made to the Robert J. Hydon American Legion Post #239, 1 Wainwright Lane, Skaneateles, NY 13152 or to the Mottville Fire Company, P.O Box 9, Mottville, NY 13119.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Anna Buso Salway

3/8/2023

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                                           Anna Buso Salway, 101 years old. Born on January 17, 1922 in the town of Spafford at the Ackles Farm and lived on Shamrock Road in Skaneateles.
    Anna attended Shamrock Country School and graduated from Skaneateles High School in 1941. Following graduation, she pursued her passion attending McLane Art Institute and the American School of Art and Design in New Yor City, under the tutelage of Matlock Price. Anna married Norman Salway, a dairy and beef farmer, on June 15, 1946, and was married for 65 years before Norman died in 2011.
    They enjoyed trips to both of their ancestral lands—England in 1970 and Slovakia in 1971. Along with her artwork, Anna taught chair caning, refurnishing and rug making for BOCES. She also owned and operated an antique shop. A lifelong member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Skaneateles, she was very active for many years with the Ladies Altar Guild, serving as its President. Holy Trinity hosted an art show to the community on April 2017, featuring over 60 of Anna’s paintings. Anna was employed in several businesses.
    She helped produce airplane parts at International Harvester in Auburn following WWII; artistically designed ads for furniture and pots/pans for Dey Brothers Company in Syracuse; and, packaged seed for FB Mills Seed Company in Rose Hill.
    She is predeceased by parents, John and Judith Buso; a sister Catherine; and a brother John. Surviving relatives include nieces Wendy (Dan) Huss of Scottsdale, AZ and Brenda (Tom) Bresadola of Skaneateles.
    A celebration of Anna’s life will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 37 West Genesee Street in Skaneateles on Monday, March 13th at 11:00 am. Prior to the service there will be a time to meet the family at 10:00 am. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.