In Memoriam
b. 28 Feb 1934; d. 23 Oct 2025;
Raised 14 Apr 2008, Liverpool Syracuse Lodge No. 501
George A. Laird, lll, 91, of Cicero, passed away comfortably on Thursday, October 23, 2025. George was born in Albany, New York. His family then moved to Western New York where George graduated from Kenmore High School in 1952. During his school years, he became interested in the military, and in 1953 he joined the Air National Guard at Niagara Falls. In all, he served 25 years ending his career in the Air Force Reserves as a flight instructor and examiner on the C-199G and C-130A transport aircraft. In 1983, he retired from Niagara Mohawk where he worked for many years then moved to Cicero, New York. He joined Liverpool Syracuse Lodge No. 501 and became a Master Mason. He later joined the Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite, and after achieving his 32nd Degree became the Most Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix.
His interest in Fraternal Orders included The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, The Military Society of the War of 1812, and the Veteran Corp of the Artillery. He was for a long-time active member of the American Legion.
George pursued his love for hunting and fishing, and spent many a day in and around Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario. He was also a Past President of the Syracuse Pistol Club and served on the Board of Directors for more than 20 years.
He is survived by a son, Richard of North Palm Beach, FL, daughters, Marlene of North Tonawanda, NY and Katie of Georgia, grandson and granddaughter, Ian and Lia Laird, brother, David of Smithville, TN, and cousins; Eugene Oneil of Texas, Charlie Oneil of Rensselaer, NY, and Andy and Sue Miller of Fayetteville, NY.
A calling hour will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at the Maurer Funeral Home, Inc., 300 Second St., Liverpool, 13088. A Masonic Service to be held at 1:30 pm and military honors.
In Memoriam
b. 30 Apr 1932; d. 22 Sep 2025; Raised 7 Apr 1964 Seneca River Lodge 160; Merged Liverpool Syracuse Lodge 11 Jan 2023
William J. Beall of Baldwinsville, a community leader who had a long career as a mechanical engineer with Morris Machine Works and later Goulds Pumps. He died on September 22nd at the age of 93.
Mr. Beall was president and charter member of the student section of the American Rocket Society, served as president of Pi Tau Sigma and was a member of Tau Beta Pi, Mechanical Engineering Association and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
He was a 1954 graduate of Hobart College and earned a mechanical engineering degree cum laude from Syracuse University in 1960. He was part of a team from Morris Machine Works in Baldwinsville that designed and built the pumps in Clay that brought the water in from Lake Ontario. He served with the U. S. Army in Japan from 1954-56.
Boating was a lifelong passion, nurtured by his late parents, Dr. Francis and Ellen Manning Beall of Syracuse, as they traveled the Erie Barge Canal, Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn waterways in Canada. He and his wife lived on the Seneca River in Baldwinsville for 64 years. One of his most memorable trips by boat was to the Statue of Liberty celebration in 1986.
Mr. Beall served as commander of the Syracuse Power and Sail Squadron, was a life member of the United States Power Squadron, was a member of Onondaga Yacht Club and president and long-term membership chairman of the Richardson Boat Owners Association.
He was president of the Baldwinsville Jaycees and Baldwinsville Community Council. He was a member of Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church. He served as chair of its Administrative Council and Finance Committee and was involved in fund raising for the 1996 addition. He also served on the district finance committee. He was a 60 year member of Seneca River Lodge No. 160 and Liverpool Syracuse Lodge No. 501, F&AM.
Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Janet; daughter Barbara (Christopher Frielinghaus) of Glens Falls; son Robert (Susan Voda) of Rhode Island. Grandchildren William Frielinghaus (Kate Phoonwit), Gunther, Maren, Calvin Beall, Samantha (A.J. Demichele) and Madeline Voda.
Bill’s body has been donated to Upstate Medical University anatomical gift program.
This has been done in keeping with Janet and Bill’s belief in service.
A memorial service will be October 11th at 11 a.m., at the Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends at a luncheon immediately following the service. A private burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Contributions may be made in his name to First Methodist Church of Baldwinsville, 17 W. Genesee St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027. Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088, or Francis House 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY, 13208.
In Memoriam
Richard “Ace” J. Ward, 91, a native and life-long resident of the Village of Liverpool, peacefully passed away at home this past Saturday morning. The son of the late Carl and Flora (Bennett) Ward, Ace was raised and educated in Liverpool, NY. He served in the Army National Guard with the Armored Engineer Battalion during the Korean War. Ace was an Agent with American Airlines and also worked as a sales representative for several area trucking companies. For over 50 years, Ace helped many people preparing income tax returns. He retired as the Supervisor for the Town of Salina. Ace was the Past Master of the Liverpool Syracuse Lodge 501 Free & Accepted Masons and a past board member of the Public Employees Association. He is predeceased by his wife, Marlene J. (Black) Ward in 2017; his son, Richard “Rick” Ward II and daughter-in-law, Barbara Ward.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughter, Margaret “Margie” Ward, three grandchildren, David and Christopher Ward and Rachel Nave (Lily), several loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Maurer Funeral Home, Inc. 300 Second St. Liverpool. A Masonic service will take place at 6:00 pm with funeral services to follow. Burial will be private in Liverpool Village Cemetery.
Contributions in Ace’s memory can be made to Food Bank of CNY, 7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, NY 13209 or Humane CNY, 4915 W. Taft Road, Liverpool, NY 13088
In Memoriam
In memory of Grant Hamelin
We have lost our beautiful son, brother and uncle, but he will live on through you and all of us forever. Every time you perform an act of kindness, help those who have no voice, provide a hand to hold for those in distress, raise your voice in song, or show gentleness to the vulnerable you will be carrying on Grant’s loving spirit. Keep him in your heart always- he has taught us so much.
Russ, Sheila, Elysse, Matt, Carter and Walker
Grant’s funeral service will be livestreamed via Zoom
Please copy and paste the below link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87902337816
Meeting ID: 879 0233 7816
Passcode: 123890
Those wishing to memorialize Grant by way of a charitable donation are encouraged to consider Grant’s Masonic Lodge
Masonic Lodge 501 – 608 Oswego Road – Liverpool, NY 13088
Attn: Secretary
The Friendly Word
On Monday, October 6th, the Liverpool Syracuse Masonic Lodge was honored with a visit from our Brethren from the United Kingdom. After sharing dinner together in the Lamb Lounge, everyone retired to the Lodge room.
Our English Brethren had the opportunity to witness the opening and closing of a Master Mason’s Lodge, observe how our business is conducted, and see the balloting of a new candidate.
Following these proceedings, cordial exchanges and discussions took place, highlighting the differences in Lodge openings and customs between our two countries.After closing, everyone returned to the Lamb Lounge for refreshments and fellowship that lasted until 11:00 p.m. — a great evening of brotherhood, learning, and shared traditions.
Left to right –
W∴ Bro Nick Emerton – Court – Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden – Audley Lodge 1896 Shropshire
W∴ Bro Phil Bailey – Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon – St Peter’s Lodge 419 Staffordshire
W∴ James D. Colditz Jr. Master Liverpool Syracuse Lodge #501
W∴Bro John O’Leary – Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden – St Michael’s Lodge 2487 Staffordshire
