Blog Archives

Dale Rising

6/27/2020

Dale Rising, 69, of Skaneateles, NY passed away on June 27th. Dale was a Buffalo Bills fan, loved boat rides, going to the movies and listening to Shania Twain and Elvis. He attended St. James Episcopal Church remotely faintly each week. Dale was warm and caring person with a great sense of humor and will be missed, especially by his foster brother, Harvey.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 7th from 1 to 2:30pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home with a service to follow at 3pm. Limited seating will be available in the funeral home for the service do to COVID. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dennis J. Sweeney

6/26/2020

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Dennis J. Sweeney, 54 of Weedsport passed away on Friday, June 26th at home surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was born in Auburn, NY where he spent most of his life until he moved to Weedsport 15 years ago. He loved everything outdoors, riding his 4-wheeler and spending a lot of his time at the river behind his home.
Dennis is survived by Patty Porter, his son Tristen and his daughter Beth, 3 brothers Robert (Piper) Florida; Brian (Jody) Auburn; Scott (Chris) Auburn and a sister Shelley (Gary) Auburn and many nieces and nephews.
Services are Private. Dennis will be buried in Soule Cemetery, Sennett.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Jordan Ambulance Service.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dr. Robert J. Vitkus, DDS

6/22/2020

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Dr. Robert J. Vitkus, DDS, 67, died peacefully at his home in Fayetteville on Monday, June 22nd in the presence of his loving family and friends. Bob was born in Binghamton. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles. Bob was raised in Endicott, graduating from Seton Catholic High School in 1970, SUNY Oneonta in 1974, Georgetown Dental School in 1978 before completing his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Bob had his oral surgery practice in the central New York area for his entire career. He was past president of the Onondaga County Dental Society and member of the 5th District Dental Society, Dewitt Rod and Gun Club, Ruffed Grouse Society of Central New York and the Syracuse/Canadian Fish and Game Club (Mexico, NY). Bob grew up as a Boy Scout and spent as much time outdoors as was possible. His father, an avid outdoorsman, taught Bob how to hunt and fish. This remained a passion throughout his life. Trusted hunting companions, Fred and Sadie, his German Shorthaired Pointers, were never far from his side. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his “camp” overlooking Skaneateles Lake. Bob was predeceased by his parents Walter P and Blanche M (Lovejoy) Vitkus.
He is survived by his brother, James W. (Suzanne) of Skaneateles; three nieces Lauren (Tim) Calnon of Victor, Karen of Skaneateles, Dianne of Syracuse and one great-nephew Patrick Robert Calnon of Victor.
Services are private with a memorial service at a later date. Burial will ultimately be in Calvary Cemetery, Binghamton.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Central New York and of the Finger Lakes and Nascentia Home Health for their wonderful care.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of Central New York and of the Finger Lakes, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 and the Central New York Community Foundation in support of the Central New York Land Trust, 431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13202.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Joan Barbara (Kellogg) Chapman

6/19/2020

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Joan Barbara (Kellogg) Chapman, 90 of Skaneateles played her last round of pitch and was welcomed home on June 19, 2020. She was born December 24, 1929 in Elbridge, NY to the late Jack and Mildred (Platt) Kellogg. Joan attended Elbridge High School and went on to hold jobs at the Jordan Wire Mill and as an adored cafeteria lady for Skaneateles schools.
Joan enjoyed playing cards, bingo, bowling, and camping. She was a huge SU basketball and NY Yankees fan, even listening to the games on her small radio when she couldn’t get them on her TV. She was the 1977 Masters bowling champion and still keeps that trophy proudly displayed, but her greatest love was always found in the times she spent surrounded by family, especially her great grandchildren who brought the biggest smile to her face. Affectionately known as “Granny” to them, she always made sure the candy dish was overflowing and plenty of cookies were on hand.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by the love of her life, Bob in 1997; her infant son Mark in 1966 and the sisters she cherished so deeply - Helen and Betty.
Surviving are her children, Debra and Robert (Patti)- both of Skaneateles; grandchildren Michelle (Jim), Danielle (Jamie), Todd (Jaime), Rob (Kate), Brad (Jane); 11 great grandchildren; loving sister Mickey O’Neill; several nieces and nephews that she cherished so deeply; and the “card” girls that were like sisters to her.
Joan will always be remembered as our “Ace of diamonds” and today we raise a glass to her life and the lasting memories of love & laughter she leaves behind.
A private funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s of the lake - Skaneateles on Thursday, June 25th (the birthday of her infant son Mark). With burial to follow at St. Mary’s cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside Bob.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mottville Fire department, 4149 Frost St - Mottville, NY 13119. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the nursing staff at Auburn Memorial (3rd floor) and the staff at The Commons Rehabilitation facility for their loving care of Joan over the past year. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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William Edmund "Honey" Leubner

6/16/2020

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William Edmund “Honey” Leubner, 91, of Skaneateles, died on June 16th of heart disease.
He was born July 13, 1928 in Marietta NY to German immigrant parents, Edmund and Bertha Leubner, and was very proud of his German heritage.
“Honey” was a farmer all of his life. He grew up on the Leubner family farm in Marietta, then owned his own dairy farm on Benson Road in Skaneateles, NY. He married Narcissa Ann Bainbridge on March 1, 1953 Together they worked the farm and had 6 children, Jeffrey (Sue), Pamela (Emil), Christopher(deceased), Kathleen, Jason, and Cynthia. The farm prospered, and grew to one of the largest and most successful farms in the area in the 1970’s. Ed was always trying new farming techniques, seeds, and cultivation methods. He was not afraid to try and succeed, or try and fail, which is one of the many great lessons he passed along to his family. When Ed retired in the late 1990’s, he sold the farm and moved to Weeks Road, where he lived until his death.
Ed loved trees, and planted hundreds in his lifetime. He loved animals and wildlife, and would bring home orphaned raccoons, fawns, and crows from the fields. He would catch and surprise his children with bats and mice he found in the barn. He leaves behind his beloved beagle, Bailey. Ed also loved to travel. Florida was Ann and his preferred destination during the harsh central NY winters, but he also traveled to Germany on several occasions, and met his German relatives and family there. The highlight was visiting the village where his mother was born and grew up, Ersrode, and staying in the same house his grandfather had taught in as a school teacher in the 1880’s. Ed loved old cars, and owned a Model A Ford similar to the one his father owned. He often took his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to get ice cream in his Model A. Ed will be remembered by his family for his great sense of humor, his strong work ethic, his love of all things German, his sweet tooth, his big heart, his honesty, and his faith in Christ. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and will spend eternity with his beloved wife Ann. He is survived by his brother Fred Leubner (Alice), his sister Marie Watts, 5 of his 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
The services will be private at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Ed will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Mausoleums in Auburn.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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David Guy Yates

6/10/2020

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David Guy Yates, 84, passed into His Heavenly kingdom, Wednesday, June 10, 2020, suddenly, due to complications during surgery. He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Bally Yates, Naples, FL; his son, Michael David Yates (Vanessa) of Skaneateles, NY; his daughter, Molly Yates Levy (Bart) of Conshohocken, PA; granddaughters, Zoe Lehr Yates, Phoebe Rene Yates, Mildred Emily Levy, Laura Karolina Levy, Nora McNeil Kszystyniak (Josh), Emily McNeil, grandson, John Colgan McNeil (Elizabeth); and his twin brother, Dickson Giles Yates of Lake Wales, FL. He was predeceased by his son Jeffrey Adam Yates, and his sister Marilyn Yates Nelson.
David was a graduate of Woodruff High School, 1954; BA University of Illinois, 1958; and earned an MBA from Syracuse University School of Business in 1987 while simultaneously serving as President of Crucible Service Centers Division of Crucible Materials Corporation which he created to market high speed and tool steels. Through expansion and acquisition it became the largest importer and distributor of these metals in North America. He was a co-valedictorian of his MBA class.
Following college graduation in 1958 Dave served in the Air National Guard and was called into active service in 1961 during the heightened tensions with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
In 1959 he married Deanna Elaine Bally and moved to the Chicago area where they began a family, and he launched a 40 year career in the steel industry. Dave retired in 2001 as President of Crucible Materials Corporation in Syracuse, NY. Following retirement he went on to serve on the corporate Board of Directors for Crucible Materials as well as of Special Metals Corporation in Indiana. He also served on the board of the Metals Service Center Institute and was Vice President of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York.
As well as excelling in his professional career, Dave was heavily involved in volunteerism and sports. He served in leadership rolls as President of the Lombard chapter of Jaycees, he was elected JCI Senator. While living in Skaneateles, NY, he served on the Library Board and on the Executive Board of the First Presbyterian Church. During his time as an executive of Crucible Steel in Syracuse he served the greater community on the boards of the Syracuse Symphony and the Boy Scouts of America, Syracuse; the Red Cross, Syracuse; and the United Way, Syracuse. While living in Skaneateles he enjoyed golfing and sailing at Skaneateles Country Club where he was a member for 30+ years.
Following his retirement he and Deanna moved to Naples, FL where he continued to enjoy golf at Fiddlers Creek Golf Club and the Members Club at Marco Island. At the time of his passing he was Vice President of his homeowners association as well as former President. He was heavily involved in the activities of the United Church of Marco Island where he served in many capacities among them, Moderator, President of the Executive Board, and at any one time Chairman of nearly every committee. He also sang base in the church choir. He will be missed!
David’s favorite roll, however, was that of father and grandfather. He loved being with his family; boating, water skiing, and sailing on beautiful Skaneateles Lake; snow skiing in Vermont; croquet in the back yard; BBQs, bonfires, all holidays and weddings. All family occasions, large or small, brought a smile to his face.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his name to the worthy missions of the United Church of Marco Island, two of which are Our Daily Bread (MI food pantry) and Habitat for Humanity. The address is 320 N. Barfield Dr., Marco Island, FL.
Interment will be in Skaneateles, NY in Lake View Cemetery on July 6, 2020 preceded by a private service at the First Presbyterian Church. Friends may express their condolences from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5 at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St., Skaneateles, NY 13152. A Celebration of Life will be planned for David at United Church of Marco Island in October.

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Jack Edward Hole

6/1/2020

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Jack Edward Hole, a residence of Syracuse, New York passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 83 years old. After months of declining health, he died peacefully. After 3 years of missing his wife, he is now gone to join her in Heaven.
Jack was born on October 26, 1936 in Owasco, N.Y. to Ella and Wilfred Hole. He attended Skaneateles Central Schools, and later enlisted in the Army (March 1955) where he was a Specialist 5th Grade. He was stationed in several locations including Keiserlauten, Germany where he was both a Blacksmith and Mechanic. An interesting fact that Jack was happy to share was that when he served in Germany, Elvis served at the same time in a nearby location of Friedberg, Germany. Jack received an honorable discharge in 1959.
He was married to Frances Kenney on February 11, 1956. He and Fran lived in Borodino and together raised 6 children, living there for over 50 years. They were married for nearly 62 years. In Borodino, Jack was actively involved with his children taking his children fishing and sledding, and teaching them to garden. He enjoyed playing alongside with his children in many outdoor games including soccer, baseball and kick the can. Time with his children also included making homemade ice cream (with icicles) and he especially loved treating his children to ice cream at the Ice Cream Stand.
Fran and Jack enjoyed Square Dancing together weekly with the Cayuga Cut Ups for over 40 years. They also enjoyed taking trips with the Sennett Seniors and attending plays at the Merry Go Round Theatre in Auburn, as well as the Cortland Repertory Theatre. They attended several plays together of their grandchildren’s as well as dance recitals and other events.
Jack was employed as a Crane Operator until his retirement at 78, with Welch Construction of Marcellus. Prior, he worked for Angelo Spadotto and Cliff Hayden, also of Marcellus. In addition to his full time job, Jack opened his own Locksmith business (Jack’s Lock Shop) in 1988 and continued to serve the Skaneateles, Marcellus and Auburn area for close to 30 years. He enjoyed helping his community always, and will be remembered for opening many doors…and changing many locks. He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to provide for them, a loving grandpa and “great-grandpa” to many. Jack was a strong, proud and good man. He was loved and will be missed by many!
He is preceded in death by his wife Frances (Kenney) Hole, his parents, Ella (Simmons) Hole and Wilfred Hole. His brother, Fredrick Robert Hole (Bud), and sisters Helen Louise Badman and Marjorie Pearl Hole.
Jack is survived by his 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and a brother; Barbara (Stephen)Geier of Edgewater, MD, (GC Jeffrey and Adam), Janice Beaman of Syracuse, NY ( GC Nathan (Nora) Beaman, GGC Maggie, GC Brandon Beaman, GC Christopher Beaman GGC Trenidy), Jeanne (Keith) Harter, of Fulton, NY, (GC William Hudson and (Olivia Frost )GGC Jack, Alicia (Keith) Wise, GGC Grey, Bram, Navy, GC Markus, Mallory Harter), Jacqueline (Andrew) Holmes of Sorrento, FL,( GC Maris), Robert (Dr. Julianne Randall)Hole of Binghamton, NY, (GC Michelle (Joe) Cheeseman, GC Matthew), Kathleen (JD) Thomas of Syracuse, NY, (GC Delana, SGC Kaeli Burgess(Ben), SGGC Noah and Lyla , SGC Chris Thomas (Tracey Cornes), SGGC Aria and Loreli and SGC Alec Thomas); brother, Elmer Eugene Hole(Gene) of Owasco ; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A private viewing by immediate family will be held on June 4th at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home in Skaneateles, with a private military burial to follow at the Borodino Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held and announced at a later date when conditions permit. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Borodino Fire Department or the Spafford Historical Society.

Condolences at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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Janet D. Jurgensen

6/1/2020

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Janet D. Jurgensen of Skaneateles passed away June 1, 2020. Janet was born October 19, 1932 in Andes, New York to the late Donald and Elizabeth Dickson. Jan grew up in the heart of the Catskills and shared her love of skiing with her family. She was a graduate of SUNY Fredonia and taught elementary school for many years.
She was fortunate to have traveled the world with her loving husband. She lived in Skaneateles for over 60 years and was an active volunteer in the community. Jan was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church serving as both an Elder and a Deacon. She loved being a member of the church Bell Choir! Jan was a founding member of the Red Hats Society, an avid domino and bridge player. She enjoyed walking with her friends and watching SU Basketball! And especially loved watching her grandchildren’s sporting events.
She is survived by her loving husband Ralph of almost 60 years. Children; Karin (Richard) Morabito, Kurt (Marianne) Jurgensen, and grandchildren, Nicole, Colby, Jayna and Gunnar. She is also survived by her brother John (Carol) Dickson.

Due to the current situation, a service will be planned for family and friends to celebrate her life at the Skaneateles First Presbyterian Church when allowed. Special thanks to the caring staff at Auburn Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made on her behalf to Meals on Wheels. To leave a condolence please visit www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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