News
RIP Beverly (Mulhern) Maxfield
Posted on 06/27/2026
Mrs. Beverly Mulherin Maxfield, age 82, entered into rest on Wednesday April 1, 2026. She was the beloved wife to the late Mr. Gerard Maxfield and a daughter to the late Mr. William Curtis Mulherin and the late Mrs. Mary Ann Bergman Mulherin.
Mrs. Maxfield was born in Syracuse, NY. Over the years, she lived in many different states, but had made the Aiken area her home for the last 31 years. Mrs. Maxfield was a Christian and attended St. Mary’s Help of Christians. She loved cats, cooking, and listening to classic country music. Mrs. Maxfield had a heart to help people. She obtained her CNA and worked for the Aiken Area Council on Aging. She was witty and generous, willing to give you the shirt off her back. She was loved by her family and will be deeply missed.
Survivors include: one son Robert (Karen) Meyer, Barrington, NH; two daughters Mary Killeen, Belvedere, SC, and Susan (Rick Greenwood) Hebert, Harts Location, NH; one brother William (Sandra) Mulherin, Ocala, FL; one sister Deborah Lucci, NJ; four grandchildren Zachary Hebert, Amanda Hebert, Beth (Joshua) Davis, and Cody (Erin) Brackett; and five great grandchildren with another on the way. Mrs. Maxfield was preceded in death by one sister Margaret “Peg” Richardson.
A private service with the family will be held at a later date.
RIP Michael Anthony Solazzo
Posted on 06/27/2026
Michael Anthony Solazzo, 83, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, May 23, 2026. He was born in Syracuse to the late Anthony and Margaret (Giordano) Solazzo.
Mike was originally a guitar player; he began playing bass in high school after hearing legendary bassist Ray Brown. At age 22, Mike went on to major in bass at Syracuse University, studying with Bruce Lawrence, principal bassist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. Upon graduating from Syracuse University cum laude, he played two seasons with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. He taught instrumental music at Jamesville DeWitt School District, and he also taught instrumental music for 23 years at Skaneateles School District while playing in regional jazz and dance bands. Mike played extensively with the late baritone sax player Nick Brignola and tenor sax player J.R. Montrose. He has played with trumpet player Joe Magnarelli, trombone player Bill Watrous, The Four Lads, and has subbed with Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Larry O’Brien. He was currently freelancing with several groups.
Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Salvatore Solazzo.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Anne (Mayo) Solazzo; his sons, Michael (Tammy) and David Solazzo; 1 grandchild and 3 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to CNY SPCA, 5878 E Molloy Rd, Syracuse, NY 13211.
RIP Michael Solazzo
Posted on 06/27/2026
Michael Anthony Solazzo, 83, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday, May 23, 2026. He was born in Syracuse to the late Anthony and Margaret (Giordano) Solazzo.
Mike was originally a guitar player; he began playing bass in high school after hearing legendary bassist Ray Brown. At age 22, Mike went on to major in bass at Syracuse University, studying with Bruce Lawrence, principal bassist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. Upon graduating from Syracuse University cum laude, he played two seasons with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. He taught instrumental music at Jamesville DeWitt School District, and he also taught instrumental music for 23 years at Skaneateles School District while playing in regional jazz and dance bands. Mike played extensively with the late baritone sax player Nick Brignola and tenor sax player J.R. Montrose. He has played with trumpet player Joe Magnarelli, trombone player Bill Watrous, The Four Lads, and has subbed with Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Larry O’Brien. He was currently freelancing with several groups.
Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Salvatore Solazzo.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Anne (Mayo) Solazzo; his sons, Michael (Tammy) and David Solazzo; 1 grandchild and 3 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to CNY SPCA, 5878 E Molloy Rd, Syracuse, NY 13211.
RIP Linda (Longtin) Parton
Posted on 06/26/2026
Linda M. Parton, 82, of Jamesville, New York died Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse following a brief illness.
Linda was born in Syracuse, New York on January 29, 1944, daughter of the late Clarence and Mary Osgood Longtin. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her sister, Maryanna Winzens.
She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, James Parton; daughters, Amy (David) Shaffer and Bonnie (Mike Lamendola) Parton; grandchildren, Kandice (Sam) Graniero and Erica (Tim) Traub; six great-grandchildren.
Services at Bellevue Heights United Methodist Church, 2112 South Geddes Street, Syracuse, New York are being planned and will be on a date and time to be announced.
RIP Kenneth C. Martin
Posted on 06/22/2026
Kenneth Charles Martin, 82, of Syracuse, passed away April 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born in Syracuse, New York on September 17, 1943, to Kenneth and Anne (Landi) Martin Sr. He proudly served in the United States Navy for four years, including service on a submarine. Kenneth retired from V&R Tool and Die in Syracuse, where he became close with the owners and they unofficially took him into their Macedonian family. The only thing he liked more than the spicy food was the great friendships.
A long time north-sider, Ken was a father figure to many in the neighborhood, including friends and extended family. He was a cheerful storyteller at heart, with almost non-stop jokes (often inappropriate), and a great story to tell (often a re-run), “and stuff.” He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, good food that he loved to cook and share with others, including excessive amounts of fried shrimp each Christmas eve. Food was an expression of his love, but he was never shy about telling you he loved you too, “and stuff.” He will be missed for the mischievous twinkle in his eye, his big smile, big beard and belly laugh, and his warmth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Anne Martin Sr., and brother, Rick Martin.
He is survived by his children, Kevin (Francine) Martin, Michelle Martin, Scott (Lizzy) Martin, grandchildren Joshua and Mitchell Martin, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 12–3pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals in North Syracuse, with a service to immediately follow at 3pm. The burial will be held privately for the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt.
The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the providers at Buckley Landing, his last residence, and at Upstate for their care and compassion in his final days.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s memory to the Upstate Foundation.
RIP William A. Trotman
Posted on 06/22/2026
William “Bill” A. Trotman passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, at Exeter Hospital in Hampton, New Hampshire after a lengthy illness.
Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, on October 27, 1943, Bill was the son of the late Wilfred and Muriel (Blackmore) Trotman. He was raised primarily in Syracuse, New York, and after graduating from high school, proudly served four years in the United States Air Force.
Following his honorable discharge, Bill began his professional career at Gould Shawmut in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He relocated his family to Hampton, New Hampshire, where he would build a long and successful career in electrical manufacturing sales and management. In 2002, he was promoted to President and CEO of Gould Shawmut, where he played a key role in structuring the company’s global organization. He also served as a member of IMARK’s prestigious Suppliers Advisory Council.
Outside of his professional life, Bill was an avid golfer and a former member of Abenaqui and Portsmouth Country Clubs. In retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending winters in Naples, Florida, for ten years.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Kathleen (Cummings) Trotman; his daughters Tracy Kelly and her husband John, and Kimberly Kubit and her husband Brian; and six beloved grandchildren: Christopher, Anna, and William Saunders; Catherine and Lauren Kubit; and Matthew Kelly. He was predeceased by his daughter, Pamela Saunders, in 2021.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at St. Theresa Parish, 820 Central Road, Rye Beach, NH. Burial will follow immediately at High Street Cemetery in Hampton.
RIP Theardis Martino
Posted on 05/12/2026
RIP Flora Ann (Aloi) Tassone
Posted on 10/28/2025
Flora Ann (Aloi) Tassone, 82, passed away Friday, October 17, 2025, at Upstate University Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in Syracuse, daughter of the late Biagio and Sara (Coco) Aloi, Flora was an Elementary Teacher in Parish for over 30 dedicated years.
Along with her parents, Flora was predeceased by her two aunts, Gloria Bodine, and Frances Scuderi.
She is survived by her children, Nicodemi Tassone, Jr., Charles (Christine) Tassone, and Vincent Tassone; and a sister, Joann Aloi.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, immediately followed by a funeral service in celebration of Flora’s life at 12:00 P.M. (noon) at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY. She will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
News Update from Dick Brown
Posted on 08/26/2025
As a member of the Class of ’61, I was the one who had serious medical issues, resulting in the loss of my appt. to U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London/Groton Ct., but went on to S.U. and graduated with business degrees, plus met my wife Kathleen there. My business career was doing Business Turnarounds in the Capital Goods Industry, plus some Corporate time, before retiring in 2011 to Bloomington, Illinois to be near the Grandchildren in Chicago. Unfortunately Kathleen passed away in 2020 with Alzhiemers and COVID 19. And the Grandchildren (4) are now out of College and on their own. Thus my “new life.”
After a chance meeting at a wedding in Tucson Az., I met my Fiance, Dr. Elena M. a widow & retired Cancer Doctor from Mexico, now a U.S citizen and we have moved permanently to Green Valley, Arizona (south of Tucson), to enjoy the climate, play some golf, and assist with her son’s new business of innovating & designing new medical devices for the U.S. market (GSE Medical Co. located in Hermosillo, Mx.). Mexico produces approximately 40% of the U.S. medical devices used annually.
I feel it is important to stay engaged and as active as our health allows, thus I am very Blessed to have had the opportunity to combine Senior living (Gated Community about 40 miles from Nogales, Mx.) along with giving back to others, plus helping the next generation.
Richard A. Brown
Green Valley, Arizona
RIP Peter C. Procopio, DDS
Posted on 08/26/2025
Peter C. Procopio, DDS, died on November 20, 2023, at the age of 80 after a brave struggle with pancreas cancer which he tackled with tenacity and dignity. He was born in Syracuse, NY on August 19, 1943, to Carmella Italiano Procopio and Steven Anthony Procopio. Peter was a first generation American who was named after his paternal grandfather. Peter had an idyllic childhood growing up on Kirk Avenue with his cousins for neighbors and a park right across the street from his home. He and his parents and sisters lived upstairs in a two-family house and his maternal grandparents lived downstairs. He graduated from Danforth Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High School, and Syracuse Central Technical High School in 1961. He graduated from Le Moyne College in 1965 and from the University of Buffalo Dental School in 1969. He served a one-year residency at Upstate Medical Center and volunteered there in the dental department as an adjunct professor for 40 years. Dr. Procopio opened a private dental practice in Liverpool, NY in 1971 where he practiced general dentistry for 30 years before retiring in 2000. He married Deena Stone on October 19, 1974. They lived in Brewerton, NY before retiring to Marco Island, FL.
Peter’s favorite hobbies were boating and hunting and gardening. He planted vegetable gardens wherever he lived, growing tomatoes and basil to be able to have a fresh tomato salad with basil everyday year-round. He enjoyed deer hunting and was able to bag a buck every fall. He was a former member of Grasse River Club (a hunting club) in Piercefield, NY where he was responsible for organizing a themed Fall Frolic at the club for many years. The favorite Fall Frolic was the Mardi Gras party complete with a roasted pig and a parade of decorated ATVs. Deena and Peter enjoyed boating on the Mutual Fun IV in SWFL where they joined the Marco Cruise Club after taking the boat down the intracoastal from the 1000 Islands to Marco Island. The one-month cruise was one of the highlights of his life. Another highlight was a one-month cruise on the Mutual Fun IV in the Bahamas. Peter served as Commodore of the Marco Cruise Club in 2009. He also belonged to the Leaky Bottom Fishing Club and immensely enjoyed the camaraderie and the annual fishing trip to Ontario.
Peter and Deena spent the summer months at their cottage on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands where he enjoyed fishing for Northern Pike.
Peter was predeceased by his parents and his grandparents and a sister, Julie Klink. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Deena Stone Procopio. Also surviving are a brother, Steven A. Procopio, Jr. (Deborah), brother-in-law, Richard E. Klink, a sister, Susan Jean Paparo (Dominic), sisters-in-law, Sandra Stone Silver (Steve) and Adrienne Marquart (Randy Smith) and nieces and nephews, Richard Klink (Peri), Steven Klink (Stephanie), Michelle Serdula (Todd), Alyssa Procopio Clayton (Matthew), Taylor Procopio Pilecki (Kyle), Steven Procopio, David Silver (Kristina), Ethan Silver (Brittany), Adam Silver (Hallie), Derek Marquart, Rachel Slingsby (Cory), and many great nieces and great nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. Also surviving are his four granddaughters, Brittany Brodowsky, Hannah Vadas, Payton Vadas, and Mila Vadas, all of whom he adored.
Peter suggested that memorial gifts be made to Light a Child’s Future Endowment Fund at Syracuse Diocese of Catholic Schools or a charity of your choice.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A funeral service in celebration of Peter’s life will be at Divine Mercy Church, 592 S. Main St., Central Square, NY at 9:00 am on Saturday, November 25, 2023, followed by entombment at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, DeWitt, NY.
David Allen Bratt
Posted on 08/20/2025
David Allen Bratt, 80, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away from complications of COPD on January 27, 2025, at his home in Lexington.
David was born on June 10, 1944, to Harry and Grace W. Bratt in Syracuse, New York. Raised in Syracuse, he graduated from Central Technical High School in 1961 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in history from the State University of New York at Albany in 1965. He later pursued a law degree at the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1978.
Before becoming a lawyer, David taught social studies and coached football at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. As an attorney, he practiced law in Lexington, Kentucky for over 30 years, working as a general practice lawyer and public defender, representing a wide range of clients. David was a founding partner in the law firms of Brown, Bucalos, Santana, and Bratt, as well as Santana, Fay, and Bratt. He was particularly known for his skills as a litigator and his advocacy for low-income individuals through his legal work with Lexington’s Community Action Council.
Outside of his professional life, David enjoyed cooking, woodworking, model railroading, and studying World War II history. He also loved working on home improvement projects with son, Douglass, and daughter-in-law, Sarah. An avid University of Kentucky and Syracuse sports fan, he rarely missed a game by either team. He will be remembered for his passion for teaching and learning, generous nature, love of family, and deafeningly loud sneezes.
David is survived by his brothers, Peter R. Bratt of Goleta, CA, and Richard W. Bratt of Syracuse, NY; his son, Douglass F. Bratt; daughter-in-law, Sarah Cauldwell Bratt; and grandsons, Isaac W. Bratt and Owen M. Bratt of Lockport, IL; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ruma Bratt (Adams), Harry S. Bratt, Willard Bratt, and Nancy R. (Bratt) DeVeronica.
The family appreciates the love and support of friends during this time and encourages those who knew David to remember him in their own way. A private gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Action Council of Lexington or the American Lung Association in his honor.
RIP William Holmes Wells, Jr. (husband of Donna Rae Hayes Wells)
Posted on 05/17/2025
A Celebration of Life for William Holmes Wells, Jr. (June 6, 1943–October 12, 2024) will be held online via Zoom on June 6, 2025 (what would have been Bill’s 82nd birthday) from 8pm to 11pm Eastern. People are invited to drop in at any time and leave any time. It will be a time of sharing stories and remembering.
RIP Spencer Plavocos
Posted on 03/21/2025
Spencer “Spence” “Papou” Plavocos, 81, passed away on February 28, 2025, at Elderwood at Liverpool, with his loving family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents, Phil and Stella Plavocos and his brothers, George “Big George” Plavocos, and Alexander Plavocos of Wake Forest, NC.
Spence graduated from Syracuse Central High School where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Marie. Their love life continued for over 60 years and was a model for everyone who knew them. Spence’s early years started in the diner and family Greek restaurant business. Family and friends always delighted in holiday and birthday dinners with Greek specialties. He was a loving father. You would find Spence and Marie at every Liverpool High School marching band competition during his son’s and daughter’s high school years. He was tireless in supporting his children in every endeavor. Spence undertook chairmanship of raising funds needed to bring the band to a national competition in Florida.
Spence was a zealous advocate for mental health awareness during his 28 years as Vice President of NAMI Syracuse and 17 years on the Board of Directors of Onondaga Case Management.
Spence was a very caring man who was always devoted to his family and always willing to help anyone in need.
Spence is survived by his soulmate and love of his life for 60 years, Marie (Johnson) Plavocos; his children, Christopher Plavocos of Syracuse and Kimberly Conte of Rome, NY; his grandchildren, Breanna St. Onge of Rochester and Nicholas Conte of Liverpool; and his sister-in-law, Judy Plavocos.
Calling hours will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY, immediately followed by a funeral service in celebration of Spence’s life at 12:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI Syracuse, 917 Avery Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13204.
RIP John R. LaRose
Posted on 01/31/2025
John R. LaRose, 82, of Syracuse and Florida, passed away January 19 at Crouse Hospital. Known to his family as “Jack,” he was born December 6, 1942. He graduated from Syracuse Central Technical High School and earned BS and MS degrees in Education from SUNY Oswego. He taught at Onondaga Central for 33 years teaching primarily science and drama and coached high school tennis for 20 years, retiring in 1998. After retirement, he accepted a position as a counselor in the Admissions Office at Onondaga Community College where he continued to also teach tennis in the Physical Education department and was the head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams for many years building an impressive Regional and National record. He was elected to the NJCAA National Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame in 2007 and the OCC Hall of Fame in 2008. Over the years he received numerous awards and citations from the local, Regional and National levels including the United States Tennis Association. He was at Onondaga Community College for 27 years. He once said, “I love teaching. I love working with kids. I think God just put me here to teach and coach.” He made the world a better place. John was predeceased by his father Raymond J. LaRose and his mother Helen M. LaRose.
He is survived by his brother, Tom LaRose (Sue) and nieces, Jennifer Holdsworth and Danielle LaRose; his sister, Sandy Seniecle (Bill), and nieces, Rachel Wenzel (Kyle), Bethany Doupe, (Phil), Leah Rupracht (Caleb), Joanna Bader (Casey); his uncle, Donald Messinger; 4 great nieces and one great nephew and several cousins.
Calling hours are Friday, January 31 from 3pm to 8pm at Butler-Badman Funeral Home, 4504 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse 13215.
Funeral Service will be at 11am Saturday, February 1, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 259 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse 13202. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Onondaga Central School Tennis or Drama program.
RIP Marie J. (Kearse) Ace
Posted on 01/07/2025
Marie J. (Kearse) Ace, 82, of Allston passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, surrounded by 28 loving members of her Boston family that adored her beyond words.
She was the Beloved wife of William Ace. Raised by grandparents, Curley and Pokey Kearse. Devoted mother of Billy III, David, Jonathan, and close friends of her sons that were like her own, Lazar Franklin and Bob Francis. Loving grandmother of Tyler, Alexis, Alana, Jonathan Jr., Arielle and Kameron. Sister of the late Dolores, Rufus, Joyce, and Eilleen. She also leaves behind her first cousin Avis who lived with her family growing up, and was more like a sister to Marie.
Marie was the Matriarch of her families both in Syracuse New York where she originated from, and here in Boston, Ma. where she settled, and made a legacy for herself. She was the woman, whether you were family or a close friend, who had her door always open to anyone she loved and cared for that needed that extra TLC! Anyone that knows Marie, you know there was always a warm plate of some good old comfort food to soothe your soul, and a comfortable place to stay when you walked through her door.
Marie had more family than you can count. Whether you were blood related or not, everyone was family to Marie that was in her circle. She loved being a part of planning family reunions, visiting her family in Syracuse, having her sons and their friends fill her home to watch all Sporting event. She loved hosting cookouts, and dancing to her James Brown around the house.
Marie graduated Newbury college, retired from Anheuser Bush, a long-standing member on the board of directors of Charlesview apartments, who played an intricate part in the relocation and renovation process. She was a host mother to international students from all over the world for over 20 years, and built close relationships with each of them that lasted her lifetime. Marie was a proud Christian woman, who was a member of Union Church in the South End of Boston and always looked forward to her bible studies and services with Pastor Jay.
She leaves behind a legacy of love that will be missed greatly!
Funeral Service and Interment Private. For guest book please visit www.lehmanreen.com