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06/05/2024

Mary Burns Lascaris passed into her eternal life on May 27, 2024 at the age of 100, at home with devoted family by her side.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 10am at Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave, Syracuse. An hour of calling hours will be held prior from 9 am to 10am at the church. Burial will be in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Mary is survived by her loving children, Anne (Thomas) Kiefer, John (Cindy) Lascaris, Jr. and Mary Ellen Speicher (David Hubbard); six grandchildren, Matthew (Tamara) Mateus, Mandy Beeler, John Lascaris III, Patrick (Brittany) Kiefer, Michael (Lauren Cowen) Kiefer, and Beth (Patrick) Ciambrone; four great grandchildren, Ryann, Emily, Mia and Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John L. Lascaris; her parents, John and Marie (Burke) Burns; and her brothers, Robert, John, William, and Thomas Burns, and sister, Marjorie (Burns) Glavin.

Mary’s family extends their deepest appreciation to the outstanding staff at Brookdale Summerfield who foster a wonderfully homelike atmosphere for those who live there. She had many close friendships with staff and residents.

Mary’s family is extremely grateful to the home health caregivers at Brookdale Summerfield for their unparalleled care and compassion during her years there, and especially in her final days.

The family would also like to acknowledge the exceptional professionalism and care provided by Dr, Michael Kuhn and the Palliative Care Team at Family Care Medical Group, PC, at Community Campus at Upstate University Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Most Holy Rosary Church, 111 Roberts Ave, Syracuse, NY 13207.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lascaris, please visit Tribute Store.

Mary Elizabeth Burns was born on May 18, 1924, the youngest of six children, and lived her entire life in Syracuse. She graduated from Most Holy Rosary High School, and
from Nazareth College of Rochester with a degree in sociology. After college, she was employed in the Children’s Division of the Onondaga County Department of Social Services where she met her dear husband, John L. Lascaris, who eventually became Commissioner of Social Services for the county. They married in 1951 and enjoyed 43 years of happiness together, first on Tipp Hill, and then Onondaga Hill, until John’s death in 1994.

Like other mid-century American homemakers in Tipp Hill, and like her own mother, Mary was a resourceful, creative and intrepid homemaker. While the Lascaris kids were outside playing with their first best friends, the O’Connor kids from next door, she made good use of her time cooking, cleaning, and indulging in her passion for sewing and crafts.
Mary made many of her own clothes and those of her two daughters, Anne and Mary Ellen—school dresses, First Communion dresses, Easter finery including coats, prom gowns, and bridal veils. Even her son, John Jr, benefited from her talents. When he broke his leg and wore a cast for weeks from toes to hip, she added zippers to his pant legs so he could be dressed for school and church. Her skills as a seamstress and in furniture restoration were legendary—she made drapes and slipcovers, and refinished and reupholstered chairs and loveseats. She knitted sweaters and baby clothes. She serviced and repaired her sewing machine herself. She wallpapered, painted and stenciled. She did as many home repairs as she could. She relied on the “Reader’s Digest Do it Yourself Manual” and her own toolkit. She kept a pipe wrench in the utensil drawer of every home in which she lived.
When their three children reached school age at St. Patrick’s, Mary returned to the workforce as a social worker at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Upon retirement she became an active volunteer, most notably for 27 years at Community General Hospital, and also on the Resident Council at Brookdale Summerfield Senior Living Community for several of the years she resided there. She also served on the Board of the Visiting Nurse Association, the Auxiliary Board at St. Camillus Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility and the Auxiliary Board at Community General Hospital. She also volunteered at the Everson Museum and for Meals-On-Wheels.

In addition to sewing and crafts, Mary loved bridge; travel to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and central America; and above all the company of her family and many friends. She belonged to a bridge club and held those friends close into her final years.
Most dear to Mary’s heart were summers spent at the family camp in Old Forge, NY, where her children and grandchildren learned to love the Adirondacks as much as shedid. Until the camp was updated gradually starting in the 1960’s, there was no heat except for the fireplace in the living room and no hot water unless the little cast iron Franklin woodstove was lit to heat the water heater. There was no washer or dryer, no phone, no TV. There was a coal stove to cook and bake. Mary’s father bought the camp when she was 11 years old and she summered there for decades. She and her siblings worked summer jobs in Old Forge to help pay for college as well as graduate and medical school for three of her brothers. The boys caddied at Thendara Golf Club and waited tables at The Ferns Restaurant. Her sister, Marge, worked at the Adirondack League Club. Mary was a lifeguard at Old Forge Beach and a telephone operator. Many friendships were made with boys and girls locally.

Mary and John brought their own children ‘up to camp’ for the summer. Their children never minded the cold, or the lack of TV or a phone. Mary filled their days with trips to the beach to swim, rides on the McCauley Mountain chairlift, and hikes in the woods. She bought a small motorboat and trailered it up on the back of her Chevy Impala for the kids to enjoy on Old Forge Pond. She let them be ‘free range’ kids and find their own fun and friends around Old Forge which they did. She made homemade berry pies, molasses cookies and fantastic dinners on the old coal stove, so when the kids came home for dinner, ravenous after a day of adventures, there was always a wonderful meal waiting.

Mary was a terrific grandmother to her grandkids, sharing stories of her growing up years, baking favorite treats, introducing them to the wonders of the Adirondacks, and finding the perfect Christmas gift that even Mom and Dad and Santa couldn’t lay hands on—like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures she snagged in a melee at Toys R Us one year.

In addition to caring for her immediate family, working and volunteering, Mary was also a compassionate caregiver to extended family members during their illnesses and final days. She brought meals and provided physical care, and when a loved one entered the hospital or a skilled nursing facility, she was a strong advocate for their needs. This was one of the most important lessons her children take from Mary’s life.

Mary was blessed to celebrate her 100th birthday with family, friends, residents and staff at Brookdale Summerfield on May 18, 2024.

06/01/2024

Dorothy F. Dever
Utica, NY

Dorothy Fredricka Dever (Kirch), 101, of Utica, NY peacefully passed away on July 13, 2023.

Dorothy was born on December 6, 1921 in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of Walter and Bertha Kirch. When she was a teen, her family moved to East Rockaway, NY. She graduated from SUNY New Paltz, where she met the love of her life, Robert Dever. They married August 28, 1943, and shared a loving union for 79 years.

Dorothy typified the generation that she came from: committed to her husband, supportive of family, and hard-working.

After Robert returned from World War 2, he and Dorothy settled in East Rockaway, NY to start a family.

Although quiet by nature, Dorothy was extremely talented in sewing, knitting, and quilting. She made beautiful clothing for her children and knitted many items for her adoring grandchildren. Dorothy enjoyed reading, and completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles with her husband.

She was a dedicated member of the Bethany Congregational Church in East Rockaway, NY for many years. When they moved to Brewster, NY, Dorothy and her husband, Robert became active in the “Young at Heart'' at the Brewster Baptist Church.

Dorothy will be missed by her loving and devoted husband, Robert, son Jim and his wife Suzanne of Sauquoit, NY, son John and his wife Christine of Purcellville, VA, son Tom and his wife Wendy of Hamden CT, daughter Kathy and her husband Dave Zimpelman of Ventura, CA, and son Dan and his wife Linda of White Plains, NY. Dorothy’s memory will live on in her 13 cherished grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews will remember Aunt Dorothy with fondness.

Robert John Dever (Oct 30, 1921 – Apr 10, 2024)
Utica, NY

Robert John Dever, 102, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the Mason Care Community.

Robert was born on October 30th, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA, son of James Joseph Dever and Oneita (Greisheimer) Dever. As a teen, he loved the outdoors and nature, and became an Eagle Scout at a young age. At SUNY New Paltz Bob met Dorothy Kirch, the love of his life. Both graduated with degrees in education. Robert and many of his classmates immediately left to serve in WW II. Enlisting in the Marines, he served as a Second Lieutenant defending our country in the battle for Okinawa in the South Pacific.

Bob is remembered by many as a hard-working man, deeply committed to his wife and family. He was a teacher and later the Principal of Wheeler Avenue Elementary School in Valley Stream, NY. During his 26 years as Principal he greatly impacted thousands of lives, in both his school and community, retiring with many life-long friends. Bob’s investment in people rather than things seemed to be the key to his influence.

Robert and Dorothy raised their family in East Rockaway, NY, where they made many life-long friends both in their neighborhood as well as Bethany Congregational Church.

After retirement Bob and Dorothy spend 20 years in Brewster, NY, living in an apartment overlooking a reservoir on their son John’s property. There he formed new friendships thru the Brewster Baptist Church and by walking with a group each morning in the Danbury Mall. Life was also enriched by joining two clock repair clubs and attending luncheons with his 1939 graduating class from Peekskill High School. Bob enjoyed gardening, fishing, woodworking, reading and crossword puzzles. He especially looked forward to our annual October ‘workday’, a time when the whole family gathered.
Robert spent 10 years living with Dorothy at Acacia Village in Utica, NY. He formed new friendships with staff and residents, and enjoyed many family gatherings for birthdays and anniversaries. Bob became known for his humorous jokes, and free watch repair services. Acacia Village was a wonderful place to live and flourish, with an exceptionally attentive and deeply caring staff.

Bob was predeceased by his loving and devoted wife Dorothy, and is survived by son Jim and his wife Sue of Sauquoit, NY, son John and his wife Christine of Purcellville, VA, son Tom and his wife Wendy of Hamden CT, daughter Kathy and her husband Dave Zimpelman of Ventura, CA, and son Dan and his wife Linda of White Plains, NY. Bob’s memory will live on in his 13 cherished grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews will remember Uncle Bob with fondness. He maintained many lasting friendships with his teaching staff, church friends and Masonic Care Community staff and care givers.

12/11/2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Kymiterese Goldych Wicker, who left this world far too soon and fought so very hard to stay. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength, and inspiration for all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is predeceased by her parents Peter and Helen Goldych, and is survived by her daughters Gabriella Wicker and Tatiana Wicker, her brother Peter (Marguerite) Goldych, sisters Patricia (Jack) Guasconi, and Jane (Betty) Ryan-Goldych, her nieces and nephews, and her lifelong friend and companion Mark Dumas.

Kymi was a graduate of Liverpool High School who always had a passion for creativity and hair styling, so much so that she went on to receive her cosmetology license while still in high school and eventually became a Master Cosmetologist. She was a vibrant soul who loved helping her clients feel confident and beautiful inside and out. She lit up every room she walked into and made friends with everyone she came across. She shared so much love and laughter with anyone who needed it. Her compassion knew no bounds; she spread it to those in need through the Dogwood Church’s Cancer Care Foundation. She always advocated for following your dreams and encouraged everyone to work hard to see them come true, just as her own had. In the past year, she managed to build from the ground up her dream salon: ‘Tilted Halo’ in Peachtree GA. She lent an ear, a shoulder, and a hand to loved ones in need. Her greatest love was her daughters, Gabriella and Tatiana. She loved them more than anything in the world, was so very proud of the women they have become, and was excited for their bright futures. She always felt her most important job was being a mother and she fiercely, loved, guided, and supported them.

Kymi will live on forever in our hearts. Her love, strength, and inspiration will always be there to remind us all to pursue our dreams and to cherish our loved ones with everything we can. There will never be enough words on the page to describe how much she was loved and will be missed. In her honor, let us continue to love hard and live fabulously. Forever The Queen.

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Dogwood Church and the women in the Cancer Care group, who always supported her and became her family. Thank you as well to the Dumas family for their continued care and love to her and us, your kindness will forever be etched into our hearts. To the women at Shear Talent, we extend our gratitude for all that you raised to support her. And to all the women at Sephora, thank you so much for the open arms you’ve greeted us with and everything you have done to support Kymi.

12/07/2023

William M Cuddy died on November 29, 2023.

Bill was born on April 12, 1936, in Auburn, New York, 17 minutes after his twin sister, Marianne. He grew up in Auburn with his brother, Ned, and two sisters, Marianne and Kathie, where he attended Holy Family School. He lettered two years in both basketball and football, was president of his class and graduated Salutatorian in 1954. Bill attended Manhattan College, graduating in 1958 with a BA in Philosophy. He continued his education at St. Jerome’s, Novicia for the Carmalites and Our Lady of the Angels Seminary. Bill was ordained in 1963 into the Catholic Priesthood here in Syracuse. Following ordination, he served as an assistant priest at Holy Family Parish in Fairmount for five years, then became the Catholic Chaplain at Colgate University. It is at Colgate where Bill became committed to a life of service and activism. Shortly after the Attica prison uprising in September of 1971, an inmate was among a group of people visiting the college. During the interactions, the inmate announced that they, the inmates, were “depending on you”. Bill took this charge personally, and it became the driving force for the next 50 years of his life.

In 1974, Bill became the Catholic chaplain of the Onondaga County Jail, establishing the basis for visiting inmates in the jail. Judges noticed that the prisoners assigned to Unity Kitchen consistently kept their court dates, and this group of volunteers had their “foot in the door” of the justice system. The Junior League offered Slocum House to the group, upon which they promptly bought it and used it to house recently released prisoners in need of a “halfway house”/place to transition. By 1976, the Visitor Advocate program was approved by the sheriff and 27 people came to the first training. Bill’s life story is interlaced with jail ministry. Throughout the 1980s and the first half of the 1990s, Bill continued ministering in the jails as Chaplain, as well as supporting jail ministry, the bail program, Slocum House, and peace and justice activism. He stood with the Griffiss Seven, lived at the Rescue Mission with Jerry Berrigan, and was arrested the same day as his future bride, Pat. In 1995, Bill resigned from his position as the jail Chaplain, left the priesthood, and married Pat Hoffmann.

While Bill’s professional life continued along the same path serving as director of the bail program, his personal life took on new dimensions. On November 24, 1995, he became a husband, stepfather to nine, and grandfather to 31. He rose to the variety of new challenges with the same dedication he had always demonstrated. Bill and Pat celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary just days before his death.

Bill’s lifetime of work has been recognized by his peers. He was honored with many awards, including but not limited to, the Project Exodus Humanitarian Award (1987), Daniel Rubenstein Social Justice Award (1994), Ralph Kharas Civil Liberties Award (2000), Saint Francis of Assisi Peacemaker Award (2007), Dorothy Day Award (2010) and the Brady “God Love Ya” Award (2013).

Bill was predeceased by his father Joseph P Cuddy, mother Kathryn M Cuddy, brother J Edward “Ned” Cuddy, sister Marianne Watters-Rodriguez and grandsons Diop Brown and Tim Hoffmann. He is survived by his wife Patricia Hoffmann, nine children and their companions, 29 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, sister Kathryn (Charles) Healy, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, December 7, at 11:00 am at St. Lucy’s Church in Syracuse, with a visitation hour beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Bill’s memory to his lifelong mission and passion, the Jail Ministry of Onondaga County.

09/22/2023

Nancy Jean Callahan Kells of Syracuse passed away peacefully at home on September 7, 2023. Nancy’s 84 years encompassed fun loving adventures while enjoying the company of family, friends and strangers alike. Born in Syracuse to Charles T. Callahan and Rosemary Snow, she was incredibly proud of her Irish heritage. A 1957 graduate of Solvay high school, she was a member of the Floirmel girls sorority. Nancy’s energetic spirit was reflected via her ignited baton as the Bearcat baton twirler. In 1964, she started her career as a Stenographer with Bristol-Myers Squibb. Her intelligence and wit ultimately elevated Nancy to Senior Coordinator in Print Production in the Advertising and Promotional Dept. Nancy was incredibly proud of career and was able to enjoy retirement in 1994 after 30 years.

Nancy is predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Robert L. Kells. She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy (Angelo) Burns Rossi, and Susan Stearns (Brian Collins), five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son in law, Richard M. Stearns, Sr.

08/24/2023

AMAZING. This is the word most often used to describe Mom’s 100 year journey. The Lord will surely set his table to celebrate and welcome into his kingdom the woman who never said NO to a party.

Our Lord’s servant, Mary Louise, was born to George and Helen Rickert on April 15, 1924. She had one sibling (George Rickert). Together, they had a storybook childhood, attended and graduated from Most Holy Rosary. Mary Louise later graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. She worked several years at St Joe’s hospital and as a Clinical Instructor at Central Tech Nursing program. Mary Louise met the love of her life, Thomas “Mike” Ryan and married in 1950. This marriage brought harmony to both for the rest of their lives. They had 5 children: Tom (Judy Hall), Michael (Laci) and Jim (Lisa), all from Plano, TX; Kevin (Karen) from Edmond, Oklahoma and Maureen Cywilko (Alan) from Onondaga Hill. Mary Louise has 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Faith, Family and Friends were the cornerstones to her life. Despite 4 of the 5 children in Texas and Oklahoma, hardly a birthday, graduation, wedding, baptism or First Communion was not shared together. She was a member of the “Birthday Girls” who participated for many years in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Syracuse. Mary Louise’s 90th birthday was celebrated with 25 family members on a party bus in Vegas. Even during her 90’s, she traveled to Cabo three times and twice to Hawaii, as well as many other adventures and misadventures before and after.

Mary Louise was an active member in various community organizations. She was a board member of the Loretta Guild and Vincent House Guild. She was an active member at St. Michael’s Church as a Eucharistic Minister, in the funeral Choir and Alter & Rosary Society. Mary Louise’s faith was the tip of her sword. She said a minimum of 3 rosaries per day: one for her kids, one for her grandkids, and one for whoever needed it the most.

Many thanks and prayers to those who shared her journey.

11/19/2022

Mary Maroney Fox, 97, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully with a single tear of joy on November 12, 2022. Mary was born in Syracuse, New York on June 10, 1925 to Patrick and Mary (Corbett) Maroney. Mary graduated from St. Patrick’s High School and Syracuse University with a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

On June 11, 1949, Mary married Cletus Fox from Otisco, New York. She worked as a hospital nurse, a public health nurse and school nurse at Roosevelt Junior High School. Together with Cletus, she raised seven beautiful children in their home on Coleridge Avenue next to Burnet Park. Christmas Eve was always a special gathering in the Fox home with children and grandchildren coming to visit. While singing family favorite Christmas carols (with enthusiasm), everyone helped to clean the dishes.

Mary was a volunteer and lifelong communicant of St. Patrick's Church from Baptism through Last Rites. She was a recipient of its 2005 Irish Heritage Award. Very proud of her Irish roots, Mary was honored to be named the Grand Marshal of the 2010 Shamrock Run on Tipperary Hill. The starting line remains in front of the former Fox house on Coleridge Ave. Her favorite times of the year were the weeks each summer when family visited and gathered on the shores of Otisco Lake and St. Patrick’s Day. Many joyous renditions of “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” were sung on the porch overlooking the lake.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, her husband Cletus, son Bobby, son-in-law Raymond Zoanetti and daughter-in-law Maureen McCarthy Fox. She is survived by her seven children, Kathleen Zoanetti, Christine Kratz (Bob), Martin Fox, Eileen Battle (Matt), Vince Fox (Cary), Maureen Fox (Clint Glass), and Susan Ladstatter (Jack), 17 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10am Friday, November 18, 2022 at St. Patrick's Church in Syracuse. Calling hours 5 to 7pm on Thursday, November 17th at Edward J. Ryan & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse, NY 13219. The Fox family would like to express their gratitude to the staff on the second floor of Elderwood in Liverpool who helped Mary during her final stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Mary’s name to St. Patrick’s / St. Bridget’s Church, 216 N Lowell Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204 or CNY Alzheimer’s Association, 5015 Campuswood Drive, Syracuse, New York 13057.

“To love someone is to learn the song in their heart and sing it to them when they have forgotten it” We will carry Mary’s songs in our hearts always.

07/12/2022

John “Jack” Mollica, 94, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022. Jack was born and raised in Syracuse where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Manlius Military Academy in 1944 and was honored as School Golf Champion that year. Jack was inducted in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1947. A 1951 graduate of Syracuse University, Jack was a 4 year letterman on the Syracuse Golf Team, Team Captain in his senior year and also beat the NCAA champion in a head-to-head match, Colgate’s Bob McCall.

After graduation, Jack went South to Florida to pursue a professional golf career and qualified for a number of pro tournaments including The PGA Miami Open during which he competed against the top pros, including Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead.

Jack returned to Syracuse to marry the love of his life, the former, Shirley Nethercott in 1951 and they had 6 children: John, James, Patricia, Nancy, Mark, and Lisa. His family has since grown to include 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Jack is survived by his sister, Helen Barolini of Hastings, NY and his brother, Anthony Mollica of Dewitt, NY.

Jack was a food broker for B.C. Winchell Co, which he eventually acquired and re-named Upstate Food Brokers Corp. He had a very successful business career, working for over 40 years, and played a very active role with many associations; Chairman of the Board at Upstate in 1988, member of the Syracuse Food Brokers Assn., The Grocery Manufacturers Assn., The Syracuse Rotary Club, The Syracuse Varsity Club and The Orange Club.
To describe Jack as being passionate about golf is an understatement. As an amateur golfer, Jack won the prestigious “Champion of Champions” in 1951 and 1953, 6 Syracuse Golf District Assoc. Championships, and in later years, winner of 5 Syracuse Senior Golf Championship. Jack won titles spanning 6 different decades (1940-1990) with 15 hole in ones, #15 occurred on July 22, 2018. He was awarded Golfer of the Year in 1984. The tournament most highly coveted by Jack was his status as 1st runner up in the Syracuse District Amateur Championship in 1969, losing to John Ward, and in 1973 losing to Joe Russo Jr.
Off the course he was very active in the golf leadership community, participating as a Board Member of Bellevue Country Club and Bear Lakes Country Club and served as past President of the Syracuse District Golf Association. Most currently he was a member of Tuscarora Golf Club.

Regardless of age, Jack remained an enthusiastic and accomplished player, and also became an avid gardener. He delighted in making sure his neighbors were well stocked with tomatoes and other vegetables from his garden. Jack will be sincerely missed for his quick wit, his straight-forward honesty and his gregarious presence during happy hour, at Tuscarora’s 19th Hole and his backyard patio, surrounded by family.

10/02/2021

03/23/2021

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