Obituaries & Guestbook
  • Obituaries & Guestbook

Welcome

On this page you can view obituaries and leave a message for the family by clicking on the comment area below the obituary.  If you have any questions or problems with the site please contact us at grayrdg@yahoo.com.

Return to Home Page

Francis Luke Moran

12/30/2020

22 Comments

 
Picture
Francis Luke Moran, 84, of Skaneateles, New York passed away peacefully on December 30, 2020 after a brave battle with dementia.
Francis, also known as Frank, was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Annie O’Connor Moran and Luke Moran. Frank graduated from Boston College High School in 1954 and Boston College in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in management. Frank had a successful career at A.O. Smith Corporation and was a knowledgeable leader in the plumbing and heating industry.
Frank married Shirley Ann Silverman in Cranston, Rhode Island in 1964. Not only had Frank fallen in love with Shirley, but the charm of Skaneateles captivated him as well, and he built their home in the beautiful Borodino countryside overlooking the lake. Although enamoured by his new home, he never lost his love for the New England coastline. His family spent yearly vacations at the beach with extended family members and his lifelong friends.
Frank loved the outdoors and was often seen riding his bike, swimming, hiking, boating, cross country skiing, rowing, and snowshoeing on, in, and around his beloved Skaneateles Lake.
Always ready to give back to his community, Frank was a volunteer fireman for the Borodino Fire Department for 25 years and volunteered extensively for the American Red Cross as a blood courier. As a volunteer for the Catholic Charities’ Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), he drove cancer patients to their medical appointments in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, and found enjoyment volunteering at Delaware School in the Syracuse City School District, where he taught young children to learn to read. He also volunteered at the Samaritan Center in Syracuse distributing meals to the homeless and needy. Because of his dedication to helping others, Frank received the United Way’s Exceptional Community Volunteer Award in 2007.
Frank saved a historic house in Borodino by taking it upon himself to renovate it for future generations to enjoy. He was a leader in ensuring a veteran’s memorial was erected across the street from the house he had restored. He will be fondly remembered as always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors in Borodino. Frank leaves behind a legacy felt by his community and his family.
One of Frank’s proudest accomplishments was being a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He is survived by his loving daughters; Laura Moran of London, England and Kathy McCullen (William) of Acton, Massachusetts; six adoring grandchildren, Jessica Ortiz (Alan), Lillian Haber (Jason), Teresa Roy, Sydney, William, and Brendan McCullen; and three great grandchildren, Lucie, Millie, and Francine Ortiz.
Frank is also survived by his siblings; Mary Langley of Norwood, Massachusetts, Jane Aroian of Newton, Massachusetts, and Jack Moran (Donna) of Quincy, Massachusetts; and his brother-in-law John Kennedy of Medfield, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Shirley, his sisters Nancy Kennedy and Margaret Moran, his brother Paul Moran and his brothers-in-law, David Silverman, Henry Aroian, and Elmer Langley. He will be remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews as a loving and generous uncle.
Frank’s family would like to extend special gratitude to those who provided comfort and support during his time of need: the devoted staff of The Cottages at Garden Grove in Cicero, New York and Inspire Care of Central New York, as well as his loving team of caregivers, including his neighbors.
A closed service will be held with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Red Cross, or Samaritan Center of Syracuse, New York.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

22 Comments

Barbara "Betty" Schneider Mahoney

12/30/2020

31 Comments

 
Picture
   Barbara “Betty” Schneider Mahoney, age 90, passed away December 30, 2020 after a long illness. Betty was born on an Elbridge farm to Fred and Myrtle Schneider on December 11, 1930 and lived her entire life in Central New York.
   Family was the center of Betty’s world. She was happiest when surrounded by immediate and extended family and would organize as many gatherings as possible to assemble family members during the year.
   Music surrounded Betty everywhere she went, and she loved to sing. During the 1980’s she was a member of a local Sweet Adelines chorus as well as part of a quartet. Later, and for 28 years, she led a singing group in Skaneateles known as Singing Seniors of Skaneateles, a choir that performed regularly in hospitals and nursing homes. They performed in matching costumes that they designed and updated every year or two. If there was a piano in a room Betty would likely step up to it and begin playing it and singing, anything to bring joy to others through music. Betty would always acknowledge friends and relatives’ birthdays and would generally sign her cards by adding a hand-drawn musical note.
   Betty was regularly active in her community. She was a communicant of St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Mottville. She volunteered for Laker Limo, a service that provides rides for senior citizens and disabled residents of Skaneateles and served on the Laker Limo Board. She belonged to Skaneateles Business Women and Eastern Star.
   Betty graduated from CCBI in Syracuse and initially worked for the State of New York. Later she spent many years as secretary to the District Principal at Skaneateles Central School, a position from which she retired in 1985.
   Betty was predeceased by her husband, Jack Mahoney, Sr. (married April 1951; deceased September 1992), and brothers Frederick (Fritz) Schneider, Charles Schneider, and John Schneider.
   She is survived by daughter, Cheri Heron (Bob) of Camillus and son, Jack Mahoney, Jr. (Audrey) of Albany, as well as grandsons Christopher Heron (Shelly), Benjamin Heron (Hunter), and Kevin Heron, as well as great grandsons Nathaniel and Simon Heron and numerous nieces and nephews.
   The family would like to thank the numerous family and friends, as well as staff of The Athenaeum of Skaneateles, Upstate University Hospital, and Upstate Community Hospital for the care and compassion shown to our mom.
   In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Mottville.
   Services will be private. A celebration of Betty’s life will be planned for a later date during 2021.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

31 Comments

Sally Clarry

12/28/2020

22 Comments

 
Picture
Sally Clarry, 87, of Skaneateles died Monday December 28, 2020 after a short illness.
Sally was born on February 28, 1933 to her late parents Frank R. and Agnes Mekeel. After graduating from Union Springs High School she went to work at Welch Allyn Co.. She later went to work as a crossing guard for the Skaneateles Schools.
She is survived by her son Randy (Debbie) Clarry of Skaneateles and her grand dog Danny and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sally was predeceased by her Loving husband Ron, son Scott, parents Frank and Agnes, sisters Shirley Noble and Marilyn Ramsden and grand puppy Gizmo.
Sally will always be remembered for her bake goods that she would always give to her neighbors and friends.
Special thanks to Heidi Oney-Noeller who helped with her when she was at home. Also a special thanks to the staff at the Commons on St. Anthony, and the IC Unit at Auburn Community Hospital.
Calling hours will be from 9-11 a.m. Saturday January 2 at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St., Skaneateles. Private funeral and burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.
Donations may be made to S.A.V.E.S. or the Skaneateles Fire Department.
Condolences at www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com
22 Comments

Sam R. Mason Jr.

12/24/2020

27 Comments

 
Picture
Sam R. Mason, Jr., of Skaneateles and formerly of Homer, N.Y., the dear husband of Mary Lou Mason, and beloved father of Sam III, Linda, David, John, and Lisa, passed away peacefully on the morning of Christmas Eve, December 24.

All who knew Sam, loved him. His warm smile and kindness graced family, friends, and strangers alike.  He often talked of all the rich blessings of his life and had deep gratitude for a life well-lived.  He grieved deeply for Mary Lou every day since her death, after 66 years of marriage, in April 2017.  Their wedding anniversary is December 27.  We rejoice that they are together again in their eternal love.

Sam was born on August 15, 1926 in Erie, Pennsylvania to Samuel Rankin Mason and Gertrude Graf Mason.  His brother, Terry, was born in 1930.  Sam, from an early age, was a disciplined and talented student and athlete.  He was the captain of his high school swim team and led them to win the Erie city swim tournament every year he was in high school. He was also an accomplished tennis player and competed in the Youth US Open in high school. He graduated Salutatorian of his senior class.

Sam went to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania on a Navy scholarship and majored in Biology and Psychology and swam on the college swim team. The Navy sent him on to medical school at the University of Pennsylvania.  He continued to excel academically and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. 

After his third year of medical school, he went home to Erie for a few weeks.  He was introduced to Mary Lou by his mother.  They went for a walk on their first date.  While getting to know each other, Mary Lou, an avid reader, asked Sam if he liked to read anything besides medical textbooks.  He replied that he had just finished War and Peace.  Sam claimed that Mary Lou stopped in her tracks and gave him a long look.  He always said that he owes his marriage to his mother and Tolstoy!  Sam and Mary Lou were soulmates and best friends.  Their joy in each other was inspiration to all of us.

After Sam’s medical residency in Syracuse University Hospital, he was assigned by the Navy to Camp Pendleton in California for two years.  After his Navy service, Sam wanted to practice medicine in an area where his efforts could make a big difference. They also wanted to live in central NY to be close to Mary Lou’s family and chose to settle down in the village of Homer, NY in the Finger Lakes Region of central NY.  He set up a private practice that grew to cover a large area in Cortland County and worked in Cortland Memorial Hospital for decades.  He was ultimately appointed Chief of Cardiology at Cortland Memorial Hospital and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Health Science Center in Syracuse.

Sam was inspired to help Cortland Memorial Hospital become one of the best in the region. He was committed to creating a new service in the hospital every few years.  Among the medical units and centers he created were the first ICU in upstate NY, a psychiatric ward, a radioisotope laboratory, a telemetry coronary care unit, and a cardiac rehabilitation unit.  He was a continual learner and nearly every year went to medical conferences and trainings.  He took the national medical boards twice throughout his career “just for fun.”

In the 1970’s he created a Bio-Medical Ethics Committee. He chose a nurse, a college philosophy professor, a Catholic priest, and a social worker to serve on the committee with him. Sam also brought hospice (the Caring Community of Cortland County) to the area.  He served on the boards of the American Cancer Society and the Special Children’s Center.

As Sam often said, he worked in the “golden age of medicine”.  He was passionate about his vocation, did house calls until the day he retired, got to know the families of his patients, and had a renowned kind and warm bedside manner.

Every few years, Sam took time off from his medical practice to volunteer elsewhere.  He worked for the Navajo Nation on their reservation in Arizona.  He worked in Zaire, now Congo, in a remote missionary hospital.  He worked with CARE Medico in Honduras, CARE on the Cambodian/Thai border, and with Save the Children in Sudan.

Sam touched countless lives with his kindness, intelligence, and humor. He was an inspiration to many, and especially to his children and grandchildren.  His greatest pleasure was to spend time with and hear about his children, and especially his grandchildren.  The family all looked forward to his speeches at every family gathering.  He would work for weeks on his remarks and would write multiple rough drafts.  They were always sentimental, appreciative, and witty.  And of course, they always started with a loving ode to Mary Lou.

Sam and Mary Lou had a joyful retirement, spending half the year in Naples, Florida with many family members, and half the year in central New York. In his retirement Sam became an avid cook and told Mary Lou that, after cooking for a family of seven for years, that she would never have to cook another meal.  He took great pleasure in pampering Mary Lou, doing all the shopping and errands in addition to cooking.  They did everything together – exercised every morning, took walks, sat side by side while they read their books, and watched a movie in the evening.  They stopped every day at 5 pm when Sam would prepare a delicious hors d’oeuvre and pour Mary Lou a half glass of red wine (for good health!).

Sam is survived by his brother, Terry, his children and their spouses, Sam and Sally, Linda and Roger, David and Jacqui, John and Margaret, and Lisa and Dan; his grandchildren Miggy, Sammy, Eliza, Farrell, Lucas, Gracie, David, Samantha, Holly, Olivia, Eli, Avery, and Jackson; and his great-grandchildren Jack, Will, Louisa, Frances, Alice, Mason, Charley, and Joey.  His memory will live on with all of us.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to the St. James Episcopal Church, 96 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152.  We will hold a memorial service once we are safe from Covid so that we can gather together to celebrate Sam’s life.

You are welcome to offer your thoughts about Sam on the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home Guestbook page.
27 Comments

Pearl L. Card

12/20/2020

28 Comments

 
Picture
Pearl L. Card, 91, of Skaneateles, passed away December 20th at St Camillus from complications of covid. She was born in Syracuse, to the late Nicholas and Anna (Scheftic) Lischak.
She graduated from Marcellus Central School in 1946 and from Rochester State Hospital School of Nursing n 1949. She worked at Krebs in Skaneateles while attending Nursing school and met Robert at that time. Pearl and Bob married September 3, 1949 and spent their remaining years on New Seneca turnpike, Skaneateles raising a family and operating Card farms and Robert S. Card excavation. Pearl love to cook and bake from scratch.
 She was a member of St Mary’s of the Lake Church.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert on December 13, 2004 and a son Charles Card in 2015. Predeceased by siblings- Pauline Pare, William Lischak, Walter Lischak, Jeanette Parody and Helena Fern Glowacki.
She is survived by her sisters Florence Larson and Annette Deon and sister-in-law Barbara Kuss. Survived by her children Nancy (Tom) Palmer of Marcellus, Bob (Sue) card, Bruce (Sheila) Card, Shirley (Rich) Williams all of Skaneateles.
She is also survived by grandchildren Tom Palmer, Jessica Dow, Katie Dixon, Nathan and Dan Card, Amy Vitale, Adam Card, Erica Kneeland, Mike and Molly Card and Vincent Williams, 11 great-grand-children and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be private for the family and burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Skaneateles.
Conurbations in her name can be made to SAVES.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.


28 Comments

Earl K. Shoemaker

12/18/2020

5 Comments

 
Picture
Born 6/6/1933 in Elmira NY to Hartley & Buena (Earl) Shoemaker passed away at his home in Spafford NY on December 18th surrounded by family.
He was in NY State National Guard for 6 years. He was a long-time member of Spafford Fire Department and served 18 years as Fire Commissioner. He was a 54-year member of Operating Engineers, local 545.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years Barbara (Cole) Shoemaker, his four children Michael, Nancy (Mike) Tierney, Joel (Cheryl), Matthew (Tammy) Shoemaker, a sister Sharon Chiang, as well as 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Burial will be in Spafford Cemetery in the spring at family discretion.
Donations may be made in Earl’s memory to Hospice of Finger Lakes, S.A.V.E.S., M.A.V.E.S., Spafford Fire Department or any charity of choice. Special thanks to Jody.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.


5 Comments

Louise Bishop Chave

12/17/2020

3 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Louise (Bishop) Chave, 96 of Sennett, died on December 17th. She was born April 26, 1924 at the family farm on Rt. 20 to Ralph S. and Mary Brock Bishop. Louise received her elementary education nearby at what was known as Marcellus District #8, then graduated from Skaneateles High School and Central City Business Institute.
She worked as a secretary at Crouse Hinds and a secretary at the Skaneateles and Marcellus United Methodist Churches.  At the end of WW II, she married Chellis Chave, Jr. and raised seven children.
She was a member of the Boyle Center Writers Group and was the author of several published novels.  She and her late husband enjoyed a rural life and bred Toy Fox Terriers as well as miniature horses.  They were honorary members of the Central New York Pony and Mule Driving Association and the Cayuga Cut-ups dance group.  They were former members of the Skaneateles Methodist Church.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband in 2008, sons John in 1986, Chris in 1956, and brothers Brock, David and Bruce.
She is survived by daughter Mary Lou Keenan of Edgewater, FL, sons Daniel of Williston, VT, Richard of Jamesville, NY, George of Arlington, TX and Gregory of Cortland, NY. Also, a sister, Harriet Cross of Webster, NY, 14 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. No services. Louise will be buried in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles. Contributions in her name can be made to the Skaneateles or Marcellus United Methodist Churches Building Funds.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.


3 Comments

Lillian Bishop Rogers

12/16/2020

4 Comments

 
Picture
Lillian Bishop Rogers, 99, of Auburn, passed away on December 16th at Auburn Community Hospital after a short illness. Lillian was born on April 13, 1921 the daughter of Reece Bishop Sr. and Ada Brock Bishop. She married her loving husband George (Charlie) E. Rogers on June 14, 1941. They were married 59 years and 8 months until his death on February 16, 2001. She is survived by her daughters Ruth Elaine and Jane Marie of Auburn, her son Thomas C. (Liz) of Skaneateles. Three grandchildren Chad Rogers (Kathleen) Skaneateles, Lisa Stevens (Alan) Marcellus and Kayleigh Rogers (Jon Ryals) of Syracuse. Three great granddaughters Celia Joy, Isabel Jean and Lillian Clark Rogers of Skaneateles, special niece Barbara Benda of Skaneateles and several nieces and nephews. Lillian was predeceased by her husband George (Charlie) her parents Reece and Ada, infant son Edward James Rogers and granddaughter Jaclyn Rogers, sisters Gertrude Dell, Mary Haley and Gladys Magarel, brothers Reece and William Bishop. Two very specials sisters in law Helen Bishop and Betty Bishops. I thank Ruth for giving me a loving home for the last 15 years after leaving the farm which we loved and had so many happy years living there. Vacations, yearly trips to Old Forge, Sunday rides and stopping for ice cream at Gannon's and dining out There will be no services due to COVID. Burial will be private at Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com


4 Comments

Louise Marie Westphal

12/14/2020

9 Comments

 
Picture
Louise Marie Westphal (Verdoni), of Skaneateles, NY, passed peacefully on the 14th of December. Louise was born at home in Wesleyville, PA to the late Joseph Verdoni and Mary Verdoni (Palermo). She is predeceased by her older sister Dorothy Harris (Muskegon, MI), and various cousins, aunts and uncles. She is survived by her beloved sister Mary Jane Clark and brother-in-law Dick Clark (Erie, PA): her children Frederick R. (Karen J. Stewart) Westphal (Auburn, NY), Bradley J. (Cynthia) Westphal (Bend, OR), and Lynne L. Caswell (Manchester, ME); her grandchildren Marthe (Brian) Thomas (Orange, VA), Alexander (Vickie) Westphal (Bend, OR) and Hannah Caswell (Los Angeles, CA); her great-grandson Riker Westphal; several nieces and nephews who brought great joy to her throughout the years; her step-grandchildren Brandon Stewart (Ballston Spa, NY), and Samantha (Sam) Stewart (Bill Morrissey) (Auburn, NY); and step-greatgrandchild, Avery Morrissey.
 Louise graduated from Wesleyville High School having been a majorette, prom queen and jitterbug champion.  Louise then put herself through nursing school in and worked as a nurse in Erie, PA.  Next, she raised her family in Skaneateles and Queensbury, NY, and when she was in her forties and her children were teenagers, Louise returned to school at Albany Medical College where she graduated with a degree as a nurse anesthetist.  She spent many years in this male dominated field at Auburn Memorial Hospital’s anesthesia department where she helped to bring the most current anesthesia thinking, procedures and medicines. Louise also worked in the emergency and maternity departments where she made many friends.
 In her younger years she enjoyed water-skiing on Skaneateles Lake and downhill skiing at the Skaneateles Ski Hill and Gore Mountain.  After Louise retired, she could be found playing bridge, golfing and cross-country skiing, traveling Europe with her friend Pat, volunteering at the St. James Thrift Store, delivering meals on wheels, vacationing with her family in Oregon and Maine with the occasional excursion to New York City and spending summers at her favorite spot-on Skaneateles Lake with neighbors, friends, and family.
 A private mass will be held at St. Mary’s of the Lake in Skaneateles followed by burial at St. Mary’s cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Saint Peter and John Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, Auburn, New York.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

9 Comments

David O. Rapasadi

12/13/2020

24 Comments

 
Picture
David O. Rapasadi, 72, of Skaneateles, NY passed away on December 13. David was born in Canastota, NY to the late Frank Peter, and Mary Carmella (Sgroi). David moved to North Syracuse and graduated from North Syracuse High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Brockport in 1972 and would go on to work in financial services for 30 years.
David loved music of all kinds and enjoyed playing the guitar and piano. Most of all, David loved his family and friends and relished the special times he spent with them. David is survived by his wife of 46 years, Maria (Prioletti) Rapasadi; his son David Michael (Kelly) of Mount Prospect, Illinois; daughter Gia Biel (Ryan) of Austin, Texas; and his four grandchildren; Luke, Nicholas, Gianna, and Renzo. He is also survived by his sister Maryanne Melbourne of Somerset, Wisconsin.
David was a loving husband and wonderful father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 4th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the lake Church, Skaneateles.
Live stream funeral mass YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjyMk15uW4U&authuser=0A
Private burial service will follow at St. Mary’s cemetery in Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.




24 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.