Liverpool Syracuse Lodge No. 501

Welcome Back

The Friendly Word

Welcome back, Brethren and Friends!

As summer comes to an end, activity at the Lodge is once again beginning to thrive. Our calendar has been updated, and Degrees are scheduled. If you have been considering membership or affiliating with us, we encourage you to reach out. We would be happy to hear from you!

The NYS Fair is upon us—a great way to close out the summer and enjoy all that the season has to offer.

We hope you had a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing everyone back at the Lodge!

Fraternally,

Kids Day Easter Egg Hunt

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

Theodore Kriese

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.

Jeffrey Alan Hook

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.

Gary Hartman 1936-2025

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.

Toy Drive with Santa

The Friendly Word


Guests will be treated to a warm, festive atmosphere complete with complimentary refreshments. The event will feature fun activities for all ages, including children’s crafts, raffles, and a special appearance by **Santa Claus**, who will be available for photos.

How You Can Help: Donation Information**

The primary purpose of this event is to collect toys for children in our community who are in need. Your generous contribution can make a significant difference.

**Donation Guidelines:**
To ensure the safety and dignity of the recipients, we request that all donated toys be **new and unwrapped**.

While all new toys are welcome, we have a particular need for gifts suitable for older children and teenagers (ages 10-17), who are often overlooked.

Gift suggestions include:** Books, board games, science kits, art supplies, sports equipment, gift cards, headphones, and journals.

https://www.facebook.com/syracusemasons

Please note:** For safety reasons, we cannot accept realistic-looking toy weapons or items containing food.

George A. Laird, III

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.

William J. Beall

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.