OBITS: The Post-Standard 19 Sep 2004; Syracuse, Onondaga co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.org/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: The Post-Standard http://www.syracuse.com Bednarski, Jeanne B. September 17, 2004 Jeanne B. Bednarski, 79, of Syracuse, died Friday. Surviving: a daughter; a sister; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Contributions: Seventh Day Adventist Church in Canton or the A.D.R.A. Association. Allen-Nichols Funeral Home, 324 New York Ave., Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Bentley, J. Gordon September 15, 2004 Mr. J. Gordon Bentley of 341 Harland Road, Norwich, CT, born July 12, 1923, died September 15, 2004. He is survived by his wife Erlene; son William Bentley; daughter Allison Walsh; two stepsons, Daniel Lovell and Donald Lovell; two stepdaughters, Catherine Capozza and Susan Reynolds; and a sister Romona Flewelling. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Besse, Richard Waterman September 17, 2004 Richard Waterman Besse, 83, died at his home in Skaneateles on September 17 of cancer. He was a graduate of Yale University and Commodore of the Yale Corinthian Yacht Club. He served as a Lt. Commander and navigator of destroyers inthe Navy during WWII and the Korean War. In the Syracuse area since 1953, Dick worked at Syracuse China Corporation for almost two decades, retiring as vice president of manufacturing. Beginning in 1954, Dick spearheaded the revival of small boat racing at the Skaneateles Country Club. In 1976, with Janet, he founded both The Sailboat Shop and the Skaneateles Sailing Club. Dick qualified as an alternative Finn class skipper for the 1952 Olympics, won the Rhodes Bantam National Class Championships three times, qualified for the Laser World Championships in 1974 and crewed in many ocean races. He designed and built several wooden boats, including a Rhodes Bantam that is on display at the Skaneateles Historical Society. Dick dedicated much time to the Syracuse area community, including his terms as president of the YMCA, chairman of the United Fund's Manufacturing Division, trustee of the Everson Museum of Art, chairman of the Yale University Admissions Committee for Central New York, president of the Cazenovia Ski Club, president of the World Affairs Committee, president for the Citizens' Committee for the Public Schools, president of the Central New York Yacht Racing Union and charter member of Mystic Seaport. As a retiree, Dick served on the Board of the Skaneateles Sailing Club, spent many hours working on club projects, volunteered at the Skaneateles Historical Society and drove for the Laker Transportation Project and FISH. Dick is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet Starkweather Besse; four children: Susan, Jonathan, Tina and David; nine grandchildren; his brother Alden and his deceased brother Arthur's wife, Virginia, both of Martha's Vineyard. A naval burial service at Lakeview Cemetery will be followed by a 1 p.m. gathering to celebrate his life on October 9 at the Skaneateles Sailing Club. Donations in Dick's honor may be made to the Syracuse YMCA and the Skaneateles Historical Society. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Brogan, Jean M. September 18, 2004 Jean M. Brogan, 78, of Syracuse, dearly beloved wife and mother died Saturday. She worked as a medical records technician for Crouse Hospital, retiring with 25 years of service. Survivors: her husband of 53 years, Harry Brogan; four daughters: Alice Brogan, Mary Ellen Brogan, Kathleen Brogan and Jean Brogan Cullen, all ofSyracuse; three sons: Joseph Brogan of Mascoutah, IL; Paul Brogan of Syracuse; and Patrick Brogan of Baldwinsville; one sister, Alice Furey of Pittsburgh, PA; four grandchildren: Benjamin Brogan of Robbins Air Force Base, Macon, GA; Alexander Brogan of Syracuse; and Ryan and Ethan Brogan, both of Baldwinsville; several nieces and nephews. Services: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home and 10 a.m. in St. James Church, 4845 S. Salina Street, Syracuse. Burial: Onondaga Valley Cemetery, Syracuse, NY. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, 4612 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY. Contributions: in lieu of flowers may be made to a charity of choice. Please light a candle in memory of Jean at www.ballweg-lunsford.com Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Campana, Anna M. September 17, 2004 Anna M. "Miss Anna" Campana, 76, of Liverpool, passed peacefully Friday, surrounded by her loving family, at Francis House in Syracuse. In past years, she also resided in Mayfield, NY, and Schenectady, NY. Miss Anna was a retired domesticnurse. She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Anthony J. Campana. Miss Anna is survived by three children and their spouses: Toni Ann Chlopecki (Stephen F.) of Front Royal, VA; Joseph A. Campana Sr. (Mary E.) of Johnstown, NY; and Gladys L. Cleland (Michael J.) of Liverpool. She also leaves behind four sisters; one sister-in-law; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her beloved pet friend, "Li'l Annie"; six grandpets; several nieces and nephews; and dear friends and neighbors at Byrne Manor Senior Apartments in Liverpool. A private prayer service was held at Francis House for the family. To foster continued medical education and research, Miss Anna donated her body to Upstate Medical University's Anatomical Gift Program. Memorial contributions may be made in Miss Anna's name to Hospice Foundation of C.N.Y., 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088-6148 or to Hospice of Fulton County, 73 N. Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Falter, Harold F. September 16, 2004 Harold F. Falter, 77, of Phoenix, died Thursday, September 16, 2004. Mr. Falter worked for International Multifoods in Baldwinsville for 37 years. He was a Marine Corps veteran, serving during WWII. Surviving: his wife of 57 years, Evelyn of Phoenix; two daughters, Bonnie Montante of FL and Tami Miller of Cicero; five brothers: David, Edgar, Leo, John and Jerry; four grandchildren: Melissa Pfahler, Nicholas Miller, Cassandra Miller and Thomas Miller; two great-grandchildren, Allison Pfahler and Logan Pfahler. A brief prayer service will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Jacksonville Cemetery, Lysander. There are no calling hours. Contributions: Lysander Vol. Fire Dept., The Little Utica United Methodist Church or the Lamson Grange. Gates Funeral Home, Inc., Baldwinsville has care of arrangements. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Festa, Rose Rinaldi September 18, 2004 Rose Rinaldi Festa, 96, formerly of 60 Orchard Street, Auburn, died September 18, 2004, in Mercy Rehabilitation Center. Born in Naples, Italy, she was a communicant of St. Francis Church. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph Festa in 1975. Survived by daughters Jeanette Ferro, Arlene DiFabio, Marilyn Sroka and Rosemarie Guerrera; a sister, Felice Gabak; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Services on Monay at 8:45 a.m. in Cheche Funeral Home, 1778 Clark St., Auburn, and at 9:30 a.m. in St. Francis Church. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours are today from 4 to 7 p.m. Contributions: The Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporative Drive, Auburn, NY 13021. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Gill, Nancy September 15, 2004 Mrs. Nancy Gill, 69, of 6539 Beech Tree Road, Auburn, NY, died at her home on Wednesday September 15, 2004. Survivors: three children: Jeffrey Gill of Westford, MA; Tracie Freeman of Planfield, IL; and Diane Tracy of Auburn, NY; seven grandchildren. Services: Tuesday at 11 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Fleming. Calling hours will be held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South Street, Auburn, NY. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Goldman M.D., William September 17, 2004 William Goldman, M.D., 72, of Fayetteville, died Friday, September 17. Born in Brooklyn on July 6, 1932, Dr. Goldman was a graduate of New York University and then Chicago Medical School, where he graduated first in hisclass. He then served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Goldman served his residency in radiology at Bellevue Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and then came to Syracuse, where he practiced diagnostic radiology at Community General Hospital, where he developed the first department of nuclear medicine in Upstate New York. He was a past president of the Central New York Radiological Society, a member of the Onondaga County Medical Society for over forty years and a member of Temple Society of Concord. He was predeceased by his sister Shirley Lidz. Survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Phyllis; and devoted family: his son Robert S. of New York City; daughter Laurie S. (Steven) Barber of New York City; and grandson David Barber. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Temple Society of Concord. Calling hour: Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the temple, 910 Madison St. Burial will be in the Temple Society of Concord section of Woodlawn Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. birnbaum funeral service, inc. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Horning, Elinore T. September 4, 2004 Elinore T. Horning of Mexico, NY, born January 20, 1922, in Fyler, NY, the daughter of James Earl Taylor and Veronica "Vera" Niepling Taylor, died at the Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville. Mrs. Horning was predeceased by her husband Rich-ard Forsyth Horning; her brothers, James and Louis Taylor; and sister, Vera Elsie Taylor Pratt. She is survived by four generations of nieces and nephews. She retired from government service as a quality assurance inspector of such things as machine guns and aircraft parts. She worked several places including General Electric and Carrier Corp. Over the years Mrs. Horning received numerous awards for cost and time saving suggestions to the Defense Supply Agency. Dozens of certificates reveal the training courses she undertook to better her performance of her job. She believed that a rich life is an informed life and learning does not end when school is out. Mrs. Horning's main interests were history, architecture, clocks, and writing. Her column "Backward Glance" appeared in the Mexico Independent (Oswego County Weeklies) newspapers in the mid-seventies. She was a contributor to several historical publications. She also spent 20 years researching Horatio Nelson White, renowned architect, before producing the book "The Man Who Changed the Face of Syracuse". She also organized and was curator for an exhibit on H.N. White at the Onondaga Historical Association in 1988. She also did the commentary for a video of the exhibit as a permanent record of White's creativity. Although she worked full time, she and her husband made time for what they believed in. She was an active member of the Onondaga Historical Association for 40 years and served on the Board from 1970-1988. Among her many activities were arranging the annual Pioneer Day event and co-chairing several special seminars and exhibits including "The Ferment of Reform" in 1985. She was a charter member of the Canal Society of New York State, a member of the Architectural Historians of CNY, The Cobblestone Society, and the Oswego Historical Society and was active in the Mexico Historical Society and Museum. In recent years she had worked with others to document the abolitionists and the Underground Railroad in Oswego County. She also was a former member of the National Association of Watches and Clocks Collectors. As a charter member of the Parish Writers Group, she has had several pieces published in their collections. She was also an honorary member of the Tigris Shriners. Mrs. Horning was a faithful and active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Mexico, NY. She served as church historian and wrote a book on the history of Grace Episcopal. She also served as Lay Eucharistic Minister and was a longtime member of St. Margaret's Guild. After retirement she realized a lifelong ambition to travel. She visited the Holy Land, Petra, Egypt, New Zealand, Russia, Great Britain and most of Europe and cruised to Alaska and several times in the Caribbean. Mrs. Horning was a woman of great intelligence, compassion and humor. She had great faith in her God and her Country. The "Made in America" label was the first thing she checked on any item she purchased. She was a great encourager, especially of young people, and was not shy about offering her advice, which was insightful, to the point, and most always correct. Humor was her main foil and her motto was "You might as well LIVE your life, you are not going to get out of it alive anyway". Elinore Taylor Horning lived her life and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was laid to rest beside her husband in the Oswego Rural Cemetery, Oswego, NY, in a private service. The memorial service will be at Grace Episcopal Church, Mexico, NY, Saturday, September 25, at 2 p.m. Contributions can be made to the Grace Episcopal Church. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Hubbard, Elsie E. September 18, 2004 Elsie E. Hubbard, 76, of 363 Lakeside Rd., Lakeland, passed away Saturday at her home. She was a life resident of the Syracuse area. A homemaker, she enjoyed home-cooked meals and listening to oldies music. She was mother to the lateBeverly DeLello. Surviving are two sons, Thurston (Patricia) Hubbard of Liverpool and David (Janet Klock) Thurston of Lakeland; two daughters, Patricia (Edgar) Condon of Enfield, CT, and Nancy Rood of Fulton; 20 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren. Services: Wednesday, 11 a.m., in Trinity Baptist Church, Airport Rd., Warners, NY. Interment: Greenlawn Memorial Park, Warners, NY. Friends may call at Butler-Badman Funeral Home, Inc., 4504 West Seneca Tpk., on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Contributions to Lakeland Fire Dept. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Jellerson, Jared E. September 16, 2004 Jared E. Jellerson, of South Brookfield. Services: 6 p.m. Monday at Brookfield First Baptist Church. Calling hours are on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church. Arrangements by Paul Funeral Home of Brookfield. Donations: Brookfield First Baptist Church or South Brookfield Cemetery Association. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Killecut, Lester S. September 18, 2004 Lester Stephen Killecut, 88, died on Saturday at James Square. He was born in Sennett, NY, and retired in 1977 from Street Brothers Construction. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church and a former member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society. He is survived by his wife, Mary "Bette" Hughes Killecut; three daughters: Patricia M. Conway of Dublin, OH; Mary Linda Leo of Syracuse; and Marianne E. Mazzoli of Syracuse; two sons, Daniel S. Killecut of Hannibal, NY, and Mark D. Killecut of Syracuse; a sister, Pauline Scott of California; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services are Monday at 9 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial in St. Mary's Mausoleum in Dewitt. Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson funeral home has charge of arrangements. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Kyle, Doris R. September 9, 2004 Doris R. Kyle died September 9, 2004, in Rochester, NY. Longtime resident of Syracuse and Fayetteville, NY. Retired employee of Onondaga County. Survived by brothers-in-law, Raymond Heiligman of Rochester, NY, and Marvin Tarshes of Portola Valley, CA; nephews, Warren Heiligman of Fairport, NY, David Heiligman of Pittsford, NY, Charles Kyle of Onieda Valley, NY, and Donald Tarshes of San Mateo, CA; nieces, Barbara Hechtman of Diamond Bar, CA, and Margery Kyle of Skaneateles, NY. Interment at White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY. Arrangements by Anthony Funeral Chapel, Rochester, NY; to leave a message of condolence, visit www.anthonychapels.com Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. McGraw, Audrey I. September 17, 2004 Audrey I. McGraw, 78, of Liverpool, died Friday at Joseph's Hospital with her family at her side. The daughter of Ida May and Frederick Schmidt, she was born at Flower Hospital in New York City and later moved to Paterson, NJ. There she graduated from Eastside High School in 1944 and later attended Paterson State College to study teaching. After high school, she worked for various companies in New York City and for General Electric in Paterson, NJ, where she met her second husband. Later, she moved to Syracuse, raised her children and enjoyed her grandchildren in her final years. She attended St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in the village of Liverpool. Audrey lived for her family. She was predeceased by her two brothers, Roy and Fred Schmidt, and husband Richard McGraw. Surviving are her daughter, Barbara Nowak of DeWitt; two sons, Bryan McGraw of East Syracuse and Shaun McGraw of Liverpool; and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 21, 2004, at Maurer Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2004, at the funeral home, 300 Second St., Liverpool. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., East Syracuse, NY 13057 or to St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, Oncology Dept., 973 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Oot, Robert V. September 15, 2004 Robert V. Oot, 74, of Kirkville, died at St. Joseph's Hospital, with his family at his side. A native of Syracuse, he graduated from Minoa High School in 1948. He was an owner and founding member of Oot Brothers of Central New York, home builders. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church, Minoa. He was a member of American Legion Post 1102 and the VFW Post 9596. He was an avid pilot and enjoyed his John Deere Tractors. He served in the Army 187th Airborne Division as a paratrooper during the Korean War. He was predeceased by his sister, Esther Shoemaker and his brothers, Earl, Leo, Donald, and Ronald. Survivors: his wife of 52 years, the former Marion Collins; three sons, Gregory of Liverpool, Mark of East Syracuse, and Eric of Kirkville; two daughters, Linda Becker of Kirkville and Kathleen Oot of Utica; three sisters, Lillian Heffron of Minoa, Marjorie Flett of Kirkville, and Mary Holl of DeRuyter; 12 grandchildren; a great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services: 9:15 a.m. Monday at Russell H. Schepp & Son Funeral Home and 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church. Burial, St. Mary's Cemetery, Minoa. Calling hours will be 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, 109 East Ave, Minoa. Contributions: The American Diabetes Association CNY Region, 356 N. Midler Ave., Syracuse, NY 13206 or Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088. RUSSELL H. SCHEPP & SON Minoa 656-3132 Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Ponce de Leon, Reynaldo Garcia Ponce de Leon September 15, 2004 Reynaldo "El Gordo" Garcia Ponce de Leon departed this life Wednesday at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was a native of Havana, Cuba, and a Syracuse resident for 20 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Sixto Lopez and LourdesPonce de Leon of Miami, FL; his wife, Carmen L. Guzman of Syracuse; two sisters, Josephine Gonzalez and Sandra Guerrero of Syracuse; two brothers, Barbarito Garcia and Paulino Ponce de Leon, both of Havana, Cuba. Calling hours will be Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon at Garland Bros. Funeral Home, 143 W. Castle St., with funeral services following at noon. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Quinn Jr., Daniel September 13, 2004 Daniel Quinn Jr., 36, of Syracuse died September 13, 2004. Born in Syracuse, he spent many years in Constantia with his aunt, Debbie Parker. Survivors: father, Daniel Quinn Sr. of Schenectady; mother, Patricia Pickett Quinn of Syracuse; daughters, Alyssa and Rachaelyn Quinn of Constantia; brothers, Craig Quinn of Bradenton, FL, Anthony "AJ" Losurdo of Syracuse and Alexander Cross of Constantia. Services: 1 p.m. Tuesday at Greenleaf Funeral Home, 503 W. Onondaga Street, Syracuse. Interment in Alex Bay, NY. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Robinson, Francis J. "Frank" September 17, 2004 Frances J. "Frank" Robinson, 82, of Eastwood died Friday in Community General Hospital. He was a life resident of Syracuse. Frank retired from Crouse Hospital after 25 years of service. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church,a veteran of WWII, serving with the Army, a member of American Legion Post 1276 and a member of Associated Artists. He is predeceased by his brothers, Ferrest Bruce and Robert Robinson. Surviving are four nieces and five nephews. Services will be Tuesday 10 a.m. at Welter-Price Funeral Home and 10:30 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Dewitt. Calling hours: Monday 6 to 8 p.m. at 2649 James St. Contributions: Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Rosenbloom, Anna September 16, 2004 Anna Rosenbloom, 71, of Liverpool, passed away on Thursday. Anna was predeceased by her husband, Morris in 2000. She was a member of Temple Adath Yeshurun. Anna is survived by her son, Hal; daughter, Wendy; brother, George Black; two sisters, Edith Farber and Adele Storfer; and grandchildren, Shayna and Joshua Rooney. Services will be held on Sunday, September 19 at 1 p.m. at the Ginsburg Maloff Funeral Home. Cantor Harold Lerner will be officiating. Calling hours 12 to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made to Francis House. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Russell CSJ, Sister Mary Victorine Russell, CSJ September 17, 2004 Sister Mary Victorine Russell, CSJ, the former Helen Loretta Russell, died at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham, on Friday, September 17, 2004. Sister was born in Syracuse, NY, the daughter of the late Patrick and Johanne Burke Russell. She was in the 70th year as a sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Sister was a graduate of St. Lucy's School, Syracuse, and received a Bachelor's degree in Education from the College of Saint Rose, Albany. She taught in schools of the dioceses of Albany and Syracuse, including St. Vincent's, Syracuse, Mount Carmel, Amsterdam, and St. Brigid's, Watervliet. She also served as parish minister in St. Lucy's and St. Vincent de Paul's parishes in Syracuse. Sister Victorine is survived by several nieces and nephews. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Chapel at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Relatives and friends may call at the Chapel of the Provincial House on Monday, September 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. Evening prayer will be at 7 p.m. Interment will take place in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery, Latham. Contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Development Office, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home Inc. (corner of 115th Street & Fourth Avenue), Troy, NY 12182. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Sherwood, Katharine B. September 16, 2004 Katharine Bamber Sherwood, of Manlius, passed away at Community General Hospital on Thursday. She was born in Albany on August 11, 1916, the daughter of Rosevelt and Margaret Stewart Sherwood. She was orphaned as a small child andraised by her grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. Frank Sherwood and Mr. and Mrs. Archie Stewart. Katharine graduated from Gloversville High School, Syracuse University and SUNY Albany, formerly the NYS Teachers College. She taught social studies in Jordan, NY, and for many years at Nottingham High School in Syracuse. Katharine was an exceptional teacher and highly esteemed by students and faculty. She was a member of the former First United Methodist Church in Syracuse, serving in many ways and on many committees. She was a member of University United Methodist Church. For many years, she was an active member of the Business and Professional Women's Club and was a past president. Katharine was a talented photographer and took many pictures on her extensive world travels. Survivors: Frank Sherwood of Reston, VA; Helen Stewart Friderici of Schenectady; Cynthia Stewart of Ann Arbor, MI; Walter Stewart of Florence, KY; and Sally Kimmel of West Palm Beach, FL. Memorial Services: 11 a.m. Friday, October 8, 2004, at University United Methodist Church, Syracuse. Contributions: University United Methodist Church or the Arthritis Foundation. EATON-TUBBS-SCHEPP Fayetteville 637-3214 Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Sprague, Ernest E. September 15, 2004 Ernest E. Sprague, 76, died Wednesday at his home in Syracuse. Mr. Sprague was retired from Pilot Freight Carriers and formerly was employed by Eastern Ambulance. He was a former NASCAR driver and volunteered with the Syracuse PoliceDepartment for 27 years. He is survived by his wife Jane McCabe Sprague; three sons: James (Julie) Sprague of Penn Yan; Ernest "Corky" (Pamela) Sprague of Liverpool; and Paul (Dawn) Sprague of North Syracuse; his daughter, Jae Lei Davis (Howard) of Syracuse; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday at Greenleaf Funeral Home. Interment will be in Onondaga Valley Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home, 503 West Onondaga Street. Contributions: Hospice of CNY. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Steele, Karen Gardner July 19, 2004 Karen Gardner Steele, 81, passed away July 19, 2004, in Paradise, CA. She was born June 14, 1923, in Navarino, NY, and was married December 12, 1942, in Fort Stockton, TX, to Henry "Hank" A. Steele while Hank was a B-29 pilot duringWWII. Karen lived many years in Martisco before moving to Magalia, CA, in 1976. Together with her husband Hank they owned and operated the Marcellus Observer (The Gunwad) from 1954 to 1965. Karen is predeceased by two brothers, Bernard Gardner of Navarino and Gordon Gardner of Charleston, SC, who both died in 2001. Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Henry A. Steele; two daughters, Sharon Littlefield of Gig Harbor, WA, and Janis Rodgers of Richmond, VA; her son, Errik Steele of Roberts Creek, BC; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Services were held in California. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Tarzia, Louis September 16, 2004 Louis Tarzia, 88, of N. Syracuse, died unexpectedly Thursday, September 16, 2004, of a heart attack at University Hospital. Born in Watertown, NY, he moved to N. Syracuse, where Louis has resided since the '50s. He was a salesman with JackGordon Tobacco in Syracuse and a carpet salesman at Dey Brothers. Louis served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Louis is survived by his wife of 65 years, Queen; and six children (from eldest to youngest): Sandra Tortorelli of Cicero (Richard), Anthony L. Tarzia of Liverpool (Elizabeth J.), Carol Lightner of Georgia (Robert), Cynthia A. House of Georgia, Peter Tarzia of Georgia (Sharon) and Christina Tarzia, who was fortunate to be by his bedside during his death. Surviving also are nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Predeceased by brothers Vito, Joseph and Michael Tarzia and sisters Rose Frazzitta and Anna Capone. Louis will be extremely missed. A loving husband, kind and devouted father with a magical sense of humor, he lit up anyone's life whom he touched. He was a stong and courageous man who had won a battle with a stroke 13 years ago. Friends may call Tuesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Sears-Middleton-Jones Funeral Home, 209 N. Main Street, N. Syracuse. Prayers will be said at the funeral home Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., with a funeral mass following at St. Rose of Lima Church, 409 S. Main Street, N. Syracuse, Wednesday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in N. Syracuse Cemetary. Contributions may be made to CNY-SPCA and Disabled American Veterans. SEARS-MIDDLETON-JONES Please sign the guest book at www.searsmiddletonjones.com Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Unckless, Reba P. September 17, 2004 Reba P. Unckless, 90, of 120 Jefferson Avenue, Apt. 52, Fairport, and a former Canastota resident, died Friday at her home. She was born on June 30, 1914, in Canastota, the daughter of Julius J. and Elizabeth Foster Phillips. Reba was a 1932 graduate of Canastota High School and Cazenovia Seminary. She attended the Crane School of Music at Potsdam State Normal School. Reba was music teacher. She had also lived in Schenevus, as well as Jewel, NY, and Zephyrhills, FL, for many years, moving to Fairport in 1998. Reba married Robert C. Unckless on December 30, 1934, in Cazenovia. Robert died on June 22, 1983. Survivors: a daughter and son-in-law, Linda U. and Neil Waters of Middlebury, VT; a son and daughter-in-law, James and Karen Unckless of Fairport; two grandchildren, Amy Unckless and her husband Marc Gallagher of New York City, and Robert Unckless and his fiancee Heather Fiore of Rochester; several cousins and close friends. Services: 1 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2004, at J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Interment: Lenox Rural Cemetery, Canastota. There will be no calling hours, but the family will greet friends following the service. Contributions: Senior Options for Independence, c/o 31 South Main Street, Fairport, NY 14450 or a charity of choice. J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota 697-2294 Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Verbeck, Gregory S. September 15, 2004 Gregory S. Verbeck, 53, of Liverpool, passed away Wednesday. Born in Syracuse, he graduated from Solvay High School and Lemoyne College. He was a chemist with Allied Chemical for many years. He was a communicant of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a member of the Adelphi Club. Survivors: a sister, Carole Kowalczyk of Solvay; a nephew, John Kowalczyk of Solvay; two aunts; an uncle; and many cousins. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday at GIMINSKI-WYSOCKI FUNERAL HOME and 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery Chapel. Interment: Sacred Heart Cemetery, Geddes. Friends may call on the family from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, 1320 W. Genesee St. Contributions: St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Watson, Ronald J. September 5, 2004 Ronald J. Watson, 93, of DeWitt, died Sunday at Crouse Hospital. Born in Binghamton, NY, he lived in Binghamton and Syracuse until moving to DeWitt in 1950. Ron was a communicant of Holy Cross Church and a graduate of St. Lawrence Uni-versity. He worked for Allstate Insurance until he retired in 1973. During WW II he served in the U.S. Navy. He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen who died in 1998. He is survived by a nephew Carlton Watson and niece Sue Watson, both of Florida; several great-nephews; along with two sisters-in-law, Bette Watson of Florida and Jane Wheeler of DeWitt. Services will be 9 a.m. Saturday, September 25, 2004, at Holy Cross Church. Burial St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt, NY. Calling hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. Friday the 24th at the Burns Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 E. Genesee St. Contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church. For directions to the funeral home or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.burnsgarfield.com Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004. Williams, Betty E. September 16, 2004 Betty E. Williams of 51 Port Watson Street, Cortland, NY, formerly of McGraw, NY. Born Betty Eileen Margaret Page on March 14, 1924, in Hoc, Norfold, England, the daughter of Harold and Evelyn Lingwood Page. She was prede-ceased by her husband Herbert D. Williams, whom she married in Birmingham, England, in 1944 while he served with the 392nd Bomb Group in Wendling, England. Mrs. Williams came to the United States in March of 1946. Mrs. Williams had been employed at McGraw Box Company, Central Paper Box, the Skyline Diner and with Smith Corona, working at the Huntington Street, West Court Street and South Cortland Distribution Center for more than 25 years. Mrs. Williams was a former member of The Overseas Club, The American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Women of the Moose 1512 Cortland, achieving the College of Regents degree. During her retirement, Mrs. Williams enjoyed her hobbies of cooking, reading, knitting, crocheting, word and jigsaw puzzles of all kinds, regional theater and traveling. But she enjoyed most the time spent with her children and their families. Survived by her daughter Rita O'Mara of Cortland; sons, Albert (BeaLaurie) Williams of McGraw, Stephen "DJ" Williams (Jon Klingler) of Syracuse, Roger (Joanne Gaines) Williams of Homer and Kurt (Cheryl James) Williams of McGraw; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson; her brother, Harold Page of Colchester, England; and a special niece, Una Thurgill of Swaffham, England, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins in the surrounding local areas, England and Canada. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 22, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland. Interment will follow in McGrawville Cemetery McGraw, NY. Friends are invited to call Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cortland Repertory Theater Guild or Caring Community Hospice of Cortland, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045. Published in the Syracuse Post Standard on 9/19/2004.