Dowdle Funeral Home, 154 E 4th Street, Oswego, NY (2026)

01/26/2026

Barbara Ellen Buske
December 10, 1939 – January 24, 2026
Barbara was born in Oswego, grew up in Scriba, and graduated from Oswego High School in 1958. With a love of sewing and art, she then earned a two-year degree in art and design from
Cazenovia College, and shortly after graduation, followed her dream by moving to New York City to attend art school in Manhattan. For almost 20 years she worked first in the Garment
District, and then as a graphic designer for businesses such as Cunningham and Walsh, Hallmark, and Johnson and Johnson. In the late 1970s, she moved “upstate” to Croton-on-Hudson in
Westchester County, and established her business designing, building, and maintaining flower gardens for her many clients. In Croton, she became a member of the Lewis A. Brennan Chapter
of the New York State Archaeology Association, and enjoyed many years volunteering at various archaeology digs and promoting local archaeology events for the community.
Throughout her eighty-six years, she was blessed with many close and faithful friends, both former co-workers and those who shared her interests. She also greatly enjoyed time with her large extended family members within both the Noyes and Buske families, and especially her hours spent at her uncle’s home, now the Richard A. Noyes Audubon Sanctuary at Nine-Mile Point.
Her last 15 months were spent at Peregrine Onondaga Senior Living Facility near Syracuse, NY, where she enjoyed meaningful activities led by the wonderfully caring staff who became her
newest friends and “family”. Her family is grateful for all who touched her long life in such a loving way.
She is survived by two sisters, Gloria Gilmore of San Diego, CA, and Sheila Buske of Oswego. Also, she is remembered fondly by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date during the Summer. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider the Audubon Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Lewis A, Brennen Lower Hudson Chapter of NYS Archaeology Association.
Arrangements are in the care of the Dowdle Funeral Home.

01/20/2026

Helene W. Izzett, 87, of Oswego, NY peacefully entered the garden of her savior, Jesus Christ, on January 12, 2026. Helene lived her life grounded in her Christian faith and principles. She covered those around her with an umbrella of love, warmth and care, always putting the needs of others before herself.
Helene was born in Oswego, NY on December 14, 1938 to the late John Joseph and Helen (Jasak) Krupa. She attended school in Fulton, NY, graduating from Fulton High School in 1956. Helene served as a cheerleader while attending Fulton High School.
Helene put a career in at Alcan Aluminum(Novellis). She spent years as a secretary and finished her career working in the plant. She retired in 2004. She enjoyed the friendships that were created at Alcan. Friendships that continued for the rest of her life.
Helene spent many hours driving to and attending sporting events for her two sons. She was incredibly proud of their accomplishments on and off the sporting fields. As her two grandchildren got older, she again found herself travelling to see her granddaughters compete in Irish Step Dancing competitions and playing soccer. Helene never missed an opportunity to enjoy her family.
Helene is survived by her sons Paul (Sabina) Corbett and Daniel Corbett, both residing in Clayton, NY; Step-son Carey Izzett of Aurora, Illinois; brother John Krupa Jr of Martville, NY; grand daughters Shannon and Sarah Corbett of Clayton, NY and many nieces and nephews that she loved and deeply cared for.
Helene is predeceased by her parents John Joseph and Helen (Jasak) Krupa and her brother Thomas Krupa .
She married Paul Corbett in 1959 and later married Richard Izzett in 1985 who both predeceased her in death.
The family will receive friends at the Dowdle Funeral Home on Saturday from 11:00- 1:00 with a memorial service to follow the hours.

01/17/2026

Robert Warren Bonnell of Oswego, Ny passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family January 14th.

He was born in Elmira, New York September 11th 1942. He was a graduate of a Corning Northside High School class of 1961. While there he was on the basketball, track and field (shotput) and football team. Then earned an Associates degree of forestry at lake city junior college. Next earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography at Utah State University. There he was a walk-on for the Football team . Go Aggies! Also excelled at track and field competing in the hammer throw. He then earned a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Arts from Suny Oswego and a Masters in curriculum and Instruction.

He was a lifelong lover of learning. Passionate about nature, fishing, animals, and photography. His proudest achievement was his children, and grandchildren whom he loved beyond measure. If you ever met him he would tell you so and he would treat you like family with one of his famous bear hugs.

Robert was dedicated to the Oswego education and sports community. Photographing sports events, volunteering for team dinners, fundraisers and cheering on the Buccaneers. He and his wife Kathy took great pride in volunteering for the Blessings in a backpack program and giving back to the community. He loved teaching and playing chess with his kids and grandkids. He was a true renaissance man whose talents and passions were broad and far reaching.

During his lifetime he was a draftsman at ward lefrance designing Fire Engines. His passion for photography continued professionally at Ithaca College where he was their Campus Photographer for 8 years. His amazing photography talent was selected for the 1972 school Christmas card while he was there. A fact he and his family are very proud of. He was a progress photographer during construction of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University designed by I.M Pei. Later he worked in Education in Oswego where he taught Drivers Education.

He was a lifetime member of Elks BPOE 271 of 62 years. Also the American Legion and VFW through his Father Warren.

He is predeceased by his parents Warren and Irene( Lepkowski) Bonnell. Survived by his Wife Kathryn (Harrington) Bonnell, Daughters Christine O’Hearn, Kim and Tony Edwards and Julianne and Kristopher Wilson. Sons Kevin Bonnell and Sean and Kirby Bonnell. Grandchildren Victoria (Damian) Bryan, Brendan, Nathan, Hadleigh, Everhett, Truett. Great grandchildren Alex, Sophie and Sawyer.

We will love you forever and always.

Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family.

There are no calling hours.

Arrangements are in the care of the Dowdle Funeral Home.

01/16/2026

Robert J. AuClair, 83, a resident of Oswego passed away on January 15, 2026 with his family by his side.
Born in Oswego, He was a son of the late Vernon and Rosalie (Murphy) AuClair, He was a graduate of St. Mary's School and the Oswego High School.
He was a member of Operating Engineers #158 for over 50 years and through the union was employed at Nine Mile for 25 years and later did various jobs for the union. He also repaired small engines.
He also was a scratch bowler and bowled in various leagues and was an avid fisherman.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, the former Kathleen Kray, two sons, Vernon (Anne) AuClair of North Carolina, Michael (Nancy) AuClair of Oswego, a brother, Billy (Pam) AuClair of Sodus, two sisters, Patricia Wright of Scriba, Carol (Jmes) Dillabough of Oswego, four grandchildren, Sarah AuClair, Ian AuClair, Isla AuClair and Bella Roberts.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Paul AuClair, Larry AuClair, Timothy AuClair and grandchild, Luke AuClair.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and a great neighbor.
Friends may call at the Dowdle Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 with a service to follow the hours.
Burial will be in St.Paul's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Human Concerns Center, 75 East Second Street. Oswego, N.Y. 13126.

01/14/2026

Helene W. Izzett passed away on January 12, 2026.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday January 24 from 11-1 with a service to follow the hours.

A complete obituary will follow.

01/11/2026

Robert M. Dominick, 71, a resident of Scriba passed away on January 8, 2026 with his family by his side.
Born in West Point, He was a son of Ethel Davis and the late Francis Dominick. He was a graduate of the Newburgh City School District and received his degree in Architectural Drafting from Hudson Valley College.
He was head of the Building and Grounds for the Newburgh City School District.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family.
Surviving besides his mother are his wife of thirty years, the former Patricia Cook, three children, Robert M.(Krista) Dominick Jr., Christian (Kelly) Dominick, Juliana (Aaron) Swift, a sister, Deborah Sherwood, two brothers, Scott Dominick, Glenn Dominick, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
Arrangements are in the care of the Dowdle Funeral Home.

01/05/2026

Paul Jude Heagerty
Paul J. Heagerty, 65, of Oswego, NY, passed away peacefully in his Florida home, on December 24th, with his wife and son by his side. He was born in Oswego, NY on July 17, 1960 to John and Barbara Heagerty. He spent much of his life on East 6th Street.
Paul learned to play the bass guitar at an early age and truly excelled. He was in many bands over the years in San Diego, California; Oswego, NY and Cape Coral, Florida. (The Barry
James Band, Coda, Doc Apple, Blackbird, Wildfire and The Lubercators, just to name a few).
His love of music and playing the bass guitar throughout his life was one of his greatest accomplishments.
After high school, Paul moved to San Diego, California where he lived for 12 years. He returned to Oswego to raise his son and attend college classes. He received an Associate Degree in
Electronic Technology and was hired at the James A. Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant as an Instrumentation & Control Technician where he remained until he retired in 2015.
Paul was preceded in death by both of his parents, John and Barbara Heagerty. Brother Dean still missing since 1976.
He is survived by his loving wife, Debra J. Heagerty; his son, Paul N.
Heagerty; three brothers, J. Mark Heagerty (Kathy), Noel R. Heagerty (Caroline), and Michael P. Heagerty (Mary); his stepson, Kyle J. Clark; his stepdaughter, Kaitlyn N. Green (Jacob), and four
step grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papa Jude”; Curtis, Tucker, Alexander, and Emma; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Paul’s memory will live on through the love he gave, the music he played, and the people he held so dear. If you’re having a glass of wine or a fireside chat, or watching reruns of The Three
Stooges or The Honeymooners, please listen for Paul’s laughter and have a toast to him.
The family would like to thank both the Florida Cancer Research Institute and the Upstate Oncology Team in Oswego, NY for the excellent care they gave to Paul.
A celebration of life will be held in his hometown of Oswego, NY at a later date.
Arrangements are in the care of the Dowdle Funeral Home

01/02/2026

James Armand Balmer, 78 of Oswego died at home on December 27, 2025 of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Jim was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing.

Jim was born in Susquehanna, PA, the only child of the late Kenneth and Mary (Battisti) Balmer on December 19, 1947. He graduated from Laurel Hill Academy with a class of 18 students. Jim received his BS in Pharmacy from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1971, and did graduate work at Duquesne University.

Jim is survived by his loving wife and daughter Carol McManus Balmer and Hannah Marie Balmer, sisters in law Judy McManus and Nora Lee, brothers in law Mark (Terry) McManus and James (Tammy) McManus, all of Oswego, and Michael (Karen) McManus of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by several Battisti cousins, particularly his cousin Peggy (Dennis) Wilcox, and many nieces and nephews, as well as his faithful canine companion Simon.

He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved grandmother “Ma” Battisti, his in-laws Francis “Ned” and Doris McManus, his brother in law Robert “Lucky” Lee and his nephew Garret McManus.

He became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service Reserve Corps. He served in the Indian Health Service, working for several years in Tuba City, AZ where he fell in love with Southwest Native culture. Following his service, he worked in Pittsburgh, PA before moving to Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY to be closer to home during his mother’s illness. It was in Cooperstown where Jim began dating fellow ACP alumna Carol McManus.

Jim and Carol were married in Carol’s home town of Oswego in 1983. They worked in Denver and Baltimore before settling in the Denver area for 35 years. Jim and Carol welcomed Hannah to their family in December, 1992. Jim was a devoted father, doing everything he could to help Hannah achieve her dreams.

Jim worked as a clinical pharmacist in Denver area hospitals and eventually retired as a Clinical Advice Pharmacist for Kaiser Permanente Health Systems. He was a member of several professional pharmaceutical organizations.

Jim loved helping people, and when asked what he wanted his legacy to be said, “I would like to be remembered as a helper.” He volunteered at the food pantry at Our Lady of Loretto Parish in Aurora, CO and in retirement drove for Meals On Wheels in the Denver area, where he developed a special bond with many of his clients. He loved to travel and the outdoors, especially hiking in the Rocky Mountains, skiing, camping, reading and he was a true music lover. He was a member of a drum circle in Arvada, CO for many years. He also volunteered for many years with special needs theater groups in Denver.

Following Jim’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis the family moved from Denver to Oswego to be near family. Jim loved his adopted home town of Oswego, especially going to Rudy’s and experiencing our beautiful sunsets together with family. Jim and Simon loved walking all over the town and campus with his beloved dog, Simon.

Friends and family may call at the Balmer family home at 60 West Seneca Street in Oswego on Tuesday, January 6th from 4:00 until 7:00 pm (parking available at St. Mary’s Church on West 7th Street). A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, January 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Christ The Good Shepherd Church, 50 East Mohawk Street in Oswego. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of the Dowdle Funeral Home of Oswego.

Jim was fully committed to helping to find a cure for the disease that took his life. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Jim’s name to:

The Upstate Foundation, Alzheimer’s Research (please specify Fund 027), 750 Adam’s Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 or UpstateFoundation.org

or to

The Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Drive, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or at ALZ.org

01/02/2026

Doris Elizabeth Ringland Porter, age 98, passed peacefully into “her Jesus’” loving arms on December 20, 2025. Born September 4, 1927, Doris was a proud lifelong resident of Oswego, New York.

Doris often testified that her greatest hope was to meet "her Jesus” face to face and to be reunited with her beloved husband and childhood sweetheart, "her Leo”. That hope has now been fulfilled.

Doris’s unwavering love and devotion to our Lord and Savior was inspirational to family and friends and she savored every opportunity and circumstance to share with everyone God’s Plan of Salvation; she always cherished every opportunity to share her personal salvation experience.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leo F. Porter, her parents, Addie M. and James A. Ringland; and her siblings, Genevieve M. Ringland, Helen Blanche Ringland, James B. Ringland, and Mary R. Hooper.

Doris is survived by her children, Nancy L. (Robert H.) Atten and James Ringland (Julie M.) Porter; her granddaughters, Erin E. (Rev. Isai) Bejarano and Jennifer L. (Joshua) Skeans; and the true joys of her life, her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Benjamin, and David Bejarano. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including a favorite nephew “like a son,” James Ringland, and his lovely daughter, Emma Ringland.

Doris married Leo on December 30, 1945, and they shared a happy and devoted marriage until Leo’s passing in October 2020.

After graduating from Oswego High School, Doris worked in the office of the Leo Department Store, then located at the corner of West First and Bridge Streets. Following her marriage, she devoted herself fully to raising her family. She later returned to the workforce, first at Kline’s Department Store and then as a teller at the Marine Midland Bank branch in Raby’s Plaza.

After the passing of her mother, Doris left her professional career to honor a promise to care for her sister, Helen Blanche Ringland, who had Down syndrome. Doris and Leo welcomed Helen into their home, providing her with compassionate and joyful full-time care until Helen went to be with the Lord.

Doris and Leo were faithful members of Bible Baptist Church in Scriba and founding members of the Oswego Alliance Church. Doris lived her life as a testimony to God’s love, grace, and faithfulness, and she earnestly prayed that others would come to know the peace and assurance found only through believing in Jesus Christ.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the loving and compassionate care Doris and Leo received for several years from their devoted caregiver, Deanne Burke, and is also deeply thankful for the kindness and attentive care further provided to Doris in her later years by Renee Lagoe, as well as for the services and guidance of the Oswego Office for the Aging, with special appreciation for Wendy Heretyk's steadfast support.

A celebration of life service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in the spring, with burial to follow

Arrangements are under the care of Dowdle Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered in Doris's memory to the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xIORt5NtkR8
Doris E. Porter Testimony Video Link

12/29/2025

Paul J. Heagerty, 65, a resident of Oswego and Florida passed away on December 24, 2025 at his home in Florida.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Oswego at a time to be announced.

A complete obituary will follow

12/29/2025

Doris Porter, a resident of Oswego passed away on December 20, 2025.

A service will be held in the spring of 2026 at the Page Memorial Chapel at Riverside Cemetery.

A complete obituary will follow.

12/26/2025

Richard D. Favata Sr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, at the age of 79.

Born on February 5, 1946, in Oswego, NY, to the late Dominic and Vileta (Gulliver) Favata, Richard—known lovingly as “Dick”—lived a life defined by love, kindness, and remarkable strength.

At just 16 years old, Dick’s journey of resilience began when he survived a devastating accident that few would have overcome. This early trial became a powerful testament to his courage and unwavering determination—qualities that carried him through life, including his later battle as a lung cancer survivor.

Dick was a proud Iron Worker for much of his adult life, retiring from Iron Workers Local 60. After retirement, he went on to open his own business, Advantage Plus Wholesale and R&F Construction in Oswego, NY.

He had a deep passion for carpentry and found great joy in hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. These simple moments brought him the greatest happiness. Above all, Dick cherished his time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Grandpa, Papa or Bompie as his grandchildren called him was actively involved in their lives from beauty pageants, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, baseball or dance recitals he tried never to miss a thing they were in whether it was in New York, Texas, Georgia or Ohio. He was there in the stands cheering them on. Bompie was a huge Yankee fan and passed that love on to his grandchildren especially Nate and in 2007 they both attended there very first game at Yankee stadium, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Those who knew Dick will remember him for his steadfast strength, perseverance, and the quiet way he made the world better simply by being in it. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Phyllis (Garafolo) Favata; his sons, Richard (Darlene) Favata Jr. of Oswego and Robert
(Melissa) Favata of Georgia; his daughter, Deborah (Tim) Lee of Ohio; his brother, Daniel (Kimberly) Favata of Scriba; his grandchildren, Karissa (Colin) Joyce of Oswego, Brianna (Chase) Izyk of Oswego, Logan Favata of Georgia, Richele Lee of Ohio, and Heaven (Hunter) Lee of Ohio; and his great-grandchildren, Adeline, Quinn, Finnegan, Bentley and ,Godchildren Valerie Raffa and Shirley Jean Davis and many nieces and nephews whom he had silly nicknames for each one of them.

Richard is reunited in peace with his parents, Dominic and Vileta (Gulliver) Favata; his sisters, Karen Burnswick and Susan A. Favata; his nephew Joshua Favata, sister-in-law Patricia Garafolo and his beloved grandson, Nathaniel Lee.

Though deeply missed, Dick will forever remain in our hearts.

A celebration of Dick’s life will held in the summer of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be considered in his memory to the National Council on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the American Cancer Society.

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