News
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
RIP Melvyn Charney
Posted on 12/15/2024
Melvyn Charney, 80, passed away with his family beside him early Friday morning (December 13, 2024) at Crouse Hospital. Born on May 20, 1944 to Jerome and Phyllis Charney, he was a life resident of Syracuse.
He was a graduate of Central HS, and attended the University of Miami. Mel began his lifelong career in their family’s business, Charney’s Men’s and Boy’s clothing when he was 14. In 2001 the store was named to the Esquire Retail 100 list of menswear specialty stores. At one point there were four generations of Charney’s and Kruth’s working at the stores.
Mel was a life member of Temple Beth El. He was especially proud to have served as the chairman of the capital campaign to raise the funds for the stained glass windows at the Synagogue. He and his family were also involved in sponsorships at the Early Childhood Development Program at The Jewish Community Center; Golisano Children’s Hospital; and served as the Chairman of the Israel Bond Campaign of Syracuse. The Charney and Kruth family also established the Holocaust Information Resource Center at the JCC. He was one of a small group who established the Jewish Community Foundation of Central New York.
Mel will forever be remembered for his love of his family … they were his first thought in the morning, and his last thought at night.
His family includes his wife Sarah of 57 years, their children Lisa and Adam Waldman; Jennifer Charney, and Jill and Jeff Braverman; Grandchildren Jake, Ryan, Koby, Alexis, and Rylie; his sister and brother-in-law Karen and Shelly Kruth; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Gina Davis; and his nieces and nephews who he treated like his own. He was pre deceased by his older sister Dianne in 1950.
Mel’s family is greatly appreciative of the loving and gentle care he and his family received at Crouse Hospital. The doctors, nurses and support staff were exceptional.
Services will be at noon on Monday the 16th at Sisskind Funeral Chapel, 3175 E. Genesee street. There will be no visitation prior to the service.
Burial will be in Beth El Cemetery. The service will be live streamed on the Sisskind Funeral Service FaceBook page beginning at 11:55 on Monday the 16th.
Shiva will be observed at the family’s home Tuesday from 2–4 and 7–9, and Wednesday from 7–9PM. In lieu of flowers contributions to perpetuate Mel’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
RIP Patricia A. Kellie
Posted on 10/08/2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann Kellie, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, who left us on Thursday, September 12th, 2024, at the age of 81.
Patricia, known affectionately as Pat, was born on February 21st, 1943, in Syracuse, NY, to the late Paul and Elizabeth Conway. As the eldest of three siblings, she shared a special bond with her brothers, Michael, and Brian Conway, who reside in Syracuse, NY.
A passionate educator, Pat earned her undergraduate degree at New York State Teacher’s College (now SUNY Albany) and pursued a master’s degree from Union College in Schenectady, NY. Her 26-year teaching career, which began in the South Colonie schools and culminated with 20 remarkable years at Greenville Central School District, was marked by her unwavering dedication to her students. Pat’s thirst for knowledge and her commitment to nurturing young minds inspired countless children, many of whom went on to become teachers, doctors, nurses, and future scientists.
Beyond her professional life, Pat’s warmth and generosity shone brightly in her relationships with family and friends. Whether she was enjoying a day on the golf course, traveling to new destinations, dining at exciting restaurants, or reconnecting with college friends, she embraced life with a vibrant spirit and a heart full of love. Patricia Ann Kellie leaves behind a legacy of kindness, knowledge, and laughter. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Pat is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Kellie, and her two sons, Andrew, and Timothy Makely, along with their loving spouses, Roberta and Melissa.
She was a proud grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren: Ethan, Ellysse, Drew, Gavin, and Oliver, who brought her immense joy and love.
As we remember her, let us carry forward her passion for learning and her unwavering love for family and friends—a testament to a life well-lived.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 11th from 5 to 7 pm at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The burial will take place on Saturday, October 12th at White Chapel Memory Garden, Syracuse NY. Anyone wanting the time should email kellie96z3@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send a direct donation to Meals on Wheels, Dept. of Human Services, 411 Main Street Catskill, NY 12414, as this organization was near and dear to her heart.
Please visit www.ajcunninghamfh.com to leave photos or memories of Pat to share with the family.
RIP Frederick Hatem
Posted on 08/18/2024
Frederick Joseph Hatem Jr., 81, affectionately known as “Freddie” to his family and friends, passed away on January 29, 2024 in his home in Camillus, NY. He was born in Syracuse on October 22, 1942 to the late Betty Van Marter and Frederick J. Hatem Sr.
Fred’s early years were spent with neighborhood friends that created a bond that lasted a lifetime. He graduated from Central Tech and spent 4 years in the Coast Guard Reserves. He worked at Midgley Printing until starting his own contracting business. Fred was known for his generous spirit and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Summer trips to Willoughby Island held a special place in his heart. He was an avid member of various casinos. Nothing brought him more joy than casino hopping with his wife, Barb. His son, Brian, would often join them on their casino trips; making Fred laugh the whole time. He had an infectious love of hunting and fishing that he shared with his son Kevin. The two were also frequently found working side-by-side on projects together. He cherished his trips to Virginia to visit family. Yoda, his cat, was his “best buddy.” Fred’s life was well lived and he brought smiles to all who loved him. His warmth and joy will be deeply missed. Uncle Yahoo, Derf, Chaz, the one Metah, we love you.
Predeceased by his parents, beloved Aunt Esther, sister-in-law, Margaret Anne (Thomas) Hughes and half-brother Joe Tarbe.
Fred will be remembered by his wife, Barbara Hatem, who together shared 30 years of love; two sons, Kevin (Stephanie) Hatem and Brian Hatem, and one daughter, Katie (PJ) DeLeon; cousin Lea; four grandsons: Samuel, Joseph, Jacob and Ethan; one granddaughter, Jaleigha; a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen (Mike) Groth, and one niece, Megan. Half-siblings: Alicia, Steve, and Gary Tarbe; and many more cousins.
There will be no services. (A Celebration of Life was held in his honor at the Toad Harbor Rod and Gun Club, 315 Smith Rd, West Monroe, NY 13167 on February 24, 2024.) Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Foundation of Central New York.
RIP Dave Agresti
Posted on 07/06/2024
Dave Agresti died on April 29, 2024.
RIP David Middleton
Posted on 08/29/2023
David Middleton died on August 18, 2023.
RIP Uwe Bobrow
Posted on 08/18/2023
April 24, 1944–May 12, 2023
Uwe Bobrow lived a good life. From humble beginnings, Uwe worked hard to raise his station in the world. With a sly smile and wry sense of humor, he left an indelible mark wherever he went. From across the Atlantic in Germany to upstate New York to the Colorado Rockies, Uwe amassed an expansive adoptive family whom he loved as his own kin. He was generous and kind, a hearty epicurean and a gifted raconteur. If you counted yourself lucky enough to be invited to his table, you would feast on home-made culinary masterpieces and tall tales of Uwe’s escape from communist rule, his antics in various refugee camps, his first glimpse of a shopping area in West Germany (“the first time I ever saw color,” he would later say) and, if you were truly lucky, a sentimental remembrance of the first time he met the love of his life, Nancy Churchill.
Uwe was born in Magdeburg, Germany (old East Germany), on April 24, 1944, to Lucie Jergenson and Vladimir Bobrow. His father, a doctor, was killed in World War II when Uwe was 9 months old. His mother was left to raise Uwe and his two sisters, Ariana and Xenia, on her own behind the Iron Curtain. In 1955, living in Magdeburg, a neighbor turned Uwe’s mother in to East German police on an erroneous suspicion of spying. Within twenty-four hours, she made a daring escape across the border with Uwe and his sisters, bringing only what they could carry without suspicion. Uwe was 11. Once across the border, Uwe and his family spent two years in West German refugee camps, living a surreal normalcy behind guarded fences, buying contraband for Russian soldiers while attending middle school. His mother and his sister Ariana even worked as nurses while staying at the camp.
After two years waiting in refugee camps, Uwe’s family was finally granted permission to immigrate to the United States, where they were sponsored by his “Aunt Olga from the Volga,” who had previously emigrated and settled in Syracuse, N.Y.
Uwe entered Central Tech High School in Syracuse without speaking any English. He learned the language of his new country by watching Spaghetti Westerns on TV. After graduating from high school in 1961, Uwe attended Onondaga Community College and then Syracuse University, graduating in 1965. After graduating college, Uwe married Kathleen Carey, and they had a son, Eric. The marriage ended, but the close bond Uwe forged with his son would shape his life. Uwe was heartbroken when Eric passed away unexpectedly in 2012.
Uwe began his career after college working in educational communications at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, but his dream was to own his own business. He started the imprinted sportswear store Mr. Tops in a Syracuse mall in 1978, and by 1985, it had grown to seven stores in upstate New York. Later, he bought Kraft Liquor store in Syracuse, which he operated until 2003.
Uwe learned to ski in his twenties at Song Mountain in upstate New York. He later joined a local ski club, the Syracuse Ski Hawks, and served as the club’s president from 1975-1979, while the club grew from a small group to more than 1,500 members.
The ’70s were a wild time in the ski industry, and in 1975 the club chartered a trip to Aspen, Colo., where Uwe met the love of his life, Nancy Churchill, from Winterport, Maine. They were engaged a year later, when the ski club returned to Aspen for the now-annual trip.
After marrying in 1976, Uwe and Nancy were inseparable until his passing, 48 years later. They ran their businesses together, and they loved to travel. In their 48 years together, they visited exotic locations as far as China, Turkey, Nepal, Central and South America, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Scandinavia and, of course, Uwe’s native Germany.
After their wedding, Uwe and Nancy moved to Tully, N.Y., where they raised their daughter, Karen, and lots of pups. Uwe and Nancy welcomed nine exchange students, mostly from Germany, during their time in Tully and formed friendships that would last the rest of Uwe’s life. The weekly “pizza and wing night” tradition the Bobrows began for their exchange students endures to this day, and the Bobrow household continues to receive regular care packages from Germany to keep them stocked with Uwe’s favorite German foods. Uwe helped shape the lives of every one of their exchange students, who became as much a part of his family as his own children. When it came time for Uwe and Nancy to consider where to retire, Colorado was the obvious choice. They bought a lot in the Aspen Valley in 1999 and built their dream home in Missouri Heights in 2006, making the valley their permanent home.
Not ready to stop working, Uwe took a job with The Aspen Skiing Company and worked as the Guest Service Lead at Buttermilk under John Kneiper. He loved the eight years he spent at Buttermilk, where he managed to “adopt” still more family members plucked from the mountain’s guest service department, lifts, patrol and ski school. Some of their skis still reside under Uwe’s home. It was during their time in Colorado that Uwe settled into his greatest role, grandfather. His daughter, Karen, blessed him with three grandchildren, Nadya, Toby and Willow, and their arrival breathed new life into Uwe during his golden years. He was fortunate to be able to take “Nacho” (Nadya), his eldest grandchild, to Germany to share his history.
Uwe truly lived The American Dream. From his escape from East Germany with not more than he could wear, to life as an immigrant in a post-war U.S., to his entrepreneurial rise, to his retirement with his beloved wife in his dream home with a million-dollar Sopris view, to his swan song as “Opa” to his grandchildren, he transformed his life and found success through hard work and love for his family. Uwe Bobrow lived a good life.
***
Uwe Bobrow passed away peacefully on May 12, 2023, with his wife, Nancy, by his side. He was preceded in death by his father, Vladimir, and mother, Lucie; sister Xenia; and son, Eric. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Churchill Bobrow; sister Ariana Bobrow (David); daughter Karen Bobrow Breuer (Jeff); three grandchildren, Nadya, Toby and Willow; his German Shepherd, Franzi; and one Mercedes Benz, aka “Benno.”
Memorials for Uwe in Aspen (7/10/23), Syracuse, and Germany will be announced when scheduled. In lieu of flowers, Uwe’s family request donations be made in Uwe Bobrow’s name to Roaring Fork Fire Rescue’s Paramedic Scholarship Program at roaringforkfire.org/donate.
(Published in the Aspen Times on June 16, 2023) ◼︎
RIP Margaret Kenyon
Posted on 05/16/2023
Margaret (Berndt) Kenyon, 104, of Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Loretta Health & Rehab. Margaret was born in Syracuse to the late Julius and Anna (Milkey) Berndt in 1919. She was a graduate of Vocational High School and is a member of Atonement Lutheran Church. Margaret was employed by Dey Bros. for a number of years, in downtown Syracuse, as a sales clerk and then was promoted to Assistant Buyer in the China and Gift Dept. Later, she was employed by Upstate Medical, for seventeen years, in their Accounts Payable Department and retired in 1985.
She is predeceased by her husband, Thomas M. Kenyon, Sr.; a brother Gerald Berndt; four sisters Dora Titus, Helen Dygert, Lois Eggleston, and Emma Ensworth; Sister-in-Law Elma Kenyon, Brother-In-Law Francis B. Kenyon and Charles “Chuck” Nichols, her companion of 20 years.
Margaret is survived by one son, Thomas M. Kenyon, Jr., Syracuse, NY; a daughter, Suzanne (predeceased Gregory) Bartow of Morrisville, NY; two beloved grandsons, Scott (Stephanie)Bartow of Pennsylvania; Shawn (Christina) Bartow of New Jersey, Christina’s daughters Meghan and Katie Barone of New Jersey. Many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are May 19, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 4612 South Salina St., Syracuse, NY. 13205. A church service will be held the following day, May 20, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Atonement Lutheran Church, 116 W. Glenn Ave., Syracuse, NY 13205.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may also be made to the American Cancer Society or Atonement Lutheran Church.
www.ballweg-lunsford.com
RIP Charles “Tom” Hogg
Posted on 02/08/2023
Charles “Tom” Hogg, 79, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky.
He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was Vietnam U.S. Army Veteran. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and following their activities. He enjoyed woodworking, bird watching, and computer programming. He also enjoyed writing his blog, Mofunny.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances Hogg; and his brothers, William Hoag, Bruce Hogg, and John Hogg.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Charlene Hogg of Fisherville; his son, Chuck Hogg (Angela) of Shelbyville; his grandchildren, Charles “Charlie” Hogg III, Hannah Hogg, and Harvey Hogg; and his brother, Frank Hogg of Florida.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the Shannon Funeral Home in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Burial will be at Grove Hill Cemetery, in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Wounded Warriors project.
RIP Paul Krafft (1942–2022)
Posted on 12/14/2022
Paul S. Krafft, 79, of Syracuse, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Minoa. Online condolences to www.shepardsonfh.com
RIP Willie Paul Golden (1942–2021)
Posted on 12/13/2022
Willie Golden died on August 2, 2021. A memorial service was held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at the Stutson Street Sanctuary, Rochester, NY. Arrangements were made through D.M. Williams Funeral Home, Inc, Rochester, NY. (No other obituary is available.)
RIP John Edson McLoughlin
Posted on 08/07/2022
John Edson McLoughlin, age 78, of Baltimore, Maryland passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. John was born November 24, 1943. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the McLoughlin family at www.burgee-henss-seitz.com.
Please note:A burial ceremony will take place at in Onondaga Valley Cemetery on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 12 noon.
RIP Andrew James Arthur Swinburne
Posted on 07/18/2022
Andrew James Arthur Swinburne, a long-time resident of Brighton, NY, passed away peacefully on July 3, at age 79, with his family at his side in Portland, Oregon. Andy was born on May 29, 1943 in Syracuse, NY to Evelyn Higgs Swinburne and James Swinburne. Growing up, Andy loved sports and venturing north to fish in the wilderness of Canada. He attended Brown University but returned home when his father passed away suddenly in 1963.
He graduated from Syracuse University then completed his medical training at SUNY Upstate. Syracuse athletics became a lifelong passion. He often reminisced about golden days trading hook shots with various Syracuse legends in pick-up games on campus, and, despite their never meeting, Jim Boeheim was considered family. But Andy treasured Syracuse above all for being where he met the love of his life, Sandra Race. Andy and Sandy married in 1972 and moved to Columbus, Ohio where Andy served as a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force for two years before completing a pulmonary fellowship at the University of Rochester. He completed an additional fellowship at the Hammersmith Hospital in London, England then settled back in Rochester for the next forty years.
Andy built a distinguished career at Rochester General Hospital, where he was the founding director of the pulmonary department. As a professor at the University of Rochester, he led the core pulmonary curriculum for many years. As a physician, Andy was revered for his humility, his kindness, and his deep investment in his patients’ lives outside the clinic walls.
Andy and Sandy raised four children in Brighton. A devoted father, he reveled in leading his family into the outdoors for lake swims and open-ended hikes where route and destination were, as a rule, uncertain. Belying his gentle demeanor, he was one of the loudest fans at Brighton wrestling matches, swim meets, and band performances for nearly twenty years. He coached a number of champion Little League teams, happily shuttling a generation of Brighton kids ten-deep across Monroe County in his trademark Suburban. True to form, one of the family’s long-held treasures was a VHS clip of a thrilling win for the Brighton wrestling team. At the front of the crowd, the resolutely ground-bound Andy could be seen taking flight as the whistle blew, rising several impossible inches off the gym floor in fatherly joy.
Andy is predeceased by his brothers, Peter and Paul, and survived by his wife, Sandy, now residing in Portland, OR, as well as his children Mathew, Ian, Nora (with son-in-law, Jamie, and grandson), and Alec (with daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, and grandson) among the many members of his extended family who miss him dearly. Gifts in Andy’s memory can be directed to World Central Kitchen at www.wck.org.
Posted online on July 15, 2022
Published in Rochester Democrat and Chronicle