Blog Archives

Warren "Moose" Bonnell

7/29/2022

    Warren “Moose” Bonnell of Skaneateles passed away on Friday, July 29th. He was raised in Rye, NY where he lettered in baseball, football, and wrestling. He attended SUNY Oswego where he met his wife Linda (Clark). He was a proud member of Beta Tau Epsilon.
    He taught in the Onondaga Central Schools where he enjoyed a 30-year career as a coach, mentor and friend to all. Moose was a brilliant, gregarious and generous man.
    He was also a talented vocalist and pianist. He was a life-long Yankees and SU sports fan. Moose and Linda enjoyed travel and had many wonderful trips to Europe and Asia. Moose and Linda enjoyed their winters in Stuart, FL with the many friends they had made.
    He is predeceased by his parents Kathryn and Larry and his brother Wayne.
    He is survived by his wife Linda (Clark) of 54 years, his son Shannon, his daughter Stacey, his grandchildren Gunnar and Yasmin Glazier and Brianna Bonnell as well as his beloved grand-dog Dimaggio.
    Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 12th from 4 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dennis Burr Allen

7/23/2022

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    Dennis Burr Allen of Auburn died peacefully with family by his side on July 23, 2022. Born in Syracuse in 1947, he graduated from Jamesville-Dewitt High School and worked in the automotive industry in central New York as a parts manager for many years.
    He enjoyed camping, canoeing & nature. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and lived and breathed football - especially SU and the Bills - from September to February every year. Dennis had a wry sense of humor with George Carlin being one of his favorite comedians. He will be missed by many.
    He is survived by his son, Scott Allen of Jackson, WY; his sister Donna Kerr (Tom) of Lisle, IL; and his sister Kelly Rice (Matthew) of Medway, MA. He also leaves his niece Shana, his nephews Ryan and Ethan and several cousins.
    A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at a later date.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Frances Anne Maas

7/21/2022

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Branches of a tree are only as strong as the roots. Roots forged in love make each branch stronger. The main root of our family tree, Frances Anne Maas (Coleman) passed away July 21, 2022, at home surrounded by her children and husband.
Through her love and sacrifice we, the branches of her family tree, will continue to grow and reach for the heavens in her honor.
    Frannie, Francie-Ann, Mom, Nana, Granna, and Hun, as she was known, will be greatly missed. Thanks to her, our home was always filled with so much love. Friends and family often found refuge there. The door was always open, as was her heart.
     The branches of her tree will continue and flourish, filled with the love she provided throughout the years.
    Frances is preceded in death by her parents Francis and Dorothy (Surdam) Coleman, daughter DeeAnne (Corp) Akins and granddaughter Allyssa Akins.
    Her legacy lives on with her loving husband Steven Maas, daughters Lucinda and Mary and son Joe Maas, ten grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Branches growing across the nation from New York, Georgia, Texas and Arizona.
    Her roots will be forever in Skaneateles where she will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles, NY.
    In-lieu of flowers Donations to American Cancer society in honor of Frances A Maas would be appreciated.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Theresa H. Coleton (Brown)

7/19/2022

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    With profound sadness, we acknowledge the passage into eternity of Theresa H. Coleton (Brown) of Skaneateles. She died peacefully at home on July 19, 2022. Theresa was born on June 18, 1931 in Syracuse, firstborn child of the late Joseph and Pauline (Slezak) Hrabosky.
    She is survived by her husband Daniel Brown, her sister Betsy Nix (Peter) and her Godchild Theresa LaMarre (Richard), Great Godchildren Sha-Lee and Mei, nieces Sandra Nix (Andrew), Lynn Kasell (Joseph), Kathy Coleton, Beverly (Boo) Coleton, nephews Robert J. Nix (Kelly), Peter Coleton (Krista), James Coleton, John David Coleton and several great nieces.
    Theresa is survived by her husband’s children Christine Stevens (Thomas), Dennis Brown (Linda) & Therese Brown Mahoney (Michael).
    In addition to her parents, Theresa was predeceased by her brother Frank (Sonny), her first husband William B. Coleton and beautiful daughter Jennifer.
    Theresa attended and graduated from Cathedral Academy in Syracuse. She had a long, successful career with Verizon (New York Telephone Co.) retiring in 1991. Theresa also worked for the Lincoln Department Store, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish, and the Internal Revenue Service. She was a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church as well as a long-time parishioner of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
    As a member of The Legion of Mary she made treasured lifelong friends. She became Godmother to a baby girl, Theresa Clarke LaMarre fostering a rare 6-decade friendship.
She enjoyed traveling, from her annual Easter visit with Peg Dwyer on Cape Cod to various foreign excursions with her beloved Dan.
    Theresa will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, incredible style, and her animated stories of adventure and life. She would brighten rooms with her extraordinary fashion sense and many will remember her knack of sending hand written thoughtful letters and notes. She had a great affinity for music and loved to sing; one of her favorites was the Sound of Music ‘My Favorite Things’.
    A funeral Mass will be held at 10am, Saturday, July 23, 2022 at St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church, Skaneateles, NY.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Dr., Auburn, NY 13021.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Julia (Prince) Racona

7/18/2022

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    Our Mother Julia (Prince) Racona of Skaneateles passed away on Monday, July 18th just hours shy of her 95th Birthday!
    Our Mom did many things in her life including becoming a Real Estate Broker, she had admiration by all for her honesty. Mom always helped everyone and anyone in need, she volunteered even into her 80's.
    Mom was such a loving and compassionate person to all. I know if you asked her, she would say her greatest Love was for her husband, children, and grandchildren, she nurtured all of us. Her greatest accomplishment on this Earth was how much she Loved us and made us feel Loved!
    We will miss her more than words can say. There will forever be a void that no one else can fill Our Hearts are Broken and we will miss her terribly until we can be reunited again in Paradise!
    Survived by daughter Elaina Rowe (David) of Moravia, sons Louis J. Racona of Auburn, Joseph Racona (Deborah) of Auburn and daughter Louise Borasky of Cazenovia, 9 grandchild and 5 great-grandchildren.
    Memorial service will be held on Monday, July 25th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Brenda K. Chapman

7/15/2022

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    Brenda K. Chapman of Skaneateles, NY, the love of our lives passed away peacefully at 63 years young at Crouse Hospital July 15th with family by her side.
    Born in Butler, PA, Brenda was a loyal, loving sister and the youngest of four. She is survived by her sister Sarah Chuzie, brothers Bill and Bob Albert, her son Jonathan, and her husband Jeff.
    Brenda grew up on a farm there in Butler with her loving family and went to Slipper Rock High School. She then went on the Nursing School at Jamison Hospital in New Castle, PA and Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA where she graduated with honors and ended up meeting her soul mate of 40 years.
    Brenda was a Registered Nurse in coronary care and open-heart surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY for just over 38 years. She was a very strong advocate for her patients and always was looking out for everyone else, touching thousands of lives in her time there. Her strength, courage and love will be greatly missed.
    Besides being a dedicated worked she was the most loving person to her son and husband. She was a mother and friend to all. She also was the mother of two beautiful yellow Labrador Retrievers, Jessie and Cyndi who are currently by her side, and she will greatly miss her newest best friend, our neighbors Black Labrador, Remi.
    She enjoyed spending her free time in Gloucester, MA taking in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and indulging in seafood every chance she had. She was the best cook, always offering to make meatballs and sauce for team dinners, as well as family and friends, sometimes making over 150 meatballs at a time. She loved floating in Skaneateles Lake, but she always needed a floaty since she wasn’t the best swimmer! Being from the Pittsburgh area, she was a huge fan of Earth, Wind, & Fire. Her favorite song was of course “September”, the month her only child was born. She also loved The Doobie Brothers, and her favorite singer was Susan Tedeschi, part of the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
    She was always present and was the love of our lives. We cannot thank everyone enough at Crouse Hospital, especially the nurses and Tom Anderson, the Chaplain who had such a huge impact on Brenda and her family.
    Many thanks to all our family and friends for the continued love and support, Brenda will be greatly missed and surely never forgotten. God Bless every one of you!
    Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 25th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A memorial service will be on Tuesday at 10am at the funeral home.
    Contributions may be directed to Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Services at 77 Fennell ST, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Donald S. Frank

7/12/2022

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    Donald S. Frank of West Palm Beach, FL passed away on July 12, 2022. He was 86 years old.
Born on December 25, 1935 in Gloversville, NY, Don was handed to his parents Wesley and Doris Frank in a Christmas stocking. He served as the protective and loyal older brother to his sister Carol. Don graduated from Gloversville High School and the University of Rochester with a Bachelor of Science degree. At Rochester he played quarterback on the football team, was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and the Naval ROTC. It was there where he met Sally before their marriage in 1960.
    Don spent time on the west coast and Asia as an officer on the USS De Haven. After his service, he started in the private sector in sales at Xerox and later several startup companies. During the couple’s stint near Boston, they welcomed their two sons, Andrew and Ian. The family eventually settled in Skaneateles, NY in 1973 where Don ultimately started his own firm Unemployment Tax Council, now known as People Systems. Now in its 47th year, the Syracuse-based company employs over 50 dedicated professionals and serves customers nationwide. He embraced the team as his extended family and cared for them and their families dearly.
    In 1988 Don met Janet Bertling through a mutual friend. After several years of courtship, they eventually married and enjoyed traveled extensively through the US and overseas. They spent summer months in Skaneateles and often hosted their many friends and family members into their homes. The couple just celebrated their 25th anniversary last month. Janet was his inspiration and enjoyed her passion for living in the moment. He loved her dearly.
    Don had many loves in life, including flying his airplane, playing golf and watching a wide range of sports. He always enjoyed providing guidance and wisdom from his family and colleagues. Above all, he enjoyed socializing with friends and family over cocktails with his unique sense of humor and style. Engaging people in a thoughtful conversation gave him great satisfaction.
    Don is survived by his wife Janet, his sons Andrew (Colleen) and Ian (Eve), his grandchildren Griffin, Devin, Erin & Alex, his sister Carol O’Keefe, his step-children Melissa, David, Carl and Carrie Hornung and step-granddaughter Lola Cowie and step son-in-law Grant (Linda). He was predeceased by his step-son Kurt Hornung.
    Funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory to SAVES Ambulance, 77 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152 OR Camp Dudley, 126 Dudley Road, Westport, NY 12993 would be greatly appreciated by his family.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Sharon (Maahs) Humphrey

7/11/2022

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    Sharon (Maahs) Humphrey passed away on July 11, 2022 at Cleveland Clinic. A beautiful bright soul was lost.
    She was born 11/20/1950 in Syracuse NY to Chester and Mary (Ledger) Maahs She was a 1968 graduate of Tully Central School and graduated from Kent University in 1972 with a degree in special education and made her permanent home in Ohio.
    She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Mark D. Humphrey; her brother Kenneth Maahs. She is survived by her Sister Barbara Schneider (William) and her nephew Mark (Joanne) Schneider, there children Jana, Josh (Allyson), there children Brynn, William, Hannah, and Olivia; Sam (Allison), niece Deborah Schneider (Kenneth Wolf). Also, sister Doris Withey-Maahs, her children Julie, Daniel, David and nieces and nephews.
    There will be graveside services at Sheppard Settlement Cemetery in Skaneateles NY on Saturday October 29th at 11am.
    Donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Society, EFFROC, PO Box 23113, New York, NY 10087-3113.
    To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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