James V. Connell Sr., 93, of Camillus, passed away on January 24, 2022. Jim was born in Newark, NJ, son of the late Vincent and Elizabeth Connell. After marrying his wife, Patricia Meehan, in 1954, Jim and Pat moved to Syracuse where he went to work for Sylvania. In addition to his position at Sylvania, Jim also owned and operated a popular Mister Softee franchise. In 1961, he began his long career in financial services and moved into business for himself, offering his clients an endless list of companies for their personal insurance coverages and investments. Jim was one of the founding members of the Camillus Rotary Club, helped fund raise to build Holy Family School and worked on the capital campaigns for Holy Family Church. He and Pat were involved with many groups at Holy Family Church as they hosted Bible studies, mentored engaged couples and were Eucharistic Ministers just to name a few.
Joseph “Denis” Huppmann, 82, passed away on January 8, 2021, at home in Ponte Vedra, FL, due to a long-fought battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. Denis was born on April 12, 1938, in Baltimore, MD to John and Louise Huppmann. After moving to Syracuse, NY in 1955, Denis attended and graduated from LeMoyne College, having obtained a degree in Sociology, Class of 1960. Around the same time, he went on to serve our country in the United States Marine Corp Reserves from 1956 to 1962, receiving an Honorable Discharge at the rank of Corporal. During Denis’s life in CNY, he served on the Board of The Make A Wish Foundation, Board of ACGM Credit Union, Auxiliary Board Community Hospital, 36 Year member of Solvay Geddes Rotary Club as VP and President, and was the recipient of the Paul Harris Award for “Service Above Self”.
Cornelius “Neal” Quigley, 83, of Camillus, passed away on May 13, 2020 at Bishop Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Born in Utica, he lived most of his life in the Syracuse area. Neal was a graduate of Most Holy Rosary and earned his associate degree from Mohawk Valley Community College. He was employed with Thru-Way Autoglass for 35 years before retiring in 2003.
Donald L. Osler, 85, of Syracuse, passed away on February 24, 2018 at home. Born in Mill Run, MD, he moved to CNY in the early 60s. He was a Navy veteran, serving as a sonar man aboard the USS Isherwood. Don was employed for 35 years with MDS Express. He was a longtime Rotarian and was past president of the Camillus Rotary Club. He enjoyed playing cards and reading, but was known best as a story-teller. Above all else, Don loved spending time with his family.
Patrick J. Smyth, 80, of Camillus, passed away on December 12, 2015 at Upstate University Hospital at Community General. After graduating from CBA and serving in the U.S. Air Force, he graduated from Le Moyne College and San Diego State where he received a Master’s degree. Patrick worked as an urban planner in many cities and counties in Upstate New York. His greatest achievement was his work over the last 10 years with Helping Hands Missions and the Clean Water Project in Guatemala. He was also a communicant of Holy Family Church for more than 50 years.
Camillus Solvay Geddes Rotary Club 