Blog Archives

Helen Jane Anderson Sheppard

7/30/2017

Helen Jane Anderson Sheppard, 83, of Skaneateles, New York passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 30, 2017. Born in Mottville, New York on September 25, 1933, she was a graduate of Skaneateles High School Class of 1951 and SUNY Teacher’s College at Cortland in 1955. She lived her entire life in Skaneateles and is survived by her husband of 60 years David Sheppard, and 3 sons, Allen (Abby) of Tucson, Robert and John (Rebecca Dalton) of Skaneateles along with her beloved grandchildren, Kelsey, David, Owen, Matthew and Olivia. 2 sisters Joan (Ed) Quigley of Jordan and Janet Crane of Mottville. She was a teacher in the Skaneateles Elementary Schools for 23 years and later became a Reading Specialist for the elementary grades. Helen enjoyed being active and enjoyed playing golf in the 9-Hole and Tuesday Night Twilight Leagues at Skaneateles Country Club. She was an active member for many years in several clubs including the Skaneateles Garden Club, Book Club, Antiques Club, Bowling League and several Bridge Clubs. She loved living on the lake, watching the sunsets and tending to her gardens. She enjoyed skiing and bird watching, especially her favorite cardinals. She liked to spend the winter in Nokomis, FL. She will be missed by her family, friends and community.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 3rd from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be on Friday, at 10am at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helen’s name may be made to The Sheppard Family Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o The Skaneateles United Methodist Church, 26 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Myron D. Egtvedt

7/29/2017

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Myron D. Egtvedt, 87 of Skaneateles passed away on July 29th at Upstate University Hospital. Myron retired from GE as an Electrical Engineer. He was a proud member of MasterWorks Chorale, and GE Retirees Elfun volunteers. He was also an ADK 46er and an Eagle Scout. He loved the outdoors and his activities included sailing, cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking, and canoeing. Myron is pre-deceased by his sister Patricia, brother Art, and step-son Philip. He is survived by his wife of 29 years Barbara, step-children William Epp and Melissa Epp, his brother Claire Egtvedt, 5 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 7th at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Skaneateles. Myron will be buried in Amber Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in his name can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 37 West Genesee St., Skaneateles or to MasterWorks Chorale, PO Box 731, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Ronald G. Fischer

7/18/2017

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Ronald G. Fischer passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 18, 2017. He was born on December 30, 1929 in Syracuse NY to Otto and Gertrude Fischer, and was married to the late Joanne Fischer in 1954. They settled in Skaneateles NY where they began their family. Ron was a graduate of the DeVry Technical Institute and a serial entrepreneur who owned many businesses in the Skaneateles area, including Ron Fischer TV & Appliance Repair, Tasty Freeze, a local diner and woodworking business, just to mention a few. He also managed Kings Gate West apartment complex in Camillus for several years. He was known by most of his friends and family as “Fish” and was active in the community helping anyone who needed a hand with just about anything.
He is survived by his children, Lynn Kelly (Chris) of Marietta GA, David Fischer (Pam) of Lake Placid NY, and daughter Lisa Chalupnicki (Jeff) of Skaneateles NY, and several grandchildren and a great grandchild.
There were no calling hours. Services were held at the Skaneateles Methodist Church at 11am on Monday July 24.
There is no expectation of donations or flowers, but if people would like to remember Fish, the family would ask that Meals on Wheels 300 Burt Street, Syracuse NY 13202 be a consideration.
Condolences may be left at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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Evelyn A. Van Camp

7/14/2017

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Evelyn A. Van Camp, 85, of Marietta passed away suddenly as the sun rose on Friday July 14, 2017. She was originally from Elbridge and moved to Marietta 54 years ago. Evelyn shined her bright light on all who knew her. Called home by God, Evelyn now joins her beloved husband Eugene. Evelyn was also pre-deceased by her sister, Jane, and her parents Frederick and Marjorie.
Evelyn's family was her greatest blessing. As a stay at home mom, Evelyn imparted her many life lessons on her five children, Gene Michael of Baldwinsville, Timothy (Colleen) of Marcellus, Charles (Sue) of Weedsport, Don (Susan) of Marcellus and Debbie (John) of Elbridge.
Evelyn's 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren brought her such joy
Evelyn enjoyed gardening, bird watching, sewing and crocheting. She enjoyed the company of her dog and her two cats, but most of all she loved laughing and spending time with family and friends. Evelyn was a great singer, storyteller and advice giver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Evelyn at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles on Tuesday July 18 at 10 a.m.. Relatives and friends may call on the family from 4-7 p.m. Monday July 17 at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St., Skaneateles. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fingerlakes SPCA, Auburn. Condolences may be left at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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Dorothy Litz Owen

7/14/2017

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Dorothy Litz Owen of Skaneateles passed away gracefully at her home on July 14, three days before her 93rd birthday. She was born in 1924 to Alphonse and Mary Litz of Syracuse and graduated from Solvay High School in 1942. As a girl, she absorbed her parents' passions for classical music, gardening, and cooking - pursuits that would enrich her family for generations to come.
In 1946, Dorothy married Joseph Richard Owen, a United States Marine and student at Colgate University. During the next 12 years they had six children. A woman of deep but quiet faith, clear convictions, and high standards, Dorothy devoted her life to actively supporting her family's achievements. She played a vital role in her husband's long recovery from Korean War injuries and in building his nationally recognized advertising agency, Owen Mastropaul. Dorothy had a special gift for made-to-measure parenting, cultivating in each of her children the unique skills to help them thrive.
When her youngest child was in college, Dorothy enrolled in Cornell University's School of Human Ecology to pursue her lifelong interest in psychology. She earned a bachelor's degree from Cornell in 1982 and launched her career in social work with New York State. After retirement, Dorothy and Richard divided their time between Skaneateles and Naples, Fla. In 2006, Dorothy suffered a life-altering stroke. Due largely to her devoted daughter Annie, she was able to remain at home, where she continued to anchor and guide her family for 12 more years. Perhaps her greatest legacy is the resilience, dignity, and deep faith she displayed in the face of profound adversity.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband in 2015; her beloved brother Alphonse; sisters-in-law Maureen Louer and Eleanor Owen; and brother-in-law Donald Louer.
She is survived by her six children: Dr. Michael Owen of Henderson Harbor; Denise (Kevin) Harrigan of Syracuse; Christopher (Patricia) Owen of Vermont; Timothy Owen of California; Dr. Mary (Dr. George) Babikian of Maine; and Ann Owen of Skaneateles; 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her brother Eugene (Patricia) Litz; brother-in-law Dennis Owen; and sister-in-law Fanny Litz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, Skaneateles., followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St., Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to savesambulance.com

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Anthony J. "Tony" Lombardo

7/9/2017

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Anthony J. “Tony” Lombardo Sr. of Skaneateles passed away quietly on July 9, 2017 at St Camillus Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long illness.
The son of James and Rose (nee Romano) Lombardo, Tony was born in Syracuse on December 26, 1935. He graduated from Syracuse University, where he studied music under Kirk Ridge. Playing his first “gig” as a teenager, Tony spent more than 50 years as a performer and 35 years as a music educator.
As a member of the Air National Guard’s 138th Attack Squadron, Tony was deployed to Phalsbourg France in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis that led to the building of the Berlin Wall. The deployment turned into one of the highlights of Tony’s musical career as he toured Europe with the Air Force Band under the direction of Colonel Arnold Gabriel. A newlywed, Tony and his bride, the former Sandra Boyden, started their family during his deployment, arriving back in the States with their infant daughter Tracey and their oldest son, Anthony Jr., known as Chip, on the way!
Tony’s career was varied. He studied conducting at Tanglewood, under the tutelage of the Erich Leinsdorf, conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He was the founder and conductor of the Ars Nova (i.e. New Art) classical Choral and a past choir director of the Leiderkranz. For 16 years he held the post of Organist and Choir Director at Saint Charles Boromeo Church in Geddes, where he directed one of the finest church choir’s in the Syracuse area. Despite his classical leanings, Tony was also an accomplished jazz pianist, leading the Tony Lombardo Trio throughout the 1970s. He performed with numerous national acts such as Wayne Newton, Sammy Davis Jr., Sony & Cher, and Frank Sinatra Jr. and many others at venues including the Great New York State Fair and Syracuse’s famed Three Rivers Inn.
Despite his many accomplishments, Tony’s great love was not his career, but his family. He was especially close to his younger sister, Marylou, her husband Peter, and his four nephews, to whom he was always “Uncle Twan.” He adored his grandchildren and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to make them, or anyone else for that matter, laugh. Tony was predeceased by his nephew Peter Baichi and a grandson Joshua Pinkasiewicz.
Tony is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandy, his daughter Tracey Simon (Mark) and their children Jenna, Alexa, and Kolby, his son Anthony J. Lombardo Jr. (Karen), and their children Amelia and Jack, his son John Lombardo (Marylou) and Marylou’s sons Michael and Andrew. Tony is survived by his sister, Marylou Baichi (Peter), his nephews David, Derek, and Mathew Baichi. A celebration of life will be held on Friday July 14th at 11am at First Presbyterian Church Skaneateles. Calling hours will be held on Thursday July 13th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Burial will be private. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Camillus for the compassionate care they provided during Tony’s final months.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Camillus 813 Fay Road Syracuse, NY 13219.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Thomas Dudley Bloomer

7/8/2017

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Thomas Dudley Bloomer, 86, passed away Saturday, July 8th, 2017 in his home in Skaneateles surrounded by his beloved wife and family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Arlene, sons Jim, David and Tom Jr, daughter Alison, and nine loving grandchildren. Those who know Tom will speak to his love for the Episcopal Church, the game of lacrosse, his Alma maters and the Skaneateles community and lake.
Tom was born on November 25th, 1930 in Rochester, NY. He attended Deerfield Academy, where he was introduced to his lifetime love of lacrosse. He went on to captain two sports teams and earn All American Honors at Dartmouth College. He then earned his MBA at Harvard Business School, and entered active duty in the US Army, where he achieved a Commendation Medal for his superior service. Based on this experience, he went to work for IBM and eventually settled in Greenwich, CT, where he and Arlene raised five kids over 25 years. During this time, tragedy struck, as their special needs son Peter was killed by a drunk driver while riding his bike. After retiring from IBM, they moved to Skaneateles, building their dream home on the lake in 1988. During this time, he taught generations of JV lacrosse players the fundamentals of position defense.
One of Tom and Arlene’s favorite pastimes was sitting out on their deck, having a glass of wine, and watching the boats on the lake. He will be missed.
Please join us to celebrate the life of Thomas D Bloomer on Wednesday, July 19th at St. James Church, 96 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY. Service will start promptly at 1 pm, followed by a reception in the church parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Peter Bloomer Fund - either online at https://www.abilis.us/support-us.html or by check to Abilis Development Office, 50 Glenville Street, Greenwich, CT 06831 (make sure to include “In Memory of Thomas Bloomer Sr” in both).
This fund was set up in 1984 in honor of Tom and Arlene’s late son Peter, who was killed tragically. The fund supports middle and high school students of the local community who offer their time and energy helping those with special needs.
The burial service will be held at St. Barnabas Church in Greenwich at a later date. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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John "Jack" Henry Gregory Jr.

7/4/2017

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John “Jack” Henry Gregory, Jr. of the Town of Sennett passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2017. He was 86. Jack is preceded in death by his parents John H. Gregory Sr and Iva Hoag Gregory, his younger brother G. William Gregory, and his first wife Linda L. LaPointe. Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Angela Maria Martino-Gregory; his younger brother Robert Gregory of Skaneateles; his four children, A. Lynne Gregory of Marcellus (Robert Farrell), John H. Gregory IV of Honolulu, HI (Jodie Eversman), Laurie L. Kulis (Michael) of Skaneateles, and Lisa H Kahle (Charles) of McGraw; and grandchildren Jack H. Gregory V, Shannon Bay Gregory, PFC Tyler M. Mix, Shelby L. (Mix) Martin (Andrew), Gabriel T. Kahle, Zachary T. Kahle, Gregory Jordan, and Jessica (Jordan) Giangreco (Kevin) as well as, great granddaughter, Aurora June. Very special children, Shawn Quiqley, Bill Perkins, and David Short.
Born in Syracuse, NY on June 19, 1931, Jack was raised in the village of Skaneateles. While personally reserved, Jack had an abiding love of his country which was the foundation stone of his character. Molded by his father’s example of military service during both World War I and II, Jack himself served as a First Lieutenant (1LT USA – Engineer Corps) during the Korean War; afterwards, Jack was a life-long member of the American Legion Post 239. After the war, Jack returned to Central New York to pursue his passion for the land on his new farm along Route 20 outside Skaneateles. Jack had gotten the smell of the earth in his lungs and, whether raising first milk cows, and then later beef cattle, he was captivated by working the land. Jack affectionately referred to the farm as Poverty Acres in recognition of the financial realities of running a small farm, but Jack was by no means a poor man. Together, Jack and Angie built a welcoming tradition where their doors and kitchen were always open to friends and family. For nearly fifty years, year-round, the farm saw a near endless stream of visitors making their own memories “on the farm”. The same was true on the day that Jack Gregory died when, even though his passing was sudden and on a national holiday, family and friends of all ages put aside their normal July 4th celebrations to, once more, come to the farm and honor their ties to Jack.
Jack served his community as the Sennett Town Justice for 24 years. Jack’s exceptional tenure was the result of dispensing common-sense justice from the bench which earned him the reputation among his fellow magistrates of being one of the “fairest judges around”. Jack was also a life-long member of the Town of Sennett Fire Department with 56 years of service, 5 years of which were as the Fire Chief. Despite these accomplishments, Jack is perhaps most widely known for his collection of over a dozen vintage Korean War military vehicles (including a Walker Bulldog tank) that are exhibited at various community parades in Cayuga and Onondaga counties. Although hailing from a generation of few words, Jack would want the men who worked side by side with him in restoring these vehicles to know how grateful he was for their friendship and the memories. Jack loved this country. Calling hours will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 9 July 2017 and a service to celebrate Jack’s life will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2017, both at Jack’s farm located at 3900 East Genesee St., Auburn. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Honor Flight Syracuse P.O. Box 591, Syracuse, NY 13209. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Robert E. Millier

7/2/2017

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Robert E. Millier, 91, of Marietta “Old Bert” as he liked to be called, died July 2, 2017 at Van Duyn. Son of the late Edgar and Eunice Miner Millier. A Navy veteran, he served as an Air Traffic Control Officer. He then worked for O.C.W.A. at Otisco Lake until his retirement. A member of the American Legion, a Lifetime member of the N.R.A., the Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club, as well as the Otisco Lake Rod and Gun Club. He was inducted into the “Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame.” Bert was predeceased by his son David Alan and sisters Helen Grennell and Louise Karlik.
He is survived by his wife of 69 plus years, M. Jean “Darlin” Millier, son Jimmy and his children Amanda and Robert James. His grandson by David, Jeff and his children Ben and Kaitlyn, as well as several nieces and nephews.
“Old Bert “was a “Master Craftsman” who created many beautiful works of art.
Contributions can be made to the Otisco Lake Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 68, Marietta, NY 13110
“I’ll see you on the Mountain Top, Pop” Love Ya Jim, I’ll bring Rob you know the “Spot”
Condolences may be left at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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