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Eleanor H. Muller VanDerveer

7/8/2020

Eleanor H. Muller VanDerveer of Skaneateles, New York passed away on July 8th, 2020 in her home surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. Eleanor was born on March 15th, 1934 to Elizabeth (Betty) and Edward Muller. On September 7th, 1957 she married Bernard N. VanDerveer and together they raised three children and three grandchildren in Skaneateles, New York. They were as devoted and loving to each other as they were to their whole family and many close friends. Eleanor loved to bake and cook and excelled at both. She was the best room mom, a voracious reader, loved antiques, set a beautiful table, and made sure everyone else was well taken care of. She had a special place in her heart for their lake cottage and loved every moment there. Eleanor had a way of making you know how important you were to her and showed her love through her words and actions.
Eleanor worked for Metropolitan Life and Massachusetts Mutual in the group division handling contracts.
Eleanor was predeceased by her mother and father Elizabeth (Betty) and Edward Muller, her brother Frank and sister- in- law Lilou Muller, her brother Lawrence and sister- in- law Vicky Muller, her mother and father- in- law Jean and Van VanDerveer and her beautiful daughter-in -law Kate Harker VanDerveer.
She is survived by her adoring husband Bernard, her children and grandchildren, who she loved dearly and was so proud of, David (Carol and Susan), Lorraine (Andrew, Erin and Alaine), Lisa and Steve Byrne (Erica and Ken), her devoted and youngest brother Harold and sister- in- law Linda Muller, her sister- in- law Carole VanDerveer, her very special aunt Helen Baumhofer, her sister and brother- in- law Jeanie and Jack Doran, her nephews Kevin, Jeff and Greg Doran, and many other loving family and friends. Family was everything to Eleanor and she cherished her time with everyone and had a special place in her heart for all of us.
Donations in Eleanor's name may be made to the Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry, the Corona Famine Relief Fund on Facebook, or The National Eczema Association.
We were blessed for every moment that we had with Eleanor (Mom), and she will forever be in our minds and hearts. A very special thank you to everyone who made Eleanor's last days peaceful, calm, and loving. Services were private.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Aleda S. Kresge

7/7/2020

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Aleda (Billie) Kresge was born in Syracuse, NY to Aleda and Howard J. Stagg on February 24, 1923. A native of Syracuse, Billie considered Skaneateles, where her father built the family cottage in 1925, her second home. Billie graduated from University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1945. She married the love of her life, Ralph Kresge II, on April 12th, 1945 in Syracuse. They lived in Buffalo, Dallas, and Arlington Heights, IL throughout their 56 years of marriage. In addition to raising her four children, Billie was a dedicated high school teacher and a longtime member of PEO Chapter IX Sisterhood. She was involved with the Presbyterian Church and an accomplished sailor and skier. She enjoyed being a 50-year member of the National Ski Patrol at Wilmot Mountain, WI, as well as skiing in Colorado and sailing in San Francisco with her children. Most of all, Billie cherished the summers she spent with her family in Skaneateles and the close community and friends that surrounded her.
Billie passed away in Skaneateles with family by her side on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 97 years old. She is survived by her daughter Aleda Kresge (John), son David Kresge (Julie), five grandchildren Stephanie, Kurt, Paul Jr., Robyn, Connor and four great grandchildren. Billie is preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Ralph Kresge III and Paul Kresge, and will be laid to rest with them at Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse during a private family gathering.

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Alexander Ernst "Sandy" Gelston

7/5/2020

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Alexander Ernst “Sandy” Gelston, 74, of Skaneateles passed away unexpectedly at Crouse Hospital on July 5th. Sandy was born on April 21, 1946 in Brooklyn, NY.
He received his BSME from Union College and then went on to Syracuse University where he earned his MBA. He went on to become a designer of Drill Detection Systems and held 75 patents on early drill detection. His second career was in Techno Thriller Books. He was also the CEO of US Tech Engineering in East Syracuse.
Sandy is predeceased by his parents, Norbert & Nancy Jane as well as a brother, Skip. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy, of 52 years, his children; Jonathan (Jen) of Colorado, Christopher (Rebecca) of Colorado, Sarah Poindexter (David) of Minnesota and seven grandchildren; Ryan, Kayla, William, Henry Gelston, Ethan, Caitlin & Matthew Poindexter. Services will be held at a later date.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Patricia A. Main

7/3/2020

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Patricia A. Main, 63, of Skaneateles passed away July 3th at the Commons in Auburn. Patricia was born March 20, 1957 in Auburn, N.Y. to the late Horace and Marie Main. She was a member of the Skaneateles High School Class of 1976. She was preceded in death by a sister Kathy and survived by seven brothers: James of Jackson Heights, N.Y., Timothy (Jackie) of Fresh Meadows, N.Y., John of Astoria, N.Y., Thomas of Skaneateles, William (Barb) of Cortland, Robert (Kathy) of Skaneateles, Joseph (Chris) of Skaneateles, and several nieces and nephews.
Services are private. Patricia will be buried next to her parents in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dale Rising

6/27/2020

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Dale Rising, 69, of Skaneateles, NY passed away on June 27th. Dale was a Buffalo Bills fan, loved boat rides, going to the movies and listening to Shania Twain and Elvis. He attended St. James Episcopal Church remotely faintly each week. Dale was warm and caring person with a great sense of humor and will be missed, especially by his foster brother, Harvey.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 7th from 1 to 2:30pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home with a service to follow at 3pm. Limited seating will be available in the funeral home for the service do to COVID. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dennis J. Sweeney

6/26/2020

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Dennis J. Sweeney, 54 of Weedsport passed away on Friday, June 26th at home surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was born in Auburn, NY where he spent most of his life until he moved to Weedsport 15 years ago. He loved everything outdoors, riding his 4-wheeler and spending a lot of his time at the river behind his home.
Dennis is survived by Patty Porter, his son Tristen and his daughter Beth, 3 brothers Robert (Piper) Florida; Brian (Jody) Auburn; Scott (Chris) Auburn and a sister Shelley (Gary) Auburn and many nieces and nephews.
Services are Private. Dennis will be buried in Soule Cemetery, Sennett.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Jordan Ambulance Service.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Dr. Robert J. Vitkus, DDS

6/22/2020

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Dr. Robert J. Vitkus, DDS, 67, died peacefully at his home in Fayetteville on Monday, June 22nd in the presence of his loving family and friends. Bob was born in Binghamton. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Skaneateles. Bob was raised in Endicott, graduating from Seton Catholic High School in 1970, SUNY Oneonta in 1974, Georgetown Dental School in 1978 before completing his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Bob had his oral surgery practice in the central New York area for his entire career. He was past president of the Onondaga County Dental Society and member of the 5th District Dental Society, Dewitt Rod and Gun Club, Ruffed Grouse Society of Central New York and the Syracuse/Canadian Fish and Game Club (Mexico, NY). Bob grew up as a Boy Scout and spent as much time outdoors as was possible. His father, an avid outdoorsman, taught Bob how to hunt and fish. This remained a passion throughout his life. Trusted hunting companions, Fred and Sadie, his German Shorthaired Pointers, were never far from his side. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his “camp” overlooking Skaneateles Lake. Bob was predeceased by his parents Walter P and Blanche M (Lovejoy) Vitkus.
He is survived by his brother, James W. (Suzanne) of Skaneateles; three nieces Lauren (Tim) Calnon of Victor, Karen of Skaneateles, Dianne of Syracuse and one great-nephew Patrick Robert Calnon of Victor.
Services are private with a memorial service at a later date. Burial will ultimately be in Calvary Cemetery, Binghamton.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Central New York and of the Finger Lakes and Nascentia Home Health for their wonderful care.
Contributions may be made to Hospice of Central New York and of the Finger Lakes, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 and the Central New York Community Foundation in support of the Central New York Land Trust, 431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13202.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Joan Barbara (Kellogg) Chapman

6/19/2020

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Joan Barbara (Kellogg) Chapman, 90 of Skaneateles played her last round of pitch and was welcomed home on June 19, 2020. She was born December 24, 1929 in Elbridge, NY to the late Jack and Mildred (Platt) Kellogg. Joan attended Elbridge High School and went on to hold jobs at the Jordan Wire Mill and as an adored cafeteria lady for Skaneateles schools.
Joan enjoyed playing cards, bingo, bowling, and camping. She was a huge SU basketball and NY Yankees fan, even listening to the games on her small radio when she couldn’t get them on her TV. She was the 1977 Masters bowling champion and still keeps that trophy proudly displayed, but her greatest love was always found in the times she spent surrounded by family, especially her great grandchildren who brought the biggest smile to her face. Affectionately known as “Granny” to them, she always made sure the candy dish was overflowing and plenty of cookies were on hand.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by the love of her life, Bob in 1997; her infant son Mark in 1966 and the sisters she cherished so deeply - Helen and Betty.
Surviving are her children, Debra and Robert (Patti)- both of Skaneateles; grandchildren Michelle (Jim), Danielle (Jamie), Todd (Jaime), Rob (Kate), Brad (Jane); 11 great grandchildren; loving sister Mickey O’Neill; several nieces and nephews that she cherished so deeply; and the “card” girls that were like sisters to her.
Joan will always be remembered as our “Ace of diamonds” and today we raise a glass to her life and the lasting memories of love & laughter she leaves behind.
A private funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s of the lake - Skaneateles on Thursday, June 25th (the birthday of her infant son Mark). With burial to follow at St. Mary’s cemetery where she will be laid to rest alongside Bob.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mottville Fire department, 4149 Frost St - Mottville, NY 13119. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the nursing staff at Auburn Memorial (3rd floor) and the staff at The Commons Rehabilitation facility for their loving care of Joan over the past year. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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William Edmund "Honey" Leubner

6/16/2020

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William Edmund “Honey” Leubner, 91, of Skaneateles, died on June 16th of heart disease.
He was born July 13, 1928 in Marietta NY to German immigrant parents, Edmund and Bertha Leubner, and was very proud of his German heritage.
“Honey” was a farmer all of his life. He grew up on the Leubner family farm in Marietta, then owned his own dairy farm on Benson Road in Skaneateles, NY. He married Narcissa Ann Bainbridge on March 1, 1953 Together they worked the farm and had 6 children, Jeffrey (Sue), Pamela (Emil), Christopher(deceased), Kathleen, Jason, and Cynthia. The farm prospered, and grew to one of the largest and most successful farms in the area in the 1970’s. Ed was always trying new farming techniques, seeds, and cultivation methods. He was not afraid to try and succeed, or try and fail, which is one of the many great lessons he passed along to his family. When Ed retired in the late 1990’s, he sold the farm and moved to Weeks Road, where he lived until his death.
Ed loved trees, and planted hundreds in his lifetime. He loved animals and wildlife, and would bring home orphaned raccoons, fawns, and crows from the fields. He would catch and surprise his children with bats and mice he found in the barn. He leaves behind his beloved beagle, Bailey. Ed also loved to travel. Florida was Ann and his preferred destination during the harsh central NY winters, but he also traveled to Germany on several occasions, and met his German relatives and family there. The highlight was visiting the village where his mother was born and grew up, Ersrode, and staying in the same house his grandfather had taught in as a school teacher in the 1880’s. Ed loved old cars, and owned a Model A Ford similar to the one his father owned. He often took his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to get ice cream in his Model A. Ed will be remembered by his family for his great sense of humor, his strong work ethic, his love of all things German, his sweet tooth, his big heart, his honesty, and his faith in Christ. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and will spend eternity with his beloved wife Ann. He is survived by his brother Fred Leubner (Alice), his sister Marie Watts, 5 of his 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
The services will be private at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Ed will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Mausoleums in Auburn.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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David Guy Yates

6/10/2020

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David Guy Yates, 84, passed into His Heavenly kingdom, Wednesday, June 10, 2020, suddenly, due to complications during surgery. He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Bally Yates, Naples, FL; his son, Michael David Yates (Vanessa) of Skaneateles, NY; his daughter, Molly Yates Levy (Bart) of Conshohocken, PA; granddaughters, Zoe Lehr Yates, Phoebe Rene Yates, Mildred Emily Levy, Laura Karolina Levy, Nora McNeil Kszystyniak (Josh), Emily McNeil, grandson, John Colgan McNeil (Elizabeth); and his twin brother, Dickson Giles Yates of Lake Wales, FL. He was predeceased by his son Jeffrey Adam Yates, and his sister Marilyn Yates Nelson.
David was a graduate of Woodruff High School, 1954; BA University of Illinois, 1958; and earned an MBA from Syracuse University School of Business in 1987 while simultaneously serving as President of Crucible Service Centers Division of Crucible Materials Corporation which he created to market high speed and tool steels. Through expansion and acquisition it became the largest importer and distributor of these metals in North America. He was a co-valedictorian of his MBA class.
Following college graduation in 1958 Dave served in the Air National Guard and was called into active service in 1961 during the heightened tensions with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
In 1959 he married Deanna Elaine Bally and moved to the Chicago area where they began a family, and he launched a 40 year career in the steel industry. Dave retired in 2001 as President of Crucible Materials Corporation in Syracuse, NY. Following retirement he went on to serve on the corporate Board of Directors for Crucible Materials as well as of Special Metals Corporation in Indiana. He also served on the board of the Metals Service Center Institute and was Vice President of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York.
As well as excelling in his professional career, Dave was heavily involved in volunteerism and sports. He served in leadership rolls as President of the Lombard chapter of Jaycees, he was elected JCI Senator. While living in Skaneateles, NY, he served on the Library Board and on the Executive Board of the First Presbyterian Church. During his time as an executive of Crucible Steel in Syracuse he served the greater community on the boards of the Syracuse Symphony and the Boy Scouts of America, Syracuse; the Red Cross, Syracuse; and the United Way, Syracuse. While living in Skaneateles he enjoyed golfing and sailing at Skaneateles Country Club where he was a member for 30+ years.
Following his retirement he and Deanna moved to Naples, FL where he continued to enjoy golf at Fiddlers Creek Golf Club and the Members Club at Marco Island. At the time of his passing he was Vice President of his homeowners association as well as former President. He was heavily involved in the activities of the United Church of Marco Island where he served in many capacities among them, Moderator, President of the Executive Board, and at any one time Chairman of nearly every committee. He also sang base in the church choir. He will be missed!
David’s favorite roll, however, was that of father and grandfather. He loved being with his family; boating, water skiing, and sailing on beautiful Skaneateles Lake; snow skiing in Vermont; croquet in the back yard; BBQs, bonfires, all holidays and weddings. All family occasions, large or small, brought a smile to his face.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his name to the worthy missions of the United Church of Marco Island, two of which are Our Daily Bread (MI food pantry) and Habitat for Humanity. The address is 320 N. Barfield Dr., Marco Island, FL.
Interment will be in Skaneateles, NY in Lake View Cemetery on July 6, 2020 preceded by a private service at the First Presbyterian Church. Friends may express their condolences from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 5 at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan St., Skaneateles, NY 13152. A Celebration of Life will be planned for David at United Church of Marco Island in October.

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Eleanor H. Muller VanDerveer

Aleda S. Kresge

Alexander Ernst "Sandy" Gelston

Patricia A. Main

Dale Rising

Dennis J. Sweeney

Dr. Robert J. Vitkus, DDS

Joan Barbara (Kellogg) Chapman

William Edmund "Honey" Leubner

David Guy Yates

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