Blog Archives

Mary Smyres Leonard

12/22/2018

Mary Smyres Leonard of Skaneateles and Brookdale Senior Living passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 22 in Syracuse at the age of 89. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Harold, two sisters Margaret Stockwell and Ruth (Leonard) Zecchini, her children Jim (Patty), Amy and Dave (Susan) and grandchildren Elizabeth, Ellie, Katie and Tim.
Mary was born to Roy and Esther Smyres in Sioux City, Iowa, and lived in many places growing up including Ithaca, Horseheads, Cazenovia, Montour Falls, and Jamaica, NY. She earned her BA from Randolph Macon Woman’s College and an MS Ed. from Cortland State Teachers’ College. She taught elementary school for a number of years in Shelter Island, Japan and Skaneateles. Mary was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She enjoyed reading, knitting, sewing, origami, singing and walking. She will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her sense of humor and her great love of books. One of her happiest activities was a long-time participation in Travelers of Auburn. She was an active member of the Skaneateles United Methodist Church and was a dedicated volunteer for Literacy Volunteers, Pastoral Visits (Van Duyn), Jail Ministry, Meals on Wheels and FISH.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 25th at 2pm at the United Methodist Church, Skaneateles with a reception to follow in the church hall.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Skaneateles United Methodist Church. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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William C. "Bill" Blowers

12/21/2018

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William C, “Bill” Blowers, 95, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully on December 21, 2018 at The Commons on St. Anthony.
Bill was a multi-sport athlete for Split Rock High School and was a retired Insurance Agent at Allstate. He served in the Coast Guard, was an avid sailor, and a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake in Skaneateles.
Bill was preceded in death by the love of his life Arleta J. “Lee” Blowers, grandson William C. Blowers, and Lillian Blowers.
He is survived by his children William C. “Bill” Blowers, Kathy L. Giocondo, Cheryl A. Fay, and Barbara A. Murphy. Brother in law Richard (Agnes) Forger, sisters in law Delores (Joe) Fedrizzi and Marilyn “Mickey” Forger, 16 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff on the 6th floor of The Commons for their warm and compassionate care for the past 3 years.
Calling hours will be Friday, December 28th from 4-7pm at Robert D Gray Funeral Home in Skaneateles. Mass will be on Saturday, December 29th at 10am at St Mary’s of the Lake, Skaneateles followed by burial at the cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Nora Di Carlo Colucci

12/21/2018

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Nora Di Carlo Colucci, 90, of Mill Rd. Skaneateles passed away on December 21st at The Commons on St. Anthony. Born in Skaneateles, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy Di Carlo. She retired from Welch Allyn. Nora is survived by her nieces, Julie (Ed) Sheppard King, Joel (Justin) Sheppard and their children. She is predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Donato Colucci, her brother Vic Di Carlo, her sister Mary Di Carlo Sheppard and her nephew Jeff Sheppard. Her family would like to thank the nurses and staff on the 5th floor at The Commons for their care. There are no services. In her name contributions can be made to the Mottville Fire Company or to SAVES.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Paul William "Bill" Pavlus

12/16/2018

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Paul William “Bill” Pavlus, 91 of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 16, 2018. Bill was born in Skaneateles on June 25, 1927. He graduated from Skaneateles High School and Central City Business Institute. He answered Uncle Sam’s call and entered the United States Army during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1947. Upon returning home, bill met the love of his life, the former Beatrice Scriven. They were married a short time later and enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. In his early years, Bill drove truck and delivered fuel oil before beginning a career with the Postal Service in 1962, as a city carrier. He went on to become Postmaster of Skaneateles, and retired from the Postal Service after 30 years.
Bill’s love for his community, led him to volunteer at many organizations. He was a Honorary Member and Fund Drive Cochairman of S.A.V.E.S.; President of the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce, President and Secretary of the Skaneateles Rotary, where he received a Presidential Citation and the Paul Harris Fellow Award for outstanding service, as well as Rotarian of the year in 1985. In 1987 he was voted Citizen of the year, as well as, the Dewitt Clinton Masonic Award for Community Service. Bill delivered Meals on Wheels, he was founder of the Skaneateles Native Old Timers. He was an Honorary Member of the Skaneateles Fire Department, Chairman of the Salvation Army unit of Skaneateles, winning the Bell Ringer Award in 1985. He was president of the Skaneateles Historical Society, the Seniors of Skaneateles and the Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club. In 2000, he received the Senior Community Service Award, for outstanding community service to his community. He was a proud member of both the Skaneateles and Skaneateles Falls American Legion. Bills love of nature and the land around Skaneateles, led him to serve eight years on the Town of Skaneateles Planning Board, and was elected to five consecutive terms as Skaneateles Town Supervisor from 1996 to 2005. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing and was especially proud of his work to acquire the Federal Farm, for the Town of Skaneateles, which is known today as, the Skaneateles Conservation Area. Bill was Chairman of the Skaneateles Landfill Committee, which was started in 1987, to study ways to start recycling in the town of Skaneateles. In 1998, the Town of Skaneateles received the Governor’s Excellence Award for their outstanding recycling program. During his years as Town Supervisor, Bill and others worked to get the Skaneateles Pier repaired as you see it today. He worked countless hours assigning street names and street numbers to all of the small roads around Skaneateles when the new 911 system came to Skaneateles. Bill was also proud to have gone on the Honor Flight Mission #002 in 2013. Honor flight carries veterans to Washington DC, to tour the war memorials. His flight came about, at a pivotal time of his life, shortly after losing his wife. This was where he met his guardian Susan Bastable, who together with her husband Jeffrey, made an enormous impact on his life…For this Bill’s family is sincerely grateful. Bill had a great love for the Town of Skaneateles, spending his entire 91 years here. Perhaps Bills proudest moments were when he was with his family. His kind heart and loving soul will be missed by all. He often spoke, that he loved his whole family. He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Terry) Norris of Syracuse and Cathy (Michael) Crary of Skaneateles, his grandchildren, George (Sherry) Kusner, Donna Kusner, Lisa (Chris) Sofranko and Caryn (Zach) Chawgo, along with two great grandchildren Samantha Kusner and Maddy Bea Chawgo, several nieces, nephews and step grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his wife Beatrice; parents Stefan and Anna; sisters Anne and Suzanne; and a brother John.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 20th from 4 to 8pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be Friday, December 21st at 11:00am at St. James Church, 96 East Genesee St, Skaneateles. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to SAVES Ambulance, Skaneateles Fire Department, or to Honor Flight Syracuse. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Beverly E. Surdam

12/11/2018

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Beverly E. Surdam, 85, of Skaneateles, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 11 at Upstate University Hospital. The daughter of Bessie and Howard Van Camp, she was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y., and lived in the Central New York area her entire life. Beverly loved baking and was devout to the Bible.
Beverly was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Fredrick R. Surdam, and is survived by her children Pamela J. Wilbur of Auburn; Gail L. Surdam of Mottville; James R. Surdam of Syracuse; Daniel (Margaret) R. Surdam of Skaneateles; Kimberly A. Surdam of St. Augustine, Fla.; and Tammy M. Surdam of Skaneateles; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Friday, from 4 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, 10am at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Mottville. Burial will be private at Highland Cemetery, Marcellus. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Jordan Road, Mottville, N.Y., 13119. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Charles L. Jordan

12/10/2018

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Charles L. Jordan, 92 of Skaneateles passed away on December 10th at Auburn Nursing Home. Born in Syracuse to the late William and Elizabeth Jordan, he was the former co-owner of Jordan Box Co., in Syracuse. He was drafted out of high school by the Merchant Marines to serve during WWII. After the war Charles went to Syracuse University where he graduated with a geology degree. After college he was drafted for a 2nd time by the US Army to serve during the Korean Conflict. During his youth he would spend the summer at his family camp on Brant Lake which gave him the lifelong love for the Adirondack’s.
Charles is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara, sons Charles L (Kristen) Jordan, Jr. of Hoboken, NJ and Edward M. Jordan of Skaneateles, granddaughter Clara Jordan and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 14th at 11am at Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles.
Memorial donation may be made to the Skaneateles United Methodist Church.
To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Richard G. Hood Sr.

12/3/2018

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Richard G. Hood, Sr. “Dick”, 80, of Skaneateles, passed away unexpectedly on December 3, 2018. He was born and raised in Downsville, NY located in the Catskill Mountains. Dick was the owner of RG Hood’s Welding Service in Skaneateles, NY for 40 years. He was an active member of the Tigris Shriners Motor Patrol, Skaneateles Lodge #522, and Auburn American Legion Post 1324. After graduating high school, he joined the US Air Force, where he was a chief mechanic on B47 Jetfighters while stationed in England and Texas. Dick was a pilot and enjoyed restoring antique cars, hunting and camping with the NY Central Camping Group.
Dick was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty A. (Birdsall) of Fleischmanns, NY of 53 years and parents, Ivan and Elsie. He is survived by his children, Richard G. Hood, Jr. of Marcellus, and Terry (Mark) Gabel of Souderton, PA; grandsons, Eric and Jake Gabel; siblings, Gary (Carol), William, and Audrey (George) Wood; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6pm on Wednesday, December 12th at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Burial will be in Downsville, NY at later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to SAVES 77 Fennell St. Skaneateles, NY 13152 or Tigris Shriners; 1121 Milton Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Ruth L. Anderson

12/1/2018

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Ruth Liberty Anderson (Lopez) of Skaneateles NY, passed peacefully on Saturday December 1st at home, at the age of 82. She married Peter Alan Anderson on March 4 1960. Ruth is survived by her sons John P. (wife Niesha) of Oswego, NY; Mark H. of Skaneateles, NY; Vickie Campany (wife of James T.); and seven grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Peter A., and her son James T. of Syracuse, NY.
She graduated from Wagner College with a B.S. in Elementary Education, and earned a Masters in Special Education from Nazareth College. While at Wagner she was the President of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She taught Elementary Education in East Orange, NJ, and in Cazenovia, NY, and taught Special Education for 22 years in the Skaneateles Central School District. Ruth was a member of the American Association of University Women.
Ruth was very active in The First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles. She served as an Elder, Clerk of Session, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Martha Circle, and a member of the Hand Bell Choir. She worked tirelessly in the church library, and her Bible Study lessons were always well prepared. She was the Secretary for the Cayuga-Syracuse Presbyterian Women, and in 2009, Ruth was made an Honorary Life Member of the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Ruth was an avid reader belonging to many Book Clubs, and in retirement she became an active Red Hat Lady.
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, December 9th at 10:00 A.M. at The First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles. There will be a reception to follow at the Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ruth’s life. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles.

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