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Pastor Stephen Hluchy

5/29/2022

10 Comments

 
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    Pastor Stephen Hluchy, a forty-five year resident of Skaneateles NY, died Sunday,May 29 surrounded by his daughters after a long struggle with cancer. He lived in the St John’s community in Rochester, NY for the past nine years.  
    Steve was born in 1928 in Jamesburg, New Jersey, the son of the late John and Anna (Viskup) Hluchy.  He spent his childhood years in New York City and Robbinsville, NJ.  After graduating Allentown High School, he attended Wagner College in New York City where he graduated with a B.A. in history in 1954. He married his wife Olga Nahlik in 1954 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church In New York City.  He was ordained there five years later in 1959 upon his graduation from Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary.
    For his first call, he served a bilingual Slovak/English ministry to three sister parishes in Pennsylvania for nearly a decade:  Saint Matthews Lutheran Church in Mount Carmel, Holy Emmanuel Slovak Lutheran Church in Mahanoy City, and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Saint Clair, sometimes officiating six services each week. He answered a call to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Skaneateles, New York where he served for the next twenty-five years until his retirement in 1992. During his years in Skaneateles, he served as fire department chaplain and as a member of the Clergy Association of Skaneateles and the Narcotics Council.  He was also on the committee for the Caring Coalition which became the Hospice of Central New York. After retirement, he was a visiting minister for St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Syracuse, NY where he cared for the elderly, sick and homebound.  He was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus at Holy Trinity in 1995. Steve was beloved by his parishioners and known by his colleagues as a pastor of integrity and moral character and for his caring ministry. He recently celebrated his sixty-third anniversary of ordination.
    His passion for gardening began in his youth at his parents’ farm in New Jersey.  He took great pride in his gardens and plant collection in Skaneateles and continued this interest in caring for his smaller outdoor beds and indoor plants in Rochester. He enjoyed long rides in the countryside and picking fruits and vegetables in the summer.  He loved classical music, a passion he instilled in his daughters; he had an excellent singing voice which he used when chanting the Slovak liturgy during his ministry. He was an avid reader particularly of history, enjoyed cooking, was an involved and loving father to his three daughters and a wonderful grandfather to his two grandsons, the lights of his life.  
    He was predeceased by his wife, Olga (Nahlik) of 62 years; his parents; his brother, John Hluchy; sister, Anna; and brother-in-law, John Pavlovich. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Agati; his three daughters, Carol Carson (Bill), Michele Hluchy (Larry Deis) and Stefanie Hluchy (Francisco Delgado); grandsons, William Carson (Kaitlin) and Alexander Carson (Catharine); and great-granddaughter, Mae.

    The family wishes to thank the excellent team of caregivers who helped Steve during his final years.
    A Memorial Service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Skaneateles on Friday, June 24th at 11am.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Skaneateles. 
 



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Susan Eline Ventimiglia Rhinehart

5/18/2022

27 Comments

 
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    Susan Elaine Ventimiglia Rhinehart, age 69, of Skaneateles NY, passed away on May 18th from complications of a rare blood cancer.  She passed peacefully holding the loving hands of her husband and daughter as the sun was setting in a gorgeous array of colors. 
    In 1972 Sue graduated from Skaneateles High School, as did her two children, and now her grandson Marshall to follow. 
Sue left Skaneateles to pursue her study of fine arts outside of Boston at Lasell College. After graduating in 1974, she returned to Skaneateles to take care of her parents when she joined the staff at the Old Stone Mill and met the love of her life, her best friend Jim. After managing to win over an impossibly discerning Italian father, Jim proposed, and they were married at Sue’s family home on The Lane. Jim and Sue enjoyed 43 years of marriage together causing trouble, having adventures and giving back to their community.
    To say that Sue was beautiful is an understatement. She had a prolific entrepreneurial spirit. From launching her own women’s fashion boutique Creations in downtown Skaneateles, to working for many years at Skaneateles Furs, and many other career stops along the way, she will no doubt be remembered as a local and stylish icon of the village.
Sue later continued to pursue her career as a fine artist, specializing in artist pastels and graphite.  She especially loved to draw animals, and a few of us are blessed to have our own Sue Rhinehart original artwork.  Sue won several awards for her artwork, most recently including a blue ribbon at the NY State Fair.
    Sue’s love of animals and nature was unmistakable. Like a Disney Princess, animals of all types would flock to her everywhere she went. Many animals in need were rescued or adopted by Sue’s nurturing and patient heart, including Jim.  She was tremendously proud of her arabian horses Dodie and Dagger, who she trained, rode and even competed in many equestrian events.  Many of us will remember her with her border collies Tippy, Montana and Torie.
    Music was among her many passions.  Many of us have had the pleasure of hearing Sue sing along to the JukeBox, or even on occasion with a band or Karaoke. In the next life, she will surely be a country music star.
    Sue enjoyed visiting her son DJ and his family in remote Alaska, hiking, fishing, and helping out with her grandchildren. Naturally, she always caught the biggest fish on the boat, spotted the many whales and puffins, and remained a cherished best friend of her daughter in-law throughout the years.
In March of 2022, Sue enjoyed a much-needed vacation in Arizona, with her husband, kids and grandkids, a special and memorable time for the family.
    Susan was predeceased by her father William Ventimiglia and mother Eleanor Smith. She is survived by her loving husband James Rhinehart, her daughter Eleanor Rhinehart, grandson Marshall Fraher, her son Donald James (DJ) Rhinehart, her daughter-in-law Desiree Rhinehart and grandsons William and Ryland Rhinehart.
    To continue the love that Sue gave all of us for so many years, we invite you to make a donation in her honor to a local family whose daughter, Laila, 13 years old, is on a 3 years journey of healing from cancer.  Laila and her family are in urgent need of our love and support, please help us reach (and surpass) our goal of $20,000.
To donate please visit:
https://gofund.me/1c489a7c
    Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 24th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home. Funeral Service is Private.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

 


27 Comments

Joseph William Southern

5/14/2022

23 Comments

 
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Joseph William Southern
Educator
 
    Joseph William Southern of Skaneateles died at home after a long illness on May 14, 2022 at the age of 80. He was born September 2, 1941 to Marguerite and William Southern, Sr. of Mottville.
    He was a graduate of Skaneateles High School, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts Education at SUNY Buffalo, and completed his post-graduate studies at SUNY Oswego. He taught Industrial Arts and Technology in the Skaneateles Central School District from 1965-2000. He taught generations of students during his career, including his three daughters and his grandson. He also supervised over 30 student teachers. He loved his job.
    Joe was very involved in his community and often led the groups he joined as a chairman or president. Among such organizations were the Skaneateles Central School Teachers’ Union, the Mottville Fire Department, St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Mottville, Laker Limo, and the Town of Skaneateles Planning Board which he served for twenty years.
    He was a devoted family man. He leaves behind Linda, his wife of 57 years, and his amazing daughters: Peggy Sue Southern, Heather Jo Moses, and Kari Jean Southern, as well as his son-in-law Richard Moses and his daughter-in-law Heather DiGiovanni. He is also survived by his grandson William Borza and his wife Emilie, his granddaughter Caitlin Harkins and her husband Geoff, and his treasured great-grandchildren Chase and Olivia Harkins and baby boy Borza due in October.
    Additionally, Joe is survived by his brother William Southern, Jr. (Patty), his sister Marsha Kiskaden (Donnie) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
    He was pre-deceased by his parents and his brother Tom Southern (Mary). Joe will be greatly missed and never forgotten by all who loved him.
    At his request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to SAVES or the charity of one’s choice in Joe’s name.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.


23 Comments

Mary Ann Baner

5/13/2022

24 Comments

 
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    Mary Ann Baner passed away peacefully the second Friday in May at the age of 87 in her home leaving behind a legacy of four children (Virginia Baner, Larry Baner, Carl Baner and Mary Alley), nine grandchildren (Caitlin Baner, John Carl Baner, Lukas Baner, Megan Bohabot, Joshua Alley, Debra Baner, Phebe Alley, Selina Baner, John Philip Alley), three foster children (Frank Jones, John Trowse and Sherrii McCombie) and her beloved pets Lacy (dog) and Bandit (donkey).
    She is preceded in death by the love of her life Larry Baner husband of 48 years, and John Trowse. Her life’s moto could be summarized as “You can’t change your situation but you can change your attitude” which was passed onto her family and all those she came in contact with.
    You could tell Mary Ann was a lifelong Christian by her love for others. That love for others spilled out into her career as a teacher, through mentoring and by helping others. She is probably most widely known for her passion and love for chemistry.
    She graduated from Dickenson College with a BS in chemistry in the 1950’s when women were not considered fit for learning chemistry and went on to earn a MS in education from Syracuse University. She taught thirty-seven years of high school chemistry in Marcellus, Westhill, Syracuse, South Carolina and Pennsylvania school districts. Students in her classrooms will never forget her high expectations for their classroom performance, Avagodro’s Number and her reaction chemistry demonstrations that went bang.
    Outside the classroom she tutored numerous chemistry students, was active in the American Chemical Society Syracuse educational chapter, mentored New York state chemistry teachers and was an adjunct lecturer in adolescence science at Cortland. Teaching did not stop in the classroom as she taught learn to swim at the Jordan Memorial Pool for many years, taught Sunday school at Jordan United Methodist Church, coached science Olympiad teams for her daughter and grandchildren and co-led the Jordan Girl Scout troop.
    In her free time Mary Ann enjoyed music of all kinds but especially that of the Syracuse Symphoria, nature (Baltimore woods), swimming, gardening and her hobby farm with a menagerie of animals who all had names (sheep, horses, pigs, cows, ducks, dogs, cats and a donkey).
    In lieu of flowers the family asks that people consider donations in her name to one or two of her favorite volunteer passions: the Jordan Memorial Pool (Veterans Memorial Pool, P.O. Box 561, Jordan, NY 13080) and the Baltimore Woods Nature Center (www.baltimorewoods.org  4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY  13108-0133).
    Mary Ann chose to donate her body to Upstate Medical Center and will continue to teach even in death. A celebration of life memorial service followed by a reception will be held at the Jordan United Methodist Church, Jordan NY on July 30, 2022 at 10:30 AM followed by a reception at the church.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

24 Comments

Ralph I. Jurgensen

5/13/2022

9 Comments

 
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    Ralph I. Jurgensen, of Skaneateles passed away surrounded by his family on May 13, 2022 at the age of 91. Ralph was born April 16, 1931 to the late Frederick and Eva Jurgensen. Ralph was a Korean War Veteran, and he earned his bachelor’s degree at ESF Forestry at Syracuse University. He was an engineer at General Electric and a holder of multiple patents. He also owned The Auburn Plaza Laundry Center. Ralph could literally fix anything and had every tool to do it!
     Ralph lived and loved Skaneateles for over 60 years. He was a Rotary past President, a Deacon at the Skaneateles First Presbyterian Church, and Members of the Skaneateles Ski Club, and the American Legion. Ralph was known by his friends for his friendliness and extreme thirst for knowledge. He was a bow hunter, as well as a hunter of woodchucks and pheasants. He loved to read and subscribed to every magazine and newspaper published! He was an avid bicyclist and made numerous trips riding throughout New England on his beloved Schwinn in the late 1940s. Ralph enjoyed traveling the world with his "Honeypot", but more importantly loved spending time with his family!
     He is predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years Janet (Dickson) Jurgensen. And leaves behind a daughter Karin (Richard) Morabito of Rochester NY, a son Kurt (Marianne) Jurgensen of Franklin Tennessee, and grandchildren: Nicole (Joe) Vu, Colby Morabito, Jayna (Brian) Bell, and Gunnar Jurgensen. As well as his brother Martin (Mary) Jurgensen of Chassell Michigan. Ralph will be greatly missed and never forgotten by all who loved him. Bring on the brown mustard, balsamic vinegar and fresh ground pepper!
     A graveside service for both Ralph and his angel Janet will be held July 6, 2022 at 11 am at Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles followed by a celebration of their lives at The Skaneateles Legion at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to come!
    In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ralph’s memory to the American Legion, 3808 Jordan Rd Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.


9 Comments

Ursula Kalb Stickles

5/11/2022

2 Comments

 
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    Ursula Kalb Stickles, age 98, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2022 with her favorite Dean Martin CD playing softly in the background.  At the time of her death, she was a resident at The Commons in Auburn, NY.
    Ursula was born on February 17, 1924 in Rehau, West Germany to Franz and Adele Kalb.  After marrying her American soldier, Jack, in 1952, she immigrated to the United States and lived for several years in the Albany, New York area.  She later moved to Washington, DC where she worked for the Social Security Administration until her retirement in 1989.  She then relocated to Lambertville, New Jersey and enjoyed a second career in real estate.
    Ursula enjoyed hiking and was an active member of various Volksmarch organizations in Washington, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.  She supported the Friends of the Delaware Canal and she was also an animal lover who was well-known in Lambertville as an animal advocate.
    She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Gridley and her husband, Chuck, of Skaneateles, NY, her grandchildren, Kate Ahlers and her husband Dan of Marcellus, NY, and Patrick Gridley of Auburn, NY, and her great-grandson, Connor Ahlers.
    Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an animal rescue organization of your choice. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.


2 Comments

Jeanne Cox Pratt

5/10/2022

12 Comments

 
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    Jeanne Cox Pratt, 59, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2022.
    She was a 1981 graduate of Skaneateles Schools. For the past 18 years, she was employed at SCS as a teacher’s aid where she loved being referred to as “Momma Pratt”. Time spent with students, family and friends was special to her.
    Every August, you would find Jeanne in Watkins Glen amongst the other avid NASCAR fans where she continually made new friends, she rarely missed a family reunion at Crooked Lake.
    She is survived by Mike, her husband of 40 years; children- Mindy Rodriguez & Joe [Emma] Pratt; parents Don Cox, Ginny [John] Shaffran; sisters Cindy [John] Delgado & MariBeth Bindues; Her #1 joy was her grandchildren Brixton, Iona & Roxanne.
    Private celebrations of her life are being planned. The family will notify loved ones.
    In lieu of flowers, you may donate to SAVES or Skaneateles American Legion Post 239. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 

12 Comments

Leonard Ashbarry

5/6/2022

15 Comments

 
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    Leonard Ashbarry, 70, of Skaneateles, New York passed away May 6, 2022 after a battle with cancer. Leonard was born to Albert E. and Eileen Ashbarry in Lancashire, England.
    In 1960, the Ashbarry family emigrated to the U.S.A. settling in Skaneateles Falls. Leonard was a long-time resident of Skaneateles where he excelled at slow pitch softball on Morris’ Grill Tournament team which won many tournaments on the Eastern seaboard. Leonard was predeceased by his parents.
    He is survived by his brothers, Norman (Marsha) Ashbarry and Paul (Donna) Ashbarry of Baldwinsville, New York and  a sister Elaine M. (Ronald) Sylvester of Skaneateles Junction, N.Y., nephews, Trevor Ashbarry, Ronald Sylvester Jr., Kevin Sylvester and niece, Emily Ashbarry and several great nieces and nephews.
    Lenny will be remembered for his long-time employment at the P&C/Tops Markets in Skaneateles where he was known by all for his friendliness and good work ethic. Lenny loved spending time with family, watching golf, Manchester United Football Club and The Yankees.
    He loved to spend time driving his Miata roadsters (he had two) with the top down enjoying the Finger Lakes often enroute to play golf with his many golf buddies.
    A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 12th at 11am with a calling hour from 10 to 11am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home. Following the service there will be a gathering at the Skaneateles Falls American Legion Jordan Road starting at 12 noon. 
    In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., East Syracuse, NY 13057
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 

 

15 Comments

Katherine M. "Millie" (Lawton) Giess

5/3/2022

6 Comments

 
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    Katherine M. "Millie" (Lawton) Giess, 95, of Skaneateles, passed peacefully Tuesday, at Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse. Born in Syracuse, NY, she spent her early years in Lakeland before graduating from Solvay High School and Syracuse University.
    Millie spent her last 70 years in Skaneateles in the home her beloved John built. Her love of education led her to decades of teaching to include Skaneateles High School, Central High in Auburn, and Emily Howland Elementary School in Southern Cayuga.
    Millie and the love of her life of 68 years, John, enjoyed many years of traveling in their motorhome and winters in Florida. Millie was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Mary's of the Lake Church Millie enjoyed many memories, special events and holidays with family and friends. She was an avid bridge player, enjoyed playing tennis, working in her garden and bird watching.
    Millie is survived by three children, Jacqueline Giess DeBagio of Auburn, NY, Penny McDonnell (Paul) of Parrish, FL, and Michael Giess (Christine) of Victor, NY; eight grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Tyler, Dylan, Danielle, Jenna, Jacob and Collin. Her first great-grandchild Carter, is due in June. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Millie was predeceased by her husband, John, her sisters, Anne and Elizabeth and her brothers, Charles and James.
   Calling hour will be held on Tuesday, June 7th from 10 to 11 am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Millie will be laid to rest beside John at St. Mary's Cemetery.
    The family would like to extend a special thanks to Millie's extraordinary caregivers, Margaret Pritchard, Donna Vatter, Linda Moon and Lisa Oropallo and the staff on 3 West at Upstate Community Hospital.
    Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association via the Katherine "Millie" Giess Tribute Page at https://www.alz.org
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 

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