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Harold "Joe" Doyle

11/27/2017

Harold “Joe” Doyle, 90, of Skaneateles passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017. Joe was born in Weedsport, NY and graduated from Weedsport High School. He served in the Army in WWII and was a member of Legion Post 317, Skaneateles Falls. He was a NYS Correction Officer for 25 years at Auburn and then worked 29 years with the Skaneateles Central School District. Joe was an avid gardener and bee keeper, but above all else he adored his 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
Joe was predeceased by his brother, Donald Doyle. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, children; Susan (Ed) Kopp, Michael (Maureen) Doyle, Amy (Ed) Panek, Brenda (Paul) Bramble, Beth (Dan) Haskins, and Joseph (Valerie) Cottrell, sisters, Mabel Plantz and Margaret Valentino, cousin, Earl (Linda) Talbot and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to SAVES: 77 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Laura J. DeVoe

11/26/2017

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Laura J. DeVoe, 88, of Auburn, NY, passed away Sunday, November 26th, at Upstate Medical Center, with her loving family with her.
Laura (known as Lolly to all of her friends) was born on February 5, 1929 in Mottville, NY. Her maiden name was Miller. Her parents were Edwin (Ted) and Laura Anderson.
Lolly worked at a number of businesses in the Skaneateles area over the years including Roy’s Red & White and The Krebs. When working at The Krebs she met her husband to be, Charles (Chuck) DeVoe and they were married and both worked there for a number of years after they wed. She was a life-long member of the Saint Andrews United Methodist Church in Mottville.
Most recently she served as Vice-President of the Schwartz Towers Apartments (Auburn) Tenants Association, where she resided and thrived over the past several years playing in weekly shuffle board tournaments, regular exercise classes, coffee hours and special events with her neighbors and friends there.
At 5’ 4” with red hair and green eyes, weighing right around 100 pounds most of her adult life, she was a tiny rose in the “forest of life” around her. She wasn’t bubbly and too outgoing but she quietly brought joy to everyone that she met because she was so genuinely sweet and caring. Known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Gram and Great-Gram.
She is predeceased by her husband Charles (Chuck) DeVoe, her long-time companion William (Bill) Schwager, her sisters Bonnie and Myrt and her brother Dave. She is survived by her sons Ron (Heidi), Ted (Edie) and Dan (Lynn) and nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 1st from 4 to 7pm with a memorial service to follow at 7 at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Burial will be private in Lake view cemetery, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Saint Andrews United Methodist Church, 4264 Jordan Road, Mottville, NY 13119.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Marian Louise Overstrom

11/23/2017

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Marian Louise Overstrom passed away on November 23, 2017. Marian was born on April 19, 1935 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She grew up in Avoca, NY and Bath, NY where she graduated from Haverling High School. She married the love of her life, Leon, after he returned from the Navy in 1956 and they went to Potsdam, NY where he enrolled at Clarkson University and she worked as a court stenographer in Canton, NY. Marian was predeceased by her parents, Bertha Louise Stakel and Rupert Everton Harris and her brother Richard Everton Harris.
Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Leon Overstrom, two daughters Susan Lee Overstrom and Sandra (Andrew) Sheridan and 4 adored grandchildren; Aaron (Kelly) Richards, Mackenzie Lee Sheridan, Madison Drew Sheridan, Taylor Baughman. She had two loving cousins and several nieces and nephews. Marian was a volunteer and worked many years at the Father's Day Pancake breakfast for the Skaneateles Rotary Club as well as the United Methodist Church Antique shows.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 28th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral services will be private, Marian will be buried in Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her memory to Skaneateles United Methodist church or Owasco fire department
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Joseph J. Prince Jr.

11/21/2017

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Joseph J. Prince, Jr., 94, of Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully on November 21, 2017. He was born on September 22, 1923 to the late Giuseppe and Francesca Prince. He attended Vocational High School of Syracuse and he was a tool and die maker by trade. He owned two businesses. Prince Tool and Die was opened in 1958 with his brother John. He shared a patent with his brother for a Precision Measuring Instrument known as a Cylindrical Square. He went on to open his own business, Prince Mastercraft in 1969, where he worked side by side with his son Joseph J. Prince III. He was a World War II Army veteran who fought in Okinawa, Japan. He was a member of the Holy Name Society of Pompei and in his younger days he was an avid golfer. He was predeceased by his son Joseph J. Prince III along with his sisters, Filomenia Polito and Theresa Milea and brothers Phil, John, Tony, and Salvatore Prince. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary F. (DePaola) Prince. They recently celebrated 70 years of marriage on September 6, 2017. He is also survived by his sister, Julia Racona of Skaneateles and his daughters, Michele (Paul) Kloc of Fayetteville, Mary Therese (Rick) Ciotti of Baldwinsville, Loretta (David) Buck of O’Fallon, MO along with 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2 more expected in 2018. He also has several surviving nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 25th at 10 am at Church of Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 24 from 4 to7 pm at Frasier-Shepardson Funeral Home, 1217 North Salina St. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter, 301 Ash St. Syracuse, NY 13208.

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Patricia McMahon Callahan

11/21/2017

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Patricia McMahon Callahan, 92, died November 21, 2017 surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was a long-time resident of Skaneateles, New York before she moved to Spencerport in 2015 to be closer to family. Pat was born Patricia Ann Mary Smith Connachan McMahon in Paisley, Scotland in 1925. At the age of 3, she crossed the Atlantic with her mother, brother and sister to join their father in America, entering through Ellis Island. Pat became U.S. citizen in 1967. The family settled in Kearny, New Jersey, where Pat attended St. Cecilia’s Catholic school from first through twelfth grade, graduating in 1943. In eighth grade, a nun she admired gave her a Miraculous Medal, celebrating the life and faith of Saint Catherine Laboure. Pat carried the medal with her always till her death, the image of Mary well worn by years of prayer.
Pat married Vincent Henderson Callahan (a Kearny native) in 1952. Vin, who died in 1988, was a successful businessman. He relied on Pat for support, stability, and an ever-positive outlook on what became eight relocations (encompassing 10 house moves) required by his career with Crucible Steel. Pat was active in the Catholic Church, her anchor. In the last 30 years of her life, she was very active at St. Mary’s of the Lake, Skaneateles and Holy Cross in Vero Beach, Florida. She worked with many charitable associations, including Literacy Volunteers of Auburn, the Skaneateles Library Guild, Father Peter Major’s Sudan Project, and the Sneaker Project in Vero. For 15 years Pat cooked monthly meals for homeless men at Unity Kitchen, and regularly contributed to the ecumenical Skaneateles Food Shelf. Pat received her AA degree in early childhood education from Elizabethtown (KY) Community College in spring, 1972. After many years of persistence, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in contemporary studies from Empire State College/Cayuga County Community College. She was honored with the distinguished alumni award in 2013. Pat enjoyed cooking and entertaining, including the sing-along after Christmas Eve mass, and numerous summer gatherings. She doted on her four grandchildren (Emily, Cary, Nate and Sarah) and they loved her mightily in return. She enjoyed travel, winter in Vero Beach, winning at bridge, and golf.
In addition to the grandchildren, she is survived by her three children and their spouses: Linda Callahan and John Hughes of Spencerport, New York; David and Barbara Callahan of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Cindy Callahan and John Marshall of Rockville, Maryland. A private interment was held at St. Mary’s of the Lake Cemetery, Skaneateles, New York on Saturday, November 25. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, Pat and family suggest donations to: Literacy Volunteers of Auburn (http://www.voa.org), johndaufoundation.org, or the Community Foundation of Central New York (https://www.cnycf.org).
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Gerard "Jerry" Byrne

11/20/2017

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Gerard Vincent Byrne, “Jerry” age 56 passed away November 20, 2017 at his Rose Hill farm surrounded by his family. Jerry grew up in Skaneateles and graduated from Skaneateles High School. He then joined the United States Marine Corps where he was awarded an expert rifle badge while stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC.
Jerry worked for many years at the Byrne Dairy Ice Cream Center prior to he and his wife Jean running a family farm and business together, “Byrne Black Angus”. Jerry also spent time on the road driving tractor-trailers. Jerry raised and showed Belgian draft horses as a hobby and won several ribbons at the NY State Fair. Jerry really enjoyed his family, farming and hunting.
Surviving are his wife of 20 years Jean Frost Byrne, 3 sons, Shawn M Byrne, Vincent M Byrne, Hunter M Byrne, and 1 daughter, Jeri-Jo Byrne. 3 sisters, Mary B Prendergast (David), Johanna B Elliott, Winifred “Wendy” Byrne, 2 brothers, Carl V Byrne, Mark V Byrne (Karen) and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents C. Vincent Byrne, Winifred S Byrne, and brother, Vincent G Byrne.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 27th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the lake church. Calling hours will be on Sunday, November 26th from 3 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Burial will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Paul Carl Fritsch

11/8/2017

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Paul Carl Fritsch, 101, of Skaneateles, passed away on November 8th, at the Commons in Auburn. Paul served in the Army Air Corps from 1943-1946. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Skaneateles for more than 60 years. He was a 63-year member of Skaneateles Lodge No. 522 F. & A.M. and was the Master of the lodge during its 100th anniversary in 1962. He was later appointed Grand Steward for the Grand Lodge of New York. Several years afterward he was appointed Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Awards. He was a member of Charles H. Platt Chapter No. 247, Royal Arch Masons in Skaneateles and served as its High Priest (presiding officer) during 1996. He was a member of the Scottish Rite of Masonry having served as the Most Wise Master for one year and later served ten years as the Secretary of the Scottish Rite for the Syracuse area. For his service in the Scottish Rite, he was elected to receive the honorary 33rd Degree of Masonry. He was also a member of St. Leo Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, an honorary Masonic organization, of which he served a one-year term as the presiding officer. Paul is a Life Member of Tigris Shrine in Syracuse and a member of the Jesters. Paul was predeceased by his wife Helen, daughter Dawn and son in law James Pitman. He is survived by a son Bruce (Barbara) Fritsch, grandson Brett (Cheryl) Pitman, Guy (Kelly) Pitman, granddaughter Julaine (Rob) Frye, 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 14th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Private burial in Lake view cemetery. Donations in his honor may be made to St. James Episcopal Church or Lodge 522 F.& A.M. Skaneateles.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

29 Comments

Ronald "Ron" Snead

11/5/2017

16 Comments

Ronald “Ron” Snead, 80, of Skaneateles, New York, passed away peacefully at home on November 5th, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Winifred and Elsie Rae Snead; sister, Kathryn Rae Snead; and step-son, Christopher Hopkins. He is survived by his daughters: Cheryl Arrain, Mary Kathryn Snead, Susan E. Shellcliffe, and Danielle McMahon; six grandchildren; and his life partner of 32 years, Laura M. Hopkins.
Ron was born in Gibson City, Illinois on November 27, 1936. As a young man, he aspired to become a minister and attended seminary. He later pursued a degree in English Literature from Milliken University and a graduate degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. He worked as an Associate Professor of English at Cayuga Community College for over twenty years. Although he officially “retired” in 1989, he continued to teach part time until this past spring.
Ron enjoyed athletic activities, including tennis, skiing, and racquetball. Once retired, he cultivated his love of plants, flowers, and tropical fish. He became an accomplished aquarist and was very active in the Central NY Aquarium Society. Ron also enjoyed working outdoors with Laura and their three Parson Russell Terriers to create tranquil and vibrant gardens bursting with colorful plants and fish. Friends and family will always remember Ron relaxing in his lovely yard ...with a book in one hand and a Pepsi in the other. If not outdoors, Ron could usually be found in front of a television, cheering (or cursing!) enthusiastically for his beloved Yankees or Syracuse Orangemen, with a small dog burrowed in his lap.
A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society @ 607 North Seward Street, Auburn, NY on Saturday, November 18th at 1:00pm
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Ellen J. Huey

11/4/2017

7 Comments

Ellen J. Huey of Remsen, NY, passed away on November 4, 2017, after a brief illness.
Ellen was born on August 12, 1930 in Cobleskill, NY. She was the daughter of the late Lee & Jennie (Howell) Huey. In 1938, the family moved to Skaneateles to the farm just East of the village on Route 20. Ellen was a graduate of Skaneateles Central School, Elmira College, and Cortland State Teachers College. Ellen taught Kindergarten starting in Naples, NY, then many years in Binghamton, NY, retiring in 1985. She enjoyed many years in her log cabin on Kayuta Lake with friends and family. Ellen most recently resided at Brookdale Independent Living in Clinton, NY. She is survived by two nephews and a niece: Joe (Sandy) Huey of Skaneateles, Sue (Keith) DePauw of Bradford, and Jeff (Cherie) Huey of Cassville, NY, and several grandnieces & nephews. Ellen was pre-deceased by her brother Howard and sister-in-law Helen Huey of Skaneateles.
A private graveside service will be held at the family’s convenience in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles.
In Ellen’s memory, please make contributions to the Remsen United Methodist Church or the Remsen Fire Department.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Anna L. Bennett

11/2/2017

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Anna L. Bennett, 94, of Mottville passed away Thursday November 2, 2017 at Auburn Community Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in Syracuse, she was a homemaker who truly loved to spend time with her family and to cook. She taught family and friends how to make pies and fresh bread along with canning.
She is survived by her children Dorothy (Jack) VanCise, Robert (Daphne) Bennett, Martha Meredith, David Bennett, and Michael (Cathy) Bennett, daughter-in-law Barb Bennett. She also leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Harold in 1978 a son Jimmy Bennett, grandson Jesse Bennett and sister Lillian Magee.
Services and burial in Lake view cemetery will be private.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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