Blog Posts

Charles Stenson Carroll

10/31/2022

    Charles Stenson Carroll, 80, of Skaneateles passed away on Monday, October 31st at home surrounded by his family.
    Chuck was born in Skaneateles, New York to Charlie and Alta Carroll.   He grew up in the village of Skaneateles and enjoyed fishing, sailing, hunting and horseback riding and excelled at sports, especially football. He was a graduate of Skaneateles High School Class of 1960 and attended Clarkson University where he received a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering.
   He also met his wife Molly Boulet there, who was a student at Crane School of Music at Potsdam. Later he obtained an MBA from the University of Buffalo. He worked for Praxair for over 30 years in jobs in engineering, production, research and development, and business.
    Chuck enjoyed traveling with his wife Molly and working on projects at his summer camp on Skaneateles Lake just south of Mandana. He loved fly fishing, especially with his three sons Colin, Ian, and Hugh on trips to Alaska, California, and Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula, and rivers in Western and Central New York. He was an enthusiastic fly tyer. In later life he enjoyed canoeing and fishing with his grandchildren on Skaneateles Lake.
    He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Molly, sister Holly (Richard Szabo), sister-in-law Kitty (Dennis Moran) and sons Colin (Corrie) and Ian (Abby) of Skaneateles, and Hugh (Sonya Dolan) of San Francisco.
    He is also survived by grandchildren Hugh, Coco Boulet, Will, and Julia (Colin); and Charlie and Nick (Ian) all of Skaneateles.
    Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 4th at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles. Private burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles.
    The family wishes memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Western New York (www.kfwny.org) and the Roswell Park Cancer Center (www.roswellpark.org).
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Marie L. (Chatigny) Patterson

10/30/2022

5 Comments

     Marie L. (Chatigny) Patterson, 84, of Marcellus passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Van Duyn Nursing Home. A resident of Marcellus for almost 60 years, she was born in Montreal, Quebec, daughter of the late Joseph & Yvette Chatigny. She moved to NY at ten years old and settled in the Elbridge area.
    She married Richard L. Patterson in 1956 and they had five children. In the late 70’s, they started Dick’s Taxi & Limousine Service in Skaneateles, which served the area for 20 years. Marie loved transporting and connecting with her passengers.        Most of all though, she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
    Along with her parents, Marie was predeceased by her husband, Richard, in 1987; her brother, John Chatigny, and her grandson, Patrick Patterson. Marie is survived by her 4 sons, Richard J. (Elaine), Timothy, Rene, and Michael Patterson; her daughter Lisa (Don) MacLachlan; 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Calling hours will be on Friday, November 4th from 5 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, at 10:30 am at St. Francis Xavier Church, Marcellus. Private burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marie’s name may be made to St. Francis Xavier Church, 1 W. Main St. Marcellus.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Shirley A. Murphy

10/23/2022

8 Comments

    Shirley A. Murphy, 96, of Skaneateles passed away peacefully Sunday, October 23rd with her family by her side. Shirley was a communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake. She also was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, flowers, jigsaw puzzles and the daily jumble. This was the first year she couldn’t bowl because of her health.
    Shirley loved her bowling league and fellow bowlers. She also enjoyed her sports teams, the Yankees, the Bills and SU football and basketball. Go SU.
    Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Robert Sr., her son, Robert Jr., and her siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Massey and son, David (Marilyn), daughter-in-law, Judy, grandson, Robert C. III (JoAnn), granddaughter and caregiver, Michelle (Brad) Townsend, great grandsons, Robert D. and Zachary, great granddaughters, Reese and Riley and many nieces and nephews.
    The family wants to thank all of Shirley’s neighbors, especially Bob Sykes, and many thanks to all of the caregivers.
    Funeral services with a gathering to follow, will be held on Monday, October 31st at 10am at St. Mary’s of Lake, Skaneateles. Burial will be private.
    In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of CNY; 4915 1/2 W Taft Rd, Liverpool, NY 13088 or SAVES; 77 Fennell St, Skaneateles, NY 13152 ·
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Stacey Lorraine Scharneck

10/20/2022

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    Stacey Lorraine Scharneck (52) of Skaneateles, New York, formally of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on October 20, 2022. Known for her white, wavy hair, her piercing blue eyes, and that quirky smile, Stacey had a way about her which was beautiful both inside and out.
Prior to moving to Skaneateles in March of 2022, Stacey was a long-time employee of Pottstown Regional Public Library where she genuinely enjoyed helping and spending time with her local community.
    She later took a position with Ross, Quinn & Ploppert law firm where she worked as an office and personal assistant. It was here that she fell in love with Wilbur, an overly affectionate 125-pound chocolate lab who held a special place in her heart. Upon arriving to Skaneateles, Stacey accepted a job at Mirabeau Inn & Spa where she worked as a reservation specialist. But what made Stacey smile most, were her family and friends. She was loved and adored by so many people in this world.
    Stacey is survived by her children Alisha Sandoe and Thomas Scharneck, her father and step-mother Larry and Betty Jo Shults, and her mother Amy Shumbat. Stacey is also survived by her brother Larry Ray (Lisa) Shults, her sister Amy (Michael) McCarty, her brother Tracey (Casey Baker) Shults, several nieces and nephews, and her four-legged feline friend, Petrie.
    Thank you to all of the wonderful people who have provided love and support to Stacey over the years. It does not go unnoticed or without gratitude.
    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the National Alliance of Mental Illness at https://nami.org in Stacey’s loving memory. If you or someone you love is struggling, please dial 988 for instant 24-hour access to the suicidal and crisis hotline. Know that you’re not alone, that help is available, and that somebody loves you.
    Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 26th from 4-6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home in Skaneateles, NY. A brief memory-sharing service will take place immediately afterwards at 6pm.   To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

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Eugene "Gene" Francis Finnegan

10/20/2022

12 Comments

    SKANEATELES - Eugene “Gene” Francis Finnegan born December 12, 1927, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 20, 2022, at the age of 94. He was predeceased by his wife and the love of his life, Virginia “Gussie” (Keady) Finnegan, who passed away on February 26, 2002.
    Gene was born at home in Keeseville, N.Y., the eldest child of the late Francis and Eugenia (Picotte) Finnegan. He grew up in Canton, N.Y. and graduated from Canton High School where he played football as a quarterback. Gene worked many interesting jobs growing up, including as a beekeeper and working at a fruit market where he may have been seen rolling watermelons down the hill when business was slow. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Cryptologist at the Pentagon. Through his military service, he became eligible for the GI Bill of Rights and attended St. Lawrence University where he received a B.S. in Science and Physical Education. He then obtained a student Dean position at Syracuse University where he received his M.S. in Guidance and Personnel.
    It was at Syracuse University in October 1952 where he met Gussie Keady at the first Catholic Graduate Club at St. Thomas More Chapel. While dating, Gene took his first job at Waterville Central High School teaching seventh grade math and science and coaching football, basketball, and baseball while Gussie worked for the Syracuse Health Department. They were “pinned” in February and became engaged Christmas of 1953 and were married July 3, 1954. Their first home was in Waterville, NY before moving to Potsdam, NY where Gene took his first guidance counselor position at Colton-Pierpont and Parishville-Hopkinton Central Schools. In June 1958, he accepted a position as Guidance Director for the Skaneateles School District and the Finnegan’s moved to the mint green house at 38 Orchard Road where their family made many cherished memories. Gene and Gussie were very active within their local parish, St. Mary’s of the Lake, ministering as lectors and leading weekly prayer meetings for many years. Gene loved spending time with friends and family watching sports as a devoted fan of the New York Giants, Syracuse Orange, and the New York Yankees. As much as he loved sports, his greatest love was his family. Gene was a devoted and caring father and grandfather, or “Gpa,” who instilled his deep faith, dedication to family, and love of ice cream in his children and grandchildren. He was known for attending every first communion, dance recital, sporting event, and graduation he could, and he was loved by the extended community of his children and grandchildren.
    Gene and Gussie’s loving relationship and faith was strong and together they raised and nurtured eight children, four boys and four girls, Michael (late), Thomas, Robert (Kathie), and Paul Finnegan, Mary Hoare, Carol (Robert) Ciullo, Laura (Ryan) Fannon and Sharon (George) Azzam.
Gene was the proud grandfather to 25 grandchildren, William, Jordan, Layne, Holly, Jason, Matthew, Shannon, Emily, Robert, Patrick, Kelly, Allison, Amanda, Andrea, Ashley, Brandon, Danielle, Elizabeth, Ryan, Marguerite, Grace, Hope, Nate, Keady and Faith.
    He was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Liam, Finnegan, Landon, Arlo, Oakland, and Brooks.
    He was sibling to James (late) (Janet) Finnegan, Alan (Sally) Finnegan, June (Charlie) Tucker, and Kathleen (late Frank Brenon and late Everett Brazie) Brenon. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and many good friends and former students.
    A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s on the Lake Church, 81 Jordan St, Skaneateles, NY 13152, on Friday at 10 a.m. A private burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery after the Mass.
    In lieu of flower contributions, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Eugene’s name.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Richard L. Brown, Jr.

10/18/2022

9 Comments

    Richard L. Brown Jr., 66, of Skaneateles, NY died peacefully, surrounded by his family on October 18th, 2022 after a long, courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis, a double lung transplant, and cancer. Born and raised in Skaneateles, he was the son of Richard L. Brown Sr. and Betty Jane Briggs. Rich was a graduate of Skaneateles Central School, class of 1974 where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Karen. He went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Canton and had a long, successful career in sales and marketing in the packaging industry. He was extremely passionate about his work and made long lasting friendships with his peers and customers across the industry.
    A storyteller by nature, Rich could hold an audience like no other. He could walk into any room and come out with a new friend. He enjoyed golf, hunting, cooking, history, hockey, Byrne Dairy Ice Cream, and the many dogs he had throughout his life- especially Louie who stayed by his side until the very end. He was extremely patriotic and loved his country. He was the most loyal friend, always putting others first. Even at the worst of times, he had the most amazing attitude. He was a proud “Laker” and coached youth hockey, baseball, and softball teams. He was a board member of the Skaneateles Country Club, a Son of the Skaneateles American Legion Post 239, and a member and Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles.
    His friends and family meant the world to him. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen (Folk), son, Major Richard Brown III, U.S Army (Joia) of Tilton, NH, daughter, Katie Andrianos (Luke) of Fairfield, CT, grandchildren Adam & Cole Andrianos, sister, Linda Tucker (Kevin), sister, Susan Jones, sister-in-law, Dale Folk, sister-in-law, Robin Boyd (Ted), and several nieces, nephews, and grandpuppies. He also had many, many friends whom he considered family.
    Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 from 4-7 PM at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St in Skaneateles.
    A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 at 11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 97 E Genesee Street in Skaneateles.
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cleveland Clinic Lung Transplant Foundation (give.ccf.org – Lung Transplant) or the Hope Lodge of Cleveland (https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/cleveland/suphttps://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/cleveland/support-us.htmlport-us.html)
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Lester "Brud" Purdy

10/17/2022

28 Comments

       Lester “Brud”. Purdy, 67, of Skaneateles, passed away after a long illness on Monday, October 17th at The Commons in Auburn. He graduated from Corcoran High School in 1973 and SUNY Morrisville in 1975 in Auto Mechanics.
    Lester worked in counter parts for various dealerships over his career. He lived on Skaneateles Lake his whole life, and loved both the Town and the Lake, it was his passion.
    Lester was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Anne Purdy. He is survived by his brother, Alfred “Ted” Purdy.
    Memorial service will be held at the Skaneateles American Legion Post #239 on Tuesday, October 25th at 1pm. Burial service will be private in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com

28 Comments

Atticus William Edwards

10/17/2022

3 Comments

Atticus William Edwards (kiss kiss)
6.16.22-10.17.22
    Atticus passed away unexpectedly at home at four months old. During his brief stay on earth, he enjoyed his father’s singing, cuddles with mommy, being read to, and being loved on by his brothers and sisters.
    He will be remembered by his beautiful blue eyes and contagious smile that lit up a room.
    He is survived by his parents Herbert W. Edwards IV and Kaitlyn M. Schilling-Williams. His siblings Emilia, Rhylin, Charlotte, and Oliver. Paternal grandparents Herbert W. Edwards III, Maternal Grandparents Mark A. Williams and Elena M. Castellini. Maternal great grandparents William C. and Linda J. Schilling.
    He was predeceased by his brother Jackson Patrick Edwards, and paternal Grandmother Cindy A. Edwards.
    Services will be held at Grace Chapel in Skaneateles, on Monday, October 24th at 11am.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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John M. Ryan

10/11/2022

15 Comments

    On October 11th, 2022, John M. Ryan, age 90, passed away, content with his life and secure in his faith. After sharing breakfast with his daughter, visiting with an ailing friend, lunching with his wife Jan, and then enjoying the beauties of a glorious fall day at the home of his son, John died suddenly and quietly. His last day was a reflection of how he lived every day: with joy, generosity, and gusto.
    John was born to an Irish father--a milkman at Netherland Dairy in Syracuse--and a first-generation Irish mother, who taught elementary school. He spent his youth on the west side, helping his father on the milk truck and attending high school at Most Holy Rosary. After contemplating life as a priest, and briefly attending St. Michael’s seminary in Toronto, he decided his talents lay elsewhere. John joined the Marine Corps, eventually becoming a Naval Aviator and rising to the rank of Captain. He remained on Active Duty from 1954-1958, and on Active Reserve from 1958-1965. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1960 under the G.I. bill.
    Over the next thirty years, John worked variously in sales, marketing, banking and insurance. After a brief period that could be called “retirement,” he became restless, and went on to earn his license as a long-haul trucker. He eventually exchanged his “big rig” for a Marcellus school bus. John would be the first to admit that he never had a career; instead, he had a history of working hard, working with dedication, and taking “absolute pleasure” in every job he ever held, whether he wore a military uniform, a suit and tie, or a Carhartt jacket.
    One block away from his childhood home on Gordon Ave. lived Jeanne Byrnes, whose beauty, wit, and charm beguiled him from the first time they met. On Dec. 26, 1955, Jeanne would become his beloved wife. They were married for 47 years. As they raised their family and negotiated challenges large and small, they were sustained by faith and supported by love. They never missed an opportunity to celebrate simple pleasures: laughter with friends, Sunday meals with family, story time with a grandchild, or a walk together on a beach. John measured his success in life in the ties that bind and the gift of his marriage, his four children, his seven grandchildren, and his six great grandchildren.
    After Jeanne’s death in 2002, John was fortunate to find happiness again. He married Janet Mulvihill and for the past seventeen years they shared many adventures and joys. He was blessed to be included in the life of her family, with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
    John Ryan lived his life according to a few simple principles: never hold a grudge, never miss the opportunity to help a friend or a stranger, be grateful for God’s blessings, even when they’re not clear, and savor every moment for the gift that it is.
    John Ryan is survived by his daughters Melanie Duerr (Dan), Kitty O’Donnell (Tim), and Ann Ryan (Tom Kennedy) and by his son, J.T. Ryan (Monique); by his grandchildren Lindsey Martin (Maya Ginns), Caitlin Fields (Chris), Chris O’Donnell (Laura), Molly Meng (Hao), Paul O’Donnell (Grace), Jeanmarie Ryan and Veronica Ryan; and by his great grandchildren Nolan, Clara, Ryan, Emma, Alice, and Maeve. He is also survived by his sister Rita Nann, and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
    John is also survived by his wife Janet Mulvihill Ryan, and by her children Patricia Francescotti, John Mulvihill Jr. (Priscilla), Richard Mulvihill, Kevin Mulvihill (Molly), Michael Mulvihill (Gretchen), and by their fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
    John was predeceased by his wife Jeanne, by his son Michael, by his parents John and Marion Ryan, by his brother Kevin Ryan and by his sister Margaret “Peggy” Clancy.
    Services will be held on Tuesday, October 18th at 11am at St. Mary’s of The Lake Church, 10 West Austin Street in Skaneateles, NY.
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made The Massachusetts General Hospital Global Disaster Response and Humanitarian Action program, which is currently supporting relief efforts in Ukraine, among other needy spots in the world. You can donate at the following site giving.massgeneral.org. Please designate the program “Global Disaster Response and Humanitarian Action” fund when making your gift and “in honor of John M. Ryan.”
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

15 Comments

Kathleen "Katie" Iles, M.D.

10/10/2022

7 Comments

    We are saddened to announce that Kathleen “Katie” Iles, M.D. peacefully passed away at the age of 30 on October 10, 2022 at her home in Durham, North Carolina after a several year battle with cancer.
    Katie was born on November 17, 1991 in Skaneateles, NY to her parents, Sue and Dan Iles. After graduating from Skaneateles High School with honors, Katie went on to study at Le Moyne College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and met her husband, Taylor Gleeson.
    Katie then attended SUNY Upstate Norton School of Medicine where she received several distinguished honors including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award, the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award and served as the president of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
    After graduating in 2018, Katie and Taylor moved to North Carolina where she began her surgical residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Katie was fiercely dedicated to teaching, for which she received multiple awards. She pursued technical excellence in the operating room, and advanced the science of medicine through several research publications and presentations.
    Katie is remembered by colleagues as an exceptional physician who cared deeply for her patients and had a relentless commitment to her field. She continued practicing medicine at the hospital in the years following her diagnosis and throughout her treatment.
    Above all, Katie was a source of wisdom, compassion and laughter for those lucky enough to know her. The way she lived her life raised the bar for everyone around her. Outside of her professional career Katie was a talented artist and enjoyed reading, exercise, boating, travel and above all spending time with those she loved – especially her husband Taylor and dog Cash.
    Katie is survived by her husband Taylor Gleeson; her two sisters Shannon Iles and Brady Iles; and her parents Dan and Sue Iles.
   Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, October 18th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Katie’s exceptional life. Burial will be private.
    In lieu of flowers, it was Katie’s wish to direct all gifts to the endowment fund that has been established in her name at Upstate Medical University, the Kathleen A. Iles ’18 Memorial Scholarship Fund. Katie was a recipient of many of these scholarships, and was passionate in her goal to pay it forward. The annual scholarship will be awarded to a medical student from Central New York with an interest in surgery.
    Donations can be made online at https://medalumni.upstate.edu/scholarshipgifts by selecting ‘Kathleen A. Iles MD ‘18’ in the drop-down menu. We truly appreciate any and all contributions.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Welcome

Charles Stenson Carroll

Marie L. (Chatigny) Patterson

Shirley A. Murphy

Stacey Lorraine Scharneck

Eugene "Gene" Francis Finnegan

Richard L. Brown, Jr.

Lester "Brud" Purdy

Atticus William Edwards

John M. Ryan

Kathleen "Katie" Iles, M.D.

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