Blog Posts

Veronica K. Tokarz

8/8/2023

Veronica K. Tokarz, 104, of Skaneateles passed away August 8th at Finger Lakes Center. She was predeceased by her husband of 76 years Frank P. Tokarz in 2013.
She was a communicate at St. Mary's of The Lake Church for 80 plus years. She volunteered at Stella Maris Retreat House and also worked at Kreb's and Talbots 5&10 for a number of years.
Veronica loved to sew and knit and was involved in many church functions. She also loved to travel both domestically and internationally. She had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land and met Pope John Paul II. She also loved to visit her daughter Nancy's classrooms and discuss her travels with the students.
She is survived by a daughter Nancy M. Tokarz of Auburn, a son Daniel F (Lillian) of Syracuse, two grandsons Paul of Syracuse, and David of Phoenix NY, great grandchildren Brooke Tokarz and Morgan O'Tier along with several godchildren.
A funeral mass will be offered at 10am on Wednesday, August 16th at St. Mary's of The Lake Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers make donations to St. Mary's of The Lake Church. To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Frieda C. Stopyro (Lader)

8/2/2023

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    Frieda C. Stopyro (Lader) passed peacefully on August 2, 2023, in the comfort of her Marcellus home of 79 years. Born on Christmas, December 25, 1922, at the family home in Spafford, NY. She was married to the love of her life, Stanley Stopyro for 62 years, who predeceased her in 2006.
    Survived by son, Stanley Jr of Marcellus, Jeanne of Lake Placid & special niece Donna Fellows of Syracuse, sisters Marilyn Bush & Pauline May, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren & great grandchildren.
    Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 7th from 10 to 11am followed by mass at 11, burial in St. Francis Cemetery with a brunch at St. Francis Xavier church in Marcellus.
    Donations in her memory can be made to Spafford Historical Society, Finger Lakes Land Trust or ECHO Meals on Wheels.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Nancy O. Richards

7/13/2023

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    Nancy passed away peacefully at home on July 13th after just celebrating her 89" birthday a few days prior.
    Nancy grew up in Marcellus, NY and graduated from Marcellus High School in 1952. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Cornell University in 1956. After graduating from Cornell, she married Elmer Richards in August of 1956 and taught Home and Careers at Homer High School for a year.
    What ensued was Elmer Richards and Sons Dairy farm, a successful dairy farm in Skaneateles that is currently being run by the 2" and 3" generations Nancy kept busy with calf chores, baling hay and bookwork, amongst the other demands of raising a family and running a farm, but always managed to prepare a family meal at noon for everyone to enjoy.
    Despite her early start to every day, she always made time to visit with friends, family, and especially her grandchildren with her kitchen table serving as the family gathering point. Nancy was an amazing soul who always had a smile on her face and an unforgettable laugh that just made you feel good inside
    Nancy was predeceased by her husband Elmer in 1994. Nancy's legacy is not the dairy farm she built with Elmer but the family she leaves behind.
    She is survived by her four children, Craig (Rhonda), Jim (Peg), Sue (John Duppert) and Brenda (Chris). Ten grandchildren, Chris (Anna), Marcus (Anna), Cassie
(Paul Mead), Eric (Erika), Pete (Karen), Michael, Nancy, Sarah, Connor, and Alex. Ten great- grandchildren, John, Lydia, Grace, Sadie, Paige, Elmer, Emma, Evan, Ty, and James. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Eleanor Pearsall and several nieces and nephews. Our deepest gratitude goes to her amazing health care providers, Dee, Pearl, Donna, Nicole, Jessica, Jessica, and Linda.
    Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 18th from 4 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to S.A.V.E.S or the
Skaneateles Fire Department.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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George R. Komer

7/9/2023

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New Hope – George R. Komer passed away peacefully July 9, 2023 at The Commons, Auburn, New York.

George was born August 26, 1924 in Paterson, NJ the son of Joseph and Henrietta Komer. In 1940 he and his mother moved to Tuscarora, NY. He graduated from Nunda Central School in 1942 and three days later joined the U.S. Navy, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three silver stars along with other medals. On November 9, 1945 he was honorably discharged from the navy at Sampson, NY.

George married Joyce Irene Sherman on January 17, 1948 in Mt. Morris, NY. They operated a dairy/poultry farm together in Tuscarora for 13 years. In October of 1957 he went to work for the US Department of Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation Service in Wyoming County. He left SCS in 1960 to accept a trainee position in the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. George and Joyce and their four children, Catherine Myers (Victor), Mark Komer (Glenda), G. Michael (Laurel Midgley), Susan Kennedy (late William) moved to New Hope, NY. A fifth child, Elizabeth Komer (Donald Alvord) was born there. While his children were growing up, George was a Master Scout Leader and was very active in many projects for the Mid-Lakes Methodist Church. George moved through the ranks of ASCS becoming State Executive Director in 1978 and retired in 1981. Since that time, his family continued to grow to include 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

George and Joyce were very active during retirement. They operated a small apple orchard and Christmas tree farm, leased a sugar bush and produced maple syrup for four years. Together they started and operated an antique shop for 15 years. They also traveled extensively throughout the United State in their RV. From 1983 until 2006 they spent most of their winter months in Gulf Shores, Alabama. George thought he ought to go back to work in the summer months so in 2001 he stopped by the Ward O’Hara Agricultural museum to see if they needed any help. He was welcomed there and stayed eight years. He also was the Supervisor for the Town Of Niles.

Much of the family and work history above was written by George years ago, as he was a skilled manager and planner and always considerate about not burdening others with any work he could accomplish himself. He and Joyce built a new home in 1989 and had fun adding a nine hole golf course, pond and flower gardens. Watching birds and wildlife was great entertainment for George and still is for Joyce.

Memorial donations may be made to Mid-Lakes United Methodist Church 3703 State Rt 41A, Moravia, NY 13118 or Four Town Rescue Squad, 5923 New Hope Road, Moravia, NY 13118

Graveside service will be held privately for the family.

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Donna J. Cottrill

7/6/2023

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Donna J. Cottrill, 60, of Elbridge passed away at Upstate Medical Center on Thursday, July 6th. Donna was born on March 3, 1963 in Auburn, NY. She graduated from Skaneateles High School, class of 1981.

Donna had a love for animals, especially cats. Her beloved cat, Onyx, was her pride and joy. She did not have any children of her own. Donna had several nieces and nephews; William, Rachael, Calista, Abrianna, Thomas, Sabrina, Samantha, Kylie and Kortney. She loved spoiling them. Whatever the occasion, be it a holiday, birthday or graduation, she was overly generous with gifts. She loved to hear about their accomplishments and endeavors.

Donna’s world revolved around her work and family. She worked for the West Genesee School District for 36 years. She especially loved camping with her family. She enjoyed drawing, crossword puzzles, shopping, finding bargains and garage sales.

Donna was predeceased by her mother, Betty Jane Albring. They are surely having the time of their live with each other. Donna is survived by her father, Edward Albring; brothers; Donald Albring, John (Stacey) Albring, Lee (Millie) Albring, Al (Danielle) Albring, and a sister, Valentina (Patrick) Feeney.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 12th at 10 AM at the Owasco Reformed Church. Burial will be private.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Skaneateles American Legion Post 239, Jordan Road, Skaneateles, following the service at church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY, 41 York Street, Auburn, NY 13021.

To leave condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Frank Ernest Brock

6/19/2023

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    Frank Ernest Brock died on June 19, 2023 in Henderson, North Carolina. Frank was born to Leslie Ernest Brock and Arvena Hansen Brock on March 26, 1943.
    He worked numerous jobs from Brockway Trucks, ALCO, Dickman Farms, Frank's Service to Penske in North Carolina. He loved hunting, spending time with family and gardening.
    Frank is survived by daughter Allison, son Jeffrey, seven brothers and sisters; Elizabeth and David Glanville, Eugene and Karen Brock, Barbara, Nancy and Donald Hutson, Judith and Charles Prentice, William Brock, Kenneth and Debra Brock, and many nieces and nephews.
    Frank was predeceased by his second wife, Brenda, and son Mark. Frank was loved by many friends here and in Henderson, North Carolina.
    Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 14th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, July 15th at 10am.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your local SPCA. To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dr. Simon Aaron Ginzburg

6/10/2023

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        Dr. Simon Aaron Ginzburg, (85), of Boxborough, Massachusetts, passed away on June 10, 2023. Simon was born in Russia to Aaron Samuel Ginzburg and Bronislava Ginzburg and immigrated to the United States in 1980.
    He made major contributions in the field of electrical engineering with his work on fiber optic cable design on behalf of the US Air Force. He was an avid athlete and completed numerous marathons and triathlons in the New England area, including the Boston Marathon on multiple occasions.
    Simon is survived by his three children, Ira, Natasha and Michael and his sister Nina. His good nature, strong will, humor, kind heart and patriotism will be deeply missed.
    Services are Private.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

"And this will pass too" - King Solomon

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Harvey"Skip" M. Millier, III

5/27/2023

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Harvey (“Skip”) M. Millier, III, a master of dad jokes, died May 27, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a brief, but courageous, battle with cancer. Born on July 25, 1948 in Auburn, NY, Skip spent the first five years of his life in Skaneateles, NY until his family moved to the Philadelphia suburbs. There, Skip graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep and Villanova University, where he developed his life-long passion for Villanova basketball and Philadelphia sports.
    Skip spent many years working for Weichert Realtors, and later Berkshire Hathaway, as a residential and commercial real estate agent. He was a fierce advocate for his clients and was skilled at finding the right property for them, whether a first-time home buyer or experienced investor. Skip was president of the Drexel Park Homeowners Association for several years, and was also a member and former president of his local Rotary.
    In his early life, Skip was a World and US champion ice dancer, first competing and performing with his sister, Ann, in 1966 in Lake Placid. Skip and Ann were silver medalists at Nationals in 1970, earning a spot on the US World Figuring Skating Team. Together, they traveled the world with the US team, including “behind the iron curtain,” competing in world and international competitions. They were part of an elite group of skaters that introduced ice dancing to the Olympics. Skip enjoyed passing on his ice-skating knowledge and skill to his many students over the years.
    Skip was a true sports enthusiast and athlete, and he found joy in coaching little league and attending almost every one of his children’s games and meets. He was a dedicated and passionate tennis player, and enjoyed playing daily with his friends. He also found great joy in introducing the sport to his granddaughter, Ainsley.
    Skip met the love of his life, Sally, in 1977 while he was living in Lexington, Massachusetts and teaching skating in Boston. They married on May 30, 1981 and built a fabulous life together, filled with dinner parties, travel, tennis, dancing, dogs, and their two children, of whom Skip was so proud.
    Skip was fortunate enough to return to Skaneateles in 2020 to be nearer to his beloved granddaughters, Ainsley and Lily, with whom he shared his love for dogs and ice cream. Skip is survived by his wife of nearly 42 years, Sally Pearson, daughter Samantha and son in law Mike Balestra, son Gunnar and daughter in law Emily, granddaughters Ainsley and Lily, sisters Ann O’Neil and Margaret Everett, and several nieces and nephews.
    A private service and burial will be held for immediate family to honor Skip’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the US Figure Skating Memorial Fund or to a charity of your choosing.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dr. Amin Elhassan

5/27/2023

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Dr. Amin Elhassan, 72, passed away peacefully in his home in Skaneateles, NY on May 27th, 2023 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Dr. Nada Salman Elhassan with whom he built a loving partnership of 39 years, his three children, Dania, Ramzi (Diana), and Danny, his granddaughter Quinn, and his sister Wafa. Amin remained courageous, smiling, and gracious each day.
Amin is born the son of the late Mohamad Darwiche Elhassan and Badria Murad of Btouratij, Koura, Lebanon on September 16th, 1950. He is also predeceased by his brothers Nabil, MD, and Mazen, PhD, and sister Haifa Elhassan.
Amin attended American preparatory school at International College and participated in the boy scout troop of Beirut IV. He went to college and medical school at the American University of Beirut and completed his residency in Urology at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse, NY. He was a very smart, avant garde doctor and skilled surgeon and cared for thousands of patients in his community in Cortland and the greater Syracuse area for over 35 years.
Amin met Nada in London and it was love at first sight. After only 3 days, he proposed and on July 3rd, 1984 they packed her things in a rented “Jartran” truck to honeymoon from Houston, TX to Cortland, NY. Always on the move, Amin spent life active in nature especially on Skaneateles Lake and enjoyed boating, gardening, and windsurfing.
While he never wasted a moment, Amin never forgot to slow down for the important things, approaching each conversation with a thoughtful, calming presence. He was truly unique – brilliant, warm, and fun. He always enjoyed a good laugh and a meaningful conversation. He was a force of love and a pillar to his family and community, contributing to many important causes. He will be forever loved, and his genuine, beautiful soul will continue to live on through his family, friends, and the many others he has touched.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday June 3rd from 3-7pm at his residence in Skaneateles.
The family is holding a private memorial through Robert Gray Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a fund in Amin’s name using this link: https://everloved.com/life-of/amin-elhassan/donate/ Funds will be donated to causes Amin cares about: the American University of Beirut, Village of Btouratij, Rare Cancer Research and Skaneateles Lake. In addition, a plaque will be placed on docks 39 and 40 in the town of Skaneateles near the gazebo in loving memory of Amin.

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Lois B. Dann

5/26/2023

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    On the morning of Friday, May 26th, Lois peacefully left the struggles of this world behind- to surely be joyfully welcomed into Heaven.
    Lois was born on June 17, 1934 in Maryland, NY, to Reverend Gerald and Mrs. Josephine Boyce. She was the first-born of 3 daughters- a role she would fulfill beautifully throughout her life, as her sisters would attest.
Being a minister’s family, they moved several times within the state as the girls were growing up. Some of the church locations were: Rochester, Ogdensburg, Lisbon, Hopkinton, and Syracuse. Lois graduated from high school in Patchogue, as Salutatorian of her class. She went on to SUNY Cortland where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Eventually she completed her Master’s Degree there, as well as a School Administration Certification.
    Most of her teaching career was spent at State Street Elementary in Skaneateles, NY teaching Grade 4. She also spent time in the role of Assistant Principal of the Middle School there. She loved her profession, and those special memories stayed with her longer than others, speaking of ‘the kids’ often- decades after she retired. She was well respected by all she worked with, and kindly shared her wisdom mentoring teachers newer to the school.
     The cornerstones of Lois’ life were Faith, Family, Education, and Music. She was a very active church member her entire life. She had a beautiful voice and was a choir member at each church she attended. She was also active in many committees, women’s circles, book and bible studies, etc., sometimes as chairperson or leader. For many years she worked at the annual Skaneateles United Methodist Antique Show, at least 1 year serving as chairperson. She also volunteered with Laker Limo, Meals on Wheels, and the John D. Barrow Art Gallery. She was a member of Travel Club, and a member of the Singing Seniors of Skaneateles. She was a very loving and involved Grandmother, taking part in raising both of her granddaughters and her nieces and nephew.
    In 1985 (at church!) Lois met and married the love of her life, Duane R. Dann. This was the beginning of a well-deserved, happy, and full ‘second chapter’ of life for her! They enjoyed traveling, which included 2 trips across the country, stopping for many interesting adventures along the way- making memories of a lifetime. Church continued to be a big part of their lives. Lois even took on the role of pastor’s wife for a time (and choir member of course) when Duane was called to be the pastor of the UMC in New Hope.
    Other activities they enjoyed together were attending Syracuse Symphony concerts, plays at the Merry Go Round Playhouse, trips to the Adirondacks, visits to family members around the country (including California and Hawaii!), summer trips to the family camp on the St. Lawrence River, and the annual Dann Family reunion. They were also active members of the Seniors of Skaneateles, and the Seniors of Niles groups.
    In addition to her parents, Lois was pre-deceased by one of her sisters, Constance Waterbury of Latham, NY, brother-in-law James Kridel and nephew Martin Kridel.
    Lois is survived by: Husband: Duane R. Dann.
Children: Gerald E. Goodrich (Denise) of Camillus, NY; Carolyn S. Goodrich of Skaneateles Falls, NY
Sister: Katharine Phillippi (Ken) of Petaluma, CA
Step-Children: Richard Dann (Dawn), of Syracuse, NY; Christopher (Gigi) Dann, of Gainesville, VA; Jonathan Dann (Anna), of Dayton, OH
    Grandchildren: Melissa (Michael) Folino of Fairport, NY; Lauren (Lawrence) Poole of North Syracuse, NY
Step-Grandchildren: Ricky Dann; Nicole Dann; Olivia Dann; Iliana Dann
    Nieces: Sandra (Richard) Chevrette of Troy, NY; Laurie Hallowell of Camillus, NY; Meta (Jose) Velez of Petaluma, CA
Nephew: Edward Lanning (Jean) of Hillsville, VA, Jonathan (Liz) Kridel of Sebastopol, CA.
    Her beloved grand-cat: Earl Gray Folino (who formerly lived with Lois and Duane and brought years of joy to their lives).
Lois’ family would like to extend sincere thanks for the excellent, loving care provided to her at: Finger Lakes Center for Living (Interlaken) in Auburn, NY, for the past several years. The Athenaeum of Skaneateles where she was a resident for 2 years prior to FLCL.
    Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 30th from 3 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, May 31st at 10am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Skaneateles.
    We will have a Celebration of Life held in the church later this summer, details TBA.
    If desired, donations in Lois’ name can be made to:
Skaneateles United Methodist Church, 26 Jordan St, Skaneateles, NY 13152 Or Midlakes/New Hope United Methodist Church, 3703 State Rt. 41A, Moravia, NY 13118.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Veronica K. Tokarz

Frieda C. Stopyro (Lader)

Nancy O. Richards

George R. Komer

Donna J. Cottrill

Frank Ernest Brock

Dr. Simon Aaron Ginzburg

Harvey"Skip" M. Millier, III

Dr. Amin Elhassan

Lois B. Dann

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