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

John Omar Spain

12/31/2021

22 Comments

 
Picture
    After a brave, year-long battle with stomach cancer, John Omar Spain, a Skaneateles resident, died at home on December 31, surrounded by his family who are left to instill and perpetuate his innovative and helpful nature to others.
John was born April 12, 1944 in Washington, D.C. to Nancy and Omar Spain. As the son of a Naval officer, John lived in several locations before his family settled in Skaneateles, where he graduated from high school in 1964.
    The day after graduating, John began working as a machine operator at Chrysler Corporation’s New Process Gear plant. After a year, he became a Toolmaker Apprentice in a four-year program, followed by several years as a Toolmaker Journeyman. John then accepted a management role as Maintenance Foreman, followed by another promotion to the second shift Plant Maintenance Manager of the 1.7 million square-foot facility that housed 4,000 employees, and operated 24/7, which created the toughest of situations to maintain equipment, machines, robots, and 14 assembly lines. John retired in 1999 at age 55, but was asked to return to manage a re-build project of a fully-automated section of the factory, which he completed and then retired permanently in 2000.
John was a generous person, who gave his time and talents throughout his life and was always looking for ways he could make life easier for others. He was a championship coach for both little league baseball and softball and was a Scout leader. He was a member and President of the Skaneateles Jaycees, a group of men focused on helping the community. He was a member of the NPG Management Club. He was a board member and volunteered for decades at the Presbyterian Manor, a senior living facility in Skaneateles, with his most appreciated accomplishment there being the conversion of individual rooms into comfortable suites for all residents. He was a member of the Skaneateles First Presbyterian Church, the Skaneateles Lake Association, and the Finger Lakes Land Trust.
    John loved spending time at his cottage on Skaneateles Lake where he could often be found boating, kayaking and teaching others to kayak or just relaxing at the grill or by a fire. He was passionate about following and investing in the stock market; and took pride in renovating homes that included the oldest Skaneateles village residence, and cottages on both Otisco and Skaneateles Lakes. He enjoyed traveling throughout the US and each year looked forward to a trip with the Caravan Caravan Club, a group of local couples who took annual trips to scenic and historic places in New York State. He was a fabulous cook who could turn any set of ingredients into a tasty meal. Family and friends also appreciated that he could repair or build anything, oftentimes using innovative solutions, for which the term, “injohnuity” was coined. He appreciated every sunset and anything mechanical. He loved celebrating life with family and friends and was always up for a gathering.
    John is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 56 years, Barbara Bendall Spain, whom he met in high school; son, Jeffrey (Patricia), daughter, Amber Spain-Mosher (Peter) and grandchildren whom he adored, Parker, Phoebe and Joslynn Spain; Jonas and Genevieve Kerr; and, Mason, Eden, Jack and Sam Mosher.  Also surviving are his brother, Norman (Judy); sisters-in-law Pamela and Leigh; and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents, as well as siblings: Nancy; Thomas; and James.
    Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 10th from 4 to 7 PM at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 11th at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church Skaneateles. John will be buried in Lake View Cemetery.
    Contributions in John’s memory can be made to the Presbyterian Manor, in care of the First Presbyterian Church, 97 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152. (skaneatelesmanor.com) or to the American Red Cross blood donor program, where John for decades donated pints of blood for others.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

22 Comments

Bryan A. Byler

12/30/2021

3 Comments

 
Bryan A. Byler, 58, of Auburn passed away on December 30th unexpectedly at his house. Survived by a son Dylan Byler of Fort Hood, TX and other family members. Services are Private.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

3 Comments

Mary Louise Schreck Gray

12/28/2021

13 Comments

 
Picture
  Mary Louise Schreck Gray, 94, of Elbridge died on Tuesday, December 28th after a brief illness. Mary was born in Auburn, NY in 1927 to the late Karl and Elizabeth Schreck.
    She lived in Skaneateles before moving to DeRuyter, NY in 1959 where she and her husband Robert opened Gray’s Restaurant. Then, in 1973 they moved to Baldwinsville, NY and opened King Cole Restaurant.
    Mary liked to play cards and was an avid knitter making hats, gloves, dolls and numerous baby sweaters for all. Mary was fond of her family gatherings and loved having visitors. She always had cookies and Twizzlers for the grandkids and great grandkids. She loved watching numerous sports on television and never missed Jeopardy.
    Mary was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Robert D. Gray Sr. in 1992 and her son, Robert D, Gray Jr. in 2016, She was also predeceased by four sisters and one brother.
    Mary is survived by her children, Thomas (Kathy) Gray of Auburn, NY; Mary Ann (Rick) Barletta of Estero, FL; Patricia (Ted) Corwin of Liverpool, NY; Joanne (Eric) Tills of Liverpool, NY; daughter-in-law Valerie Gray of Skaneateles, NY; 10 grandchildren Pamela, Kristin, Robert III, Gretchen, Rick, Heidi, Jennifer, Jeff, Emily and Ian; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
    A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022 at 11am at St. Alphonsus Church in Auburn. There will be a visiting hour from 10am to 11am before the funeral. The burial will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles. Funeral Service  
Live Stream Link: https://youtu.be/oePtMOSTfXo
    We would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Fingers Lakes Center for Living for the care they provided Mary this past month.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Mary. To leave condolences, visit www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
13 Comments

Russell J. (Skip) Pringle

12/22/2021

5 Comments

 
Picture
A life of Amazing Adventures
Russell J. (Skip) Pringle, 95, passed-away on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at his home in Skaneateles, New York, surrounded by his loving family.  Known as Skip to his family, he led an extraordinary life full of adventure that came about by dreaming big and positive thinking. He was a true gentleman whose honesty, friendliness, kindness, humility, and courage were witnessed by all who knew him. He was the best example of a father and grandfather any child or grandchild could ask for. His family was most important in his life, and he was generous and loving to all of them.
Born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, on January 15, 1926, Skip was raised by Herbert and Viola Pringle until he started his first major adventure in life by entering the Navy during World War II in 1943.  He served as a motor machinist's mate on Landing Craft Tanks (LCT) in the Pacific Theater, where he was promoted to Group Staff Engineer. His war tour of duty in the Pacific included Johnston Atoll and the Marshall Islands, Guam, the Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan. He operated LCTs throughout the Pacific war zone specializing in the challenging and daring act of landing war tanks on the island beaches for troops to use in battle. In one adventurous experience, his unit of LCTs were caught in a typhoon off Okinawa, but Navy Destroyer escorts eventually rounded up the watercraft. He received several battle commendations and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946.
After the war, he had his eyes on a beautiful girl named Carolyn Collins.  He never thought she would give him the time of day until that one moment that turned her into the love of his life.  They were married in 1946.   Described as a woman of style, beauty, and class, Skip enjoyed a long loving relationship and many worldly adventures with Carolyn for 73 years until her death on June 7, 2019 in Skaneateles.  They welcomed three children into their lives.
 Skip started his career as an auto parts salesman that eventually turned into an opportunity to purchase Kellogg Auto Supply in Cortland NY.  He soon turned one store into five Napa Auto Parts stores in Central New York.  Skip was very involved in the Cortland business community and served on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Cortland and the Dime Federal Savings and Loan Association.  He was an active Mason and a member of the Cortland Masonic Lodge, #470.  He served as president of the Cortland Rotary Club and worked with fellow Rotarians to fund the international effort to eradicate polio worldwide. 
Skip had many interests and passions.  In his earlier years he was an award-winning pistol target shooter in the Syracuse area.  He had a lifelong love for skiing that started in the late 1940’s which led to Skip being involved with the Greek Peak Ski Resort in the Town of Virgil, New York.  Skip served many years on the board of directors for Greek Peak and eventually became a part-owner of the ski area in the 1980s.  His passion for skiing created many happy family memories that are continuing on with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 
Together, Skip and Carolyn also had a life-long love of sailing on Skaneateles Lake and the Caribbean.  For him, it began when he was a young boy drawing pictures of sailboats. His real-life sailing adventures began with racing the renowned Lighting class sailboats on Skaneateles Lake with The South End Singing and Sailing Society. His big dreaming led him to larger vessels and ocean waters for the remainder of the couple's sailing adventures. He supervised the custom construction of two sailing ketches by the Shannon Boat Company of Bristol, Rhode Island, calling Virgin Gorda of the British Virgin Islands their home port. Skip expertly navigated the Caribbean Sea and sailed ocean passages with his sons. Skip's favorite places were the homes he and Carolyn built on Skaneateles Lake and Virgin Gorda. 
            Later in life, he became a steward of the land.  He was a conservationist at heart and bought farmland in the Skaneateles watershed that he turned into a wildlife habitat.  
Russell J. (Skip) Pringle is survived by his three children: David (Francie) Pringle of Skaneateles; Daniel Pringle of Gunbarrel CO; and Kathy Pringle of Skaneateles. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Collins (Emily) Pringle of Teton Valley, Idaho; Tassie Pringle (Dror) of Portland, Oregon; Russell Burkhardt of Newman Lake, Washington; Abby Burkhardt and LB Burkhardt of Skaneateles. He also joyfully welcomed four great-grandchildren, Soren and Niko Pringle of Teton Valley, Idaho and Tahmi and Zev Zaluski of Portland, Oregon.
 The Pringle family is planning to celebrate Skip's life in the spring of 2022.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 
 

5 Comments

Donald Henry Cross

12/19/2021

5 Comments

 
Picture
Donald Henry Cross passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 19, 2021 in Syracuse, NY.
Don was born in Syracuse, NY on November 11,1927 to Edwin Maxon and Marguerite (Vogler) Cross. Don served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. He served his community of Skaneateles as a Rotarian, member of the Skaneateles Planning Board, an inaugural member of the Skaneateles Ski Hill and honorary and founding member of the Skaneateles Polo Club, and an avid golfer and longtime member of the Skaneateles Country Club.
    Don and wife Suzanne Lipe, dedicated a multitude of years volunteering for Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Services (S.A.V.E.S.) and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. 
 Don was an avid Skaneateles Lake fisherman. He enjoyed cars and racing and was a private pilot.
    He is survived by sons Charles T. and Donald E. (Heidi), daughters Brenda DeVreugd, Debra Cross (Edward) Rogers and Allison L. Cross. He is survived by sisters Marilyn (Raymond) Salvie and Linda (Bob) Kick;11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
     Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suzanne Lipe Cross and his daughter Eloise Hoyt, brothers Douglas and Edwin. A long-time resident of Skaneateles, Don and Sue raised their family on the lake enjoying clam bakes, water and equestrian sports, and raising horses and dogs. They enjoyed annual vacations in Boothbay Harbor, ME.
     A memorial gathering is planned for Summer 2022.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to S.A.V.E.S.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.


5 Comments

Michael James Richardson

12/17/2021

5 Comments

 
Picture
On Friday, December 17, 2021, Michael James Richardson passed away quietly at his home at the age of 69. Mike was born August 5, 1952, in Binghamton, NY.  He attended Union Endicott High School, shortly after he was drafted into the United States Army on November 27, 1972, as a Water Craft Operator until August 2, 1974.  Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, Mike reenlisted in the National Guard, where he served in the 204th Engineering Battalion.  He retired from service November 5, 1995 as a Sargent and was a member of the Legion Post 239 of Skaneateles, NY.  
Mike was employed by the Pioneer Company and worked for Michael J. Falcone, Sr. as a Building and Grounds Supervisor for 35 plus years in Skaneateles, NY.  Mike was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.  Mike was a life member at the Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club.
            Mike was predeceased by his parents, Chauncey and Helen (Murphy) Richardson.  He is survived by three sisters, Judy (Lou) Anderson, Roxane Schneider, Mary Richardson and two brothers Raymond Richardson and Wallace Richardson and several nieces and nephews.
           
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 3rd from 11 to 1pm with a service to follow at 1 at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
            In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club, P. O. Box 108, Skaneateles, NY 13152 or the American Legion Post 239, 3808 Jordan Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
 


5 Comments

Elizabeth M. Knickerbocker

12/6/2021

9 Comments

 
Picture
Elizabeth M Knickerbocker 91, of Skaneateles died December 6, 2021 after a brief illness at Upstate University Hospital.
Born in Tupper Lake, Elizabeth resided in Skaneateles for the past fifty-five years. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Skaneateles. Chairwomen of the Women of St. James for over 20 years. She played an active role in planning receptions. She was in charge of St.  James’s kitchen and her gift of organization, attention to detail and willingness to always help, made events in the church parish run smoothly.
 Each October she coordinated the collection of scarves for Breast Cancer survivors. Each December, she organized the making and delivery of Christmas Card baskets.  
In 2010, in recognition of her immeasurable faith and dedicated service, St. James Church, Skaneateles, selected Betty as its Honored Women for the year 2010.
Betty was an active volunteer at The St. James Thrift Shop. She and her husband Charlie delivered Meals On Wheels. She knit hats for babies at Syracuse Hospitals. Betty had a love of golf which she shared with her husband Charlie. She was a member of the Skaneateles YMCA and a loyal SU fan.
She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Knickerbocker in 2000, Two daughters, Karen Feldmann in 1991, and Kristine Chapman in 2005.
Surviving are a daughter, Kathryn (William) Stenard of Auburn NY, 6 Grandchildren: Peter (Melissa) Chapman, of Marcellus NY, Angie (Mark) Usowski, of Auburn NY, Barbara (Sid) Nadella, of Short Hills NJ, Ashley (Ryan) Noga, of Auburn NY, Mark Feldmann, of Atlanta GA and Mike Chapman, of Auburn NY, 11 Great Grandchildren:
Eve, Max, Henry, Connor, Nathan, Neel, Meera, Penny, Grace, Ruby, Harper.
Services will be held on Wednesday December 15th at 10am in St. James Episcopal Church, Skaneateles.
Burial will be private in Lakeview Cemetery a reception will be at St. James Church Parish Hall immediately following the church service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to, Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Service.
(SAVES) 77 Fennell St., Skaneateles, NY 13152.


9 Comments

Luanne Kay Batschelet

12/5/2021

13 Comments

 
Picture
Our loving and caring Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Luanne Kay (Petersen) Batschelet, “Lu”, 68, of Otisco, NY, passed away unexpectedly on December 5th with her family at her side.
Luanne was born in Cornwell, England on July 29, 1953, grew up in Norseland, MN and raised her family in Skaneateles, NY. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Joseph and Shirley Petersen.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Harry, her three sons, Sam (Sarah), Joseph (Michelle), and Matthew, her six grandchildren, Grace, Emma, Logan, Toby, Chloe, and Conner, who she proudly loved with her whole heart, her siblings Connie and David of CA, and a host of beloved extended family and friends who were always in her thoughts and cherished.
Luanne was a dedicated homemaker and caregiver; she often showed her love through her cooking which her family and friends enjoyed tremendously. She reveled in the joy of Christmas and the spirit of giving. She loved walking the beach and listening to the waves on their vacations to Maine.
In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, crafting and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Luanne was a patriot who valued studying the Constitution, history and the politics of the country she was so proud of.  She was a "shining light" to everyone who had a chance to get to know her. She radiated kindness and she will be missed dearly, but her legacy will live on forever.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 10th from 5 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be private. Luanne will be buried in Amber Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

 

 

13 Comments

    Archives

    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    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.