News
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
RIP Bernadine Milewski Sager
Posted on 06/26/2022
More commonly known as Bernie, Bernadine Milewski Sager was born to Felix and Sophia Milewski in Syracuse, NY. Bernie grew up in Syracuse, NY where she met her husband Henry (Hank) in high school. They married while Hank was on active duty in 1962. Soon after her husband finished his 2-year tour with the Navy, the couple moved to Victor, NY.
After starting their family in Victor, NY the family moved to Texas in 1978. Bernie and Hank were deeply committed to their faith and were active members of the Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church in Allen, TX. During their 53 years of marriage, they were inseparable. Bernie was devastated with his passing in 2015.
Bernie passed away on March 20, 2020 in McKinney, Texas, just a few weeks prior to her 77th birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband Hank, her brother Stanley, and her sister Felicia. She is survived by her son William (Bill) and wife Kristina; her daughter Wendy and husband Dean; grandchildren Veronica, Alexander, and Samantha.
Due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 virus, there will be no viewing or funeral services. She will be interred at a later service at a National Cemetery with her husband.
RIP Karen Dixe Garbutt
Posted on 06/26/2022
Karen Garbutt of Bradenton, FL, passed away at home on May 1, 2022 after a long illness. Karen was a kind, giving, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of almost 57 years, Charles Sr., her children Charles Jr. (Kate), Robin, Todd, Dana (Erin), Adam (Alisha), sister Marsha (Ken), cousin Avis (David), 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters Julie, Elaine, and brother Jeff. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, long drives, westerns and most of all, spending time with her family. Please leave Memories and Condolences on syracuse.com/obits
RIP James “Jamie” Mathews
Posted on 05/03/2022
James (Jamie) Mathews was born in Syracuse, New York on February 13, 1944. He graduated from Central Technical High School and attended the University of Americas in Mexico City and the New York State Police Academy. James was an employee of Mohawk Airlines prior to joining the New York State Police. As a New York State Trooper he was assigned to the 270 Rifle team, Bomb Squad and Robot operator. Trooper Mathews was promoted to the Bureau of Criminal Investigations in Troop D assigned to several high profile narcotic cases throughout the State of New York. Throughout his career he received several commendations. After retirement James was elected Town Justice in Skaneateles, New York and owned Mathews & Associates investigative services. He then moved onto the Sunshine State of Florida becoming a resident of Pompano Beach. James embodied two important areas of life which were God and Country. Not to forget his fun loving humor, a unique character for sure. James was predeceased by his father, John Mathews and mother, Sarah A. Mathews. James is survived by his companion Susan Lennox of Auburn, NY, his brother, John “Jack” Mathews, a niece Sarah and nephew Anson Mathews and a great niece Mahogany Mathews. Also importantly are the many brothers and sisters in law enforcement and close relationships, all who he loved. Visitation will be prior to the service at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, May 14 at 10:00am in Our Lady of Hope Church, 4845 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205. Burial will be in Onondaga Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the New York State Troopers Foundation in honor of Jamie Mathews. Please leave Memories and Condolences on syracuse.com/obits