Blog Posts

Elizabeth M. Knickerbocker

12/6/2021

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.

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Luanne Kay Batschelet

12/5/2021

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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.

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Carolyn R. Hullihen

11/26/2021

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Carolyn R. Hullihen, 75, of Weedsport, NY passed away unexpectedly on November 26, 2021. Carol was born on May 1, 1946 and was raised in Wallingford, CT. She moved to Marcellus, NY in 1969. In 2007, Carol and her husband, Daniel, relocated to Weedsport, NY. Carol was baptized Episcopal and was a very spiritual woman. She attended Nursing school and she enjoyed taking care of people. Her work included several private duty nursing assignments throughout the community. Carol loved spending time on the water. She especially enjoyed her time spent in Lake Winnipesaukee, NH.
She loved the movie “On Golden Pond”, as it reminded her of the moments she spent there. Her heart was kind and caring. She was loved by many and generous to all. She had a strong passion for animals and loved rescuing animals that were abandoned. During the holidays, Carol’s most beloved pastime was to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Carol is predeceased by her parents Arthur Gilbert Richmond and Barbara Clifton Richmond from Skaneateles, NY and her husband’s parents Ivan and Jane Hullihen from Cresson, PA. Married on January 10, 1969, she is survived by her loving husband of 53 years Daniel G Hullihen. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Ann Zavy ( Mike) in El Reno, Oklahoma; brother, Clifton Richmond ( Cindy) in Marcellus, NY; daughter Deborah H. Kennedy in Auburn, NY; son Daniel G. Hullihen Jr (Heather) in Honeoye Falls, NY; daughter Barbara Hullihen in Skaneateles, NY; 14 grandchildren, David Hullihen, Amie Kennedy, Joshua Kennedy, Stephanie Kennedy, Brooke Joy, Autumn Joy, Nicholas Hullihen (Jane), Brianna Mcintyre (Joseph), Amellia Demperio, Elizabeth Demperio, Hannah Hullihen, Abby Hullihen, Olivia Hullihen, Noah Hullihen and 14 Great Grandchildren along with aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and extended family.
Services are Private. Contributions can be sent to the SPCA. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Ronald E. Roberts

11/25/2021

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Ronald E. Roberts, born September 23,1939 in Auburn, lived his entire life in Skaneateles, NY.
The youngest son of Howard E. and Kathryn Roberts, Ron attended Mottville Country School followed by Skaneateles Central School (class of 1958). In September 1958, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army and did a tour of duty, stationed at Pirmasens, Germany where he met “the best thing that ever happened to him,” Wilma. When Ron returned to the US with an honorable discharge in 1962, Wilma joined him and they married.
Ron and Wilma enjoyed a happy marriage and together raised daughter Rita and sons, Rodney, Randy and Rollie. Ron loved spending time with his family. Sundays were for dinners with his sons, their wives, children and grandchildren. Cookouts and fish fry’s (yes, the boys made him clean all the fish!) were also special times for the family and a few close friends. For many years their Christmas party was the event of the season.
Ron was a lover of the great outdoors. He and Wilma worked hard to find just the right piece of land for their ‘forever home.’ Hunting in ‘his woods’ and watching the various waterfowl on the pond that the change of the seasons always brings were favorite pastimes. Friends were invited to come over and drop a line in the pond to catch a fish. Ron was loved and respected by all, including Wilma’s family in Germany who they visited over the years.
Ron also had a long, rewarding career with Carrier Corporation in Syracuse, NY beginning in 1962 until he retired after 34 years serving in building departments of TR2 thru TR20 in warehousing, shipping and receiving retiring as the foreman. While at Carrier, Ron made many friends who he remained to loyal throughout their lives, even after retirement.
Service was central to Ron’s life and included memberships in the Mottville Junior Drum and Bugle Corp, the Mottville Senior Drum and Bugle Corp, being a charter member of SAVES Ambulance in Skaneateles since 1967, and a member of the American Legion Robert J. Hydon Post 239 of Skaneateles. Ron loved being active in his community and was a lifetime member of the Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club. Ron volunteered for Ducks Unlimited and looked forward every year to donating his handmade table centerpieces to the Baldwinsville Chapter.
Ron loved his time with Wilma and they had lots of fun participating in league bowling, visiting local restaurants, traveling and maybe an occasional trip to the casino. The biggest Yankee fan in central NY! Ron loved to play pitch—probably because he was such a ‘card shark.’ And he was always a good sport when his fellow card players teased him about accidentally leaving the 5 of trump in the kittie which became known as “pulling a Ron” in his honor.
Ron was a creative and talented woodworker. He spent many hours in his woodshop turning out bowls, candle holders, bookshelves, children’s banks and many more items that he gave to his family and friends. You could give him an idea of something you wanted and he would draw it out and then build it for you. Ron loved turning Christmas themed items and having Wilma by his side doing the holiday decorating.
Always quick with a kind word or witty quip, Ron found a lot of joy in making others smile. His life was a life well lived with very few regrets. He acted when others hesitated and spoke up when others were unable. His passing leaves a huge hole and he will be greatly missed by many. His family and friends are grateful for Ron and will never forget the example he set by being honest, loyal to his family and friends, always willing to offer to help and support them.
Please join us as we honor Ron’s life and offer condolences to Wilma and his family at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles on Thursday, December 2nd from 4 to 6pm with a Military service at 6.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SAVES Ambulance Corp of Skaneateles or Hospice Foundation of Central New York.
And remember that when you go about your daily business, take the time to say something nice to someone else and make them smile!

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Joellyn S. Miles

11/18/2021

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    It is with great sadness that the family of Joellyn S. Miles announces her passing on November 18, 2021. She was born January 17, 1936 and married Joseph G. Miles on July 24,1955.
    She was a life member of the Sennett Fire Department Auxiliary, member of the Order of Eastern Star and a 50-year member of Lakeview Salem Chapter #58.
Joellyn and her husband owned Skaneateles Excavation where she worked as a bookkeeper as well for many years.
    Joellyn was predeceased by her parents Bentley and Ellen Craw, her husband Joseph and her son Jerry and 2 sisters.
She is survived by her daughter Terrie Lynn (Bill) Haynes, a son William “Billy”, 4 grandchildren, Gretchen Haynes, Benjamin (Karen Brazo) Haynes, Andrew (Justine) Miles, Adam Miles, 7 Great-Grandchildren and 1 sister Judy Cristantiello. Along with several nieces and nephews.
   Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 23rd from 10 am to 12n at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles, with a service immediately following at Noon. Joellyn will be buried in Soule Cemetery.
  In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Sennett Fire Department Auxiliary or The Sennett Fire Department or to The Order of Eastern Star Home in Oriskney.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Tracy J. Nolan

11/10/2021

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Tracy Jude Nolan (11/29/1957 – 11/10/2021) went home to our Lord and Savior surrounded by his loving family after a 9-month courageous battle with malignant melanoma. Tracy was born and grew up in Albany, NY. After completing degrees in finance and psychology at Syracuse University, Tracy started his long and passionate career building teams and empowering others to do the impossible at global companies such as GE, Cameron International, Commercial Metals Co., and Smart Watt Inc. For Tracy’s full career and many accomplishments, visit www.linkedin.com/in/tracynolan.

Tracy’s true passion in life was his family. He met the love of his life, Nancy (Buck) Fatti in 2002; they married in 2005 in Skaneateles, NY. Together, they enjoyed the adventures of life, traveling the world, vacations with children in Mexico, wine country, and Disney World. Summers included life on the beautiful Skaneateles Lake and playing golf at Skaneateles Country Club. Known as “Papa” to his many grandchildren and “The How” to his children, Tracy was caring, kind and fun to be around. He loved hosting BBQs and making his signature cocktails for all.

Tracy is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy, children, Allison (Jon) Mattingly, Stephanie Nolan, Michelle (David) Teal (Aidan, Connor, and Declan), Dr. Christopher (Kali) Fatti (Aria, Chloe, and Livia), Colin (Meggie) Fatti (Easton and Brooklyn), Katy (Lane) Britton (Benjamin and Leah). Tracy also leaves behind his siblings, Terry (Jeanne) Nolan, Judy (Mike) Gallagher, Colleen Nolan, and Steven (Karen) Nolan and many nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 15th at 10am at St Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Food Bank of Central NY and the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central NY.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Chester "Chet" N. Benoit

11/6/2021

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Chester “Chet” N. Benoit unexpectedly died at his home in Skaneateles on November 6, 2021, eight days after Eleanor D. Benoit, his wife of nearly 65 years, passed away from cancer.
Born July 22, 1925 in Putnam, CT, he was the only child of Napoleon (Bill) and Loretta Benoit. He attended St. Mary’s School for elementary and middle school and then Putnam High School. As an advanced student, he was granted early admittance to Tufts University and started his studies there in January 1943, while receiving his high school diploma that June.
In June 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was called for active duty in November. Upon completing his training as a paratrooper and demolition specialist, Chet was deployed in May 1945 with the 503rd Regimental Combat Team to Negros Island in the Philippines. Following the end of the war, he was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division in Japan where he served during the U.S. occupation.
Upon his discharge from the Army in May 1946, Chet returned to Tufts, where he served as class president and was a member of Theta Delta Chi. Upon his graduation in 1949, he started a 45-year sales and marketing career in the electrical and electronic control industry, spending the last 14 years with Welch Allyn’s Electronics Division, which was an early innovator in the design and manufacture of bar code scanning technology. While at Welch Allyn, Chet was an early contributor to the establishment and expansion of the bar code industry trade association Automatic Identification Manufacturers (AIM), and he served as its president in 1992. He retired from Welch Allyn in 1994.
He was a dedicated communicant of St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Skaneateles, a proud member of the American Legion Robert J. Hydon Post 239 in Skaneateles, and a long-time member of the Skaneateles Country Club, where he served on the board of directors. During his 53 years in Skaneateles, a community he loved so much, Benoit volunteered his time with numerous Central New York organizations, including the Oxford Street Inn, Unity Kitchens, Literacy Volunteers, FISH, Vera House, SAVES and Skaneateles Youth Hockey where he served as both a coach and long-time referee.
Like his wife, Chet loved traveling and he was privileged enough to travel across the lower 50 states, Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. And like his wife, his favorite trips were to France, Italy and an Elder Hostel trip to Quebec, where they studied French for three weeks. Coming from a Quebecois family, in his younger years, Chet was a fluent French speaker and was educated by French-speaking nuns.
Chet is survived by his four children: Jeffery Benoit (Donna) of Dennis, MA; Lisa Levinson of Delray, FL; Ellen Donovan (Todd) of Skaneateles; and Marc Benoit (Jenn Yackel) of Marcellus; and his eight grandchildren: Danielle Levinson, Matthew Benoit, Philip Benoit, Liam Donovan, John “Jack” Donovan, Aidan Donovan, Will Kirk and Caleb Kirk; sisters-in-law Joanne Lynch of Hooksett, NH and Martha Duffy of Lowell, MA; and eight nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family, both the funeral mass and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, per Chet’s wishes, the family encourages donations to the Saint Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Glenn M. Porter

11/3/2021

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Glenn M. Porter (known as Newt, the Mayor of Porterville) passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday November 3, 2021. He was born in Auburn, NY on November 29,1953, son of the late Laverne and Roberta (Marsh) Porter.

Glenn graduated from Skaneateles High School and Alfred State College. He worked as a cost accountant for McQuay in Auburn, NY for 42 years retiring in 2016. In his retirement he continued to work at Owasco Rural Cemetery where he took great pride in trimming gravestones. Glenn’s happiest times where with his many friends and family. He enjoyed camping, lending a hand with neighborhood farms, setting up his tents for celebrations, hosting pig roasts and cooking chicken for New Hope Fire Department. Glenn also enjoyed his John Deere two-cylinder tractors. Glenn was a long-time member of the New Hope Fire Department.

Glenn is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Porter and son James Porter. A brother, Gary (Debbie) Porter, several nieces and nephews, mother and father in-law, sister and brother in-laws. He was pre-deceased by his parents and brother, Bruce Porter.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, November 7th from 2-5 pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home in Skaneateles. Funeral service will be held Monday, November 8th at 11 am at Christ United Methodist Church in Moravia. Private burial will be held at Owasco Rural Cemetery. Donation can be made in his name to New Hope Fire Department or Four Town First Aid Squad, Moravia.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Elmer "Gene" E. Hole

11/1/2021

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    Elmer “Gene” E. Hole, 92, of Owasco passed away on November 1, 2021. Gene was born in Skaneateles on October 28, 1929, but was later raised in Owasco, where he lived almost his entire life.
    As a young man of 15 years, he received the Boy Scout Life Saving Medal in January of 1945 for pulling a young girl from the Dutch Hollow Brook saving her from drowning. Gene graduated from Skaneateles High School and at 18 years old he entered the Army in September 1948. Gene was in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd
    Infantry Division where he was one of the Frozen Chosin during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir (November 26, 1950 - December 13, 1950). Gene was cited and received a Bronze Star medal for outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy near Segok, Korea during the period June 30, 1951 through July 4, 1951.   The mission for his battalion and attached units was to attack and seize Hill 717 which included advancing over rugged and uncertain terrain in darkness while continually under intense enemy fire. Counter attacks were made by the enemy and the
battle raged on for days. With fierce determination and facing tremendous odds the members of the battalion and attached units engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.
    The battle finally came to an end on July 4th. On September 6, 1951, Gene received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army. He also received the New York State Medal for Merit, the State of New York Conspicuous Service Star, and a medal from the Republic of Korea on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War for his noble sacrifice.
In February 1956, Gene literally married the girl next door, Mildred “Millie” Greenfield. Together they raised five children on the same road they grew up on. Gene and Millie were married for almost 62 years when Millie passed in January 2018. Gene was a farmer, a New York State corrections officer at Auburn Prison, a Life Member of Owasco Volunteer Fire Department, and for over 20 years he was the caretaker for the Owasco Rural Cemetery. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening. From 1967 - 1992, he and his family enjoyed spending time at their camp “Hole’s Haven” in Orwell, NY in
an area called Little America by the Salmon River Reservoir. Many family memories were made there.
Gene was predeceased by his loving wife, Millie (Greenfield) Hole; his parents Wilfred and Ella Hole; and his siblings Frederick Hole, Helen Badman, Marjorie Hole and Jack
Hole. Gene is survived by his children Deborah Gray of Owasco, NY, Eric (Brenda) of Myerstown, PA, Jerald (Susan) of Baldwinsville, NY, Melinda (Mark) Cripe of White Pigeon, MI and Terry (Annie) of Sharpsburg, GA. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at Owasco Reformed Church on Tuesday, November 9th at 10am. Calling hours will be on Monday, November 8th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Burial will be in the Owasco Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of
flowers, contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Richard "Dick" Kokosa

10/29/2021

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Richard “Dick” Kokosa, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Skaneateles, NY on October 29, 2021.

He was born on November 4, 1936 and attended Draper High School in Schenectady, NY where he met his future wife of 63 years, Mary Lee (White) Kokosa. He married his high school sweetheart on August 23, 1958. He obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in Physics at Union College in 1958 and Rutgers University in 1960, respectively.

Dick worked for General Electric Company for 24 years beginning in 1960 with research and development at the Auburn, NY plant where he co-authored several patents for semiconductor technology. He then advanced to management of the semiconductor business unit and operations at the Auburn, NY plant, then eventually management of the Contractor Equipment business unit for three years in Plainville, CT. In 1984, Dick and Mary Lee saw an opportunity to return to Skaneateles, and during the final 14 years of his career, he served as Vice President of the Lighting Systems Division of the former Welch Allyn, Inc. (Hillrom) in Skaneateles Falls, NY where he successfully grew the lighting business by expanding the use of fiber optic technology and LED lamps to new applications in the industrial and aviation sectors.

Dick was very active as a civic leader and with youth sports including past member of the Board of Education for Skaneateles Central School, officer of Skaneateles Jaycees, board of directors for Auburn Chamber of Commerce, past President of the Skaneateles Library Association, past President of the Skaneateles Rotary Club, coach for Lakeshore Little League Baseball, hockey Dad for his two sons, and softball coach for his daughter.

Dick is survived by his wife Mary Lee (White) Kokosa, his sister Reggie (Kokosa) Snyder of Wilmington, NC, his son Vernon Kokosa and his wife Lisa (Keegan) Kokosa of Dennis, MA, his son Andrew Kokosa and his wife Patricia (Mollihan) Kokosa of Aurora, IL, his daughter Nancy (Kokosa) Cyr and her husband Scott of Boise, ID, plus six grandchildren; Daniel Kokosa of Nashua, NH, Jonathan Kokosa of Amherst, NH, Drew Kokosa and his wife Kate of Chicago, IL, Zak Kokosa and his wife Katie of San Francisco, CA, Hunter Cyr of Warren, MI, and Bretta Cyr of Bozeman, MT. His faithful dog Charlie will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Lodge on the grounds of the former Welch-Allyn plant (Hillrom), 4355 State Street, Skaneateles Falls, NY on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to SAVES, 77 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152, or to the Skaneateles Library Association, 49 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152.

To send condolences, visit www.robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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Elizabeth M. Knickerbocker

Luanne Kay Batschelet

Carolyn R. Hullihen

Ronald E. Roberts

Joellyn S. Miles

Tracy J. Nolan

Chester "Chet" N. Benoit

Glenn M. Porter

Elmer "Gene" E. Hole

Richard "Dick" Kokosa

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