The Friendly Word
Join us for a joyful Easter celebration hosted by Liverpool Syracuse Lodge No. 501. Bring your family and friends for a morning of fun, community, and fellowship as we welcome spring together.
When: Saturday, April 4th, doors open at 9:00 AM
Egg hunt activities for all ages
Food and treats (hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, candy)
Egg Time Run for ages
8 & under (9:30 AM),
9–14 (10:30 AM);
Free run for all kids at 11:30 AM
In Memoriam
Obituary
In the company of his loving family, Ted Kriese of Mattydale, New York, passed away peacefully at Crouse Hospital, at the age of 91. Ted was born on December 1, 1934, to the late Theodore and Ann (Arnold) Kriese, and was raised with strong values of hard work, responsibility, and service to others. He graduated from North Syracuse High School in 1951 at the age of 16 and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Morrisville College in 1953.
Ted knew from a very young age that he wanted to be involved in Agriculture. His career with Dairylea spanned 40 years ensuring dairy products arrived on time to supermarkets and mom & pop stores. At home he established a purebred herd of Hereford Cattle, whose genetic lines continue today. He took great pride in his cattle and in the responsibility that came with caring for them. Ted shared his knowledge and expertise by serving as a 4-H club leader and through active participation in the NY Hereford Breeders Association, American Hereford Association, and the NY Beef Producers Association.
For 67 years, Ted was married to Margaret Elizabeth Kriese, and together they built a life centered on family and caring for others. Ted and Margie raised six children and built a family life rooted in love and consistency. They spent 20 years raising their family on the farm in Moyers Corners, where farming and family life went hand in hand. In 1980, they purchased their farm in Cato, New York. In 1982, they opened their home to children in need through foster care, providing a steady and caring place for many over the years.
Ted was a loving and supporting father to Lisa Kriese-Anderson (Brian) of Auburn, Alabama; John Kriese (Anita) of Penn Yan, New York; Howard Kriese (Rachel) of Lane, South Carolina; Elizabeth Kriese (Christopher) of Rochester, New York; Peter Kriese (Samantha) of Cato, New York; and Breanna Chalon (Edward) of Parish, New York. He was also a proud grandfather to Shelby Anderson; Clayton, Katie, Levi, Emily, Sophia, and Sarah Kriese; and Emerson and Amelia Chalon.
In addition to his devotion to family and farming, Ted was committed to serving others. He served his community first through the Mattydale Fire Department and then the Moyers Corners Fire Department. He also served his country in the US Naval Reserves.
Ted also gave many years of service to the Masonic fraternity. He became a Master Mason in 1977 and remained active with the Grand Lodge, Royal Arch, Cryptic Masons, Shriners Hospital, The Order of the Eastern Star, and the Grotto. Outside of his responsibilities, Ted enjoyed time spent with others, a good game of solitaire and listening to good polka music. He looked forward to Masonic picnics, cattle shows, clam bakes, trips to the races, and attending hockey games.
Ted is predeceased by his wife, Margie, who passed away in March of this year; his brothers-in-law, Elwood Sickler and Gustav Schmidt; and his nephew, Walter Sickler. He leaves behind his six children and nine grandchildren; his sister, Joan Sickler; his sister-in-law, Aileen Schmidt; his nephews, Gus (Danielle) and Dieter Schmidt, his niece, Heather Johnson (Craig), along with extended family and many others whose lives were touched by his generosity and selflessness.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 4:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at the Maurer Funeral Home, 300 Second St., Liverpool, NY 13088, with a Masonic Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 am in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 210 Hazel St., Liverpool, NY 13088.
Ted will be remembered for a life devoted to family, farming, service, and community.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital of Boston, 51 Blossom St. Boston, MA 02114 or New York Hereford Breeders Association, to support travel to the national convention, c/o Brenda Dermody, 2405 Limerick Road, Linwood, NY 14486.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2026.
In Memoriam
Jeffrey Alan Hook, 49, of Orange City, FL, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on December 28, 2025.
He was born in Syracuse, NY on June 9, 1976 to Linda (Cummings) Hook and Arthur Hook.
Jeff was a graduate of Cicero-North Syracuse High School, in 1997. He worked at Pizza Hut and Popeyes Chicken before retiring with his father. Jeffrey was a member of Liverpool/Syracuse 501 Masonic Lodge and Tigris Shrine.
Jeffrey loved to sing, dance and attend concerts of The New Kids on the Block. Jeff was an avid sports fan especially cheering for the Florida Gators, Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orangeman. He was a proud athlete of Special Olympics Florida and New York, he was a multiple medal winner in Basketball, Bocce, and Bowling.
Jeff participated in many Shrine events as a Field Band Member and CoCo the Clown.
Jeffrey was preceded in death by his favorite father, Arthur Hook. He is survived by all his favorites, mother Linda Hook, sister Karen Hook and niece Jasmine Hook all of Orange City, FL, and many favorite aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the West Volusia Shrine Club, Deland, FL.
In lieu of flowers send donations to Halifax Hospice or Shriners Children’s Hospital.
The Friendly Word
In Memoriam
Gary Stuart Hartman, 89, of Syracuse, died suddenly Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Crouse Hospital. Born in Lancaster, PA, to Irvin and Dorothy Hartman, he grew up in Oneonta. He began his broadcasting career as a teen at Oneonta radio station WDOS and graduated from Oneonta High School where he met his wife-to-be, Joanne Gage. He attended Syracuse University, studying electrical engineering and broadcasting; during this time, he served as editor of the Daily Orange, news director and chief engineer at WAER-FM. He worked as an engineer at WFBL and ultimately at WSYR-AM, FM, and TV (now WSTM), where his 52-year career spanned from before the invention of videotape to the installation of high definition digital facilities.
He was very active in his church, the Masonic lodge, Eastern Star, and Scottish Rite; he was a founding member of the Syracuse chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, and volunteered with OASIS. He was on the board of governors of the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center, and on the board of directors of the United Methodist Frontier Foundation.
Gary was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Joanne Gage Hartman, and is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Laurie) Hartman; granddaughter, Hannah Hartman; sisters, Beverly (Gene) Redding, Diane (Lee) Van Houten, and Patricia (Victor) Colucci; extended family, and Katie Cat.
Calling hours will be on Friday, January 16th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Fergerson Funeral Home, 215 South Main Street, North Syracuse. Fraternal services will be Friday at 7:30 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial services will be Saturday, January 17th at 2 pm at Jamesville Community Church, 6300 East Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville. Spring burial will be in Milford Cemetery.
Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center, PO Box 638, Oriskany, NY 13424-0638.
