In Memory of those who blessed our church and have gone “Home”.
1948 – February 7, 2020
Ann wanted to be at her Celebration of Life February 9, 2020. But as our Paster said, “for once, she arrived early. Sadly, Ann passed away on Friday the 7th, 2 days before her planned event. But we all know that she was still there.
In addition, another faithful member of our congregation and our praise team, Ann Barnes, was diagnosed with cancer last week and shockingly, has been given weeks to live. Her wishes, and our hopes, are that she will still be alive on Sunday, February 9 when she would like to be present with us for a celebration of her life in the sanctuary at 11:30AM after our regular worship service and church school are over. She will then be ‘throwing a party’ (open house) immediately following the service in Fellowship Hall, until 2:30 PM. A simple lunch will be available in Fellowship Hall following the celebration service in the sanctuary.
If Ann passes away before February 9, the celebration and party will still take place as it is planned.
Please spread the word to any of Ann’s friends you may know and plan on joining her.
In the meantime, Ann has asked folks to please not call her or stop by as she is currently trying to navigate the challenging way ahead and deal with the shock of this news in the midst of very severe physical pain. If you’d like to help out with food, as Ann is able to tolerate small portions of specific items, please reach out to Jackie Guercio @ 315-487-8029.
Sadly, Ann didn’t last to her Celebration of Life. The party went on as she requested. There was plenty of music and sharing.
Peace be with you Ann
February 1, 1953 – January 4, 2022
David Brissenden left an empty chair in the back of the church and a void in all our hearts on January 4th 2022. When David first came to OHPC, he walked in quietly with a smile on his face and proceeded to take a seat in the rear of the church. There he would sit for years to come. But David didn’t just sit, he got involved. In everything. He was tall and muscular but as gentle as they come. Hence, he received the nickname “The Gentle Giant”. When I would shake his hand, he had a firm grip and it felt the size of a baseball mitt. He would laugh when I would tell him that. Like so many others in our church, David was always willing to help. Especially when it came time to take on the role of Jesus in our re-enactment of the “Last Supper”. Then, those same baseball mitt hands transformed into celestial glory as he passed the cup and the bread. And lastly, those same hands saw fit to write and send Cards to “everyone” during Christmas.
David blessed our church with his presence and is greatly missed. Thank you David, It was an honor to be called your friend. ~Steve Arnold
Eulogies from FaceBook:
• Uncle Dave, as I looked outside at the beautiful sunset this evening, I had no doubt that your soul was out there amongst the bold colors and brilliant clouds smiling down upon us. In your life you demonstrated kindness, generosity, humor and patience. You will be greatly missed…..until our paths meet again.
• Truly a gentle and kind man. David, I am sure the you and Peter and Mark are having a glad ‘hilltop” reunion!
• I was saddened to hear of David’s passing. It was an honor and privilege to have known him. I will remember his kindness and the twinkle in his eye when he shared stories about his family and church friends. And…..always receiving a Christmas card delivered with a smile!
January 5, 1932 – November 17, 2023
Joan Edna Bullock, 91, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023, at the Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center. Joan was born in Syracuse on January 5, 1932 to Lester and Clara Finney.
Joan was a life-long resident of the Syracuse area. She attended school in Syracuse, graduating with honors from Syracuse Central High School in January, 1950. In August, 1954, she married World Warr II veteran Leonard J. Erwin. They subsequently built a house on Onondaga Hill, where they raised two fine sons, Bradley and Gordon. Their family enjoyed travelling around central New York, and especially enjoyed many summer vacations in Maine.
After her husband, Leonard, passed away in June, 1989, she began a new career as a librarian at the Syracuse University Library and secretary at the Dean of Men office. Later she was a secretary/counselor at the Westhill Middle School, where she helped many a young student thru difficulties, serving there for over 30 years. Before and after retirement, she was a very faithful member of the Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church (OHPC), serving in many important capacities and participating in numerous church activities over several decades. She will be sorely missed by all her many friends and former colleagues.
On November 28, 2012, she married Charles E. Bullock of North Syracuse, where they have resided ever since.
Joan is survived by her Husband, Charles; her two Sons, Bradley (Tamara) and Gordon (Therese); and Grandsons, Brandon, Ross, Luke, Joe, and Jay. She is also survived by her Brother, Bruce Finney (Diane) of Rotunda West, Florida.
Calling hours will be 9:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, November 25, at New Comer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, North Syracuse. Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, November 26, at the Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church (OHPC), 4797 Makyes Road, Syracuse, with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be at the Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery on Howlett Hill Road, off Route 173 on Onondaga Hill at a later date.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to a memorial fund at Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church.
September 12, 1926May 27, 2023
Mary K. Coon, 96, passed away peacefully May 27. Mary was a graduate of Syracuse University and a Solvay school nurse for 23 years. She was community minded and served on many committees for her alumni, schools and her church. Mary was on the founding committee for the Onondaga Free Library. She enjoyed golf, entertaining and gardening. She was predeceased by her husband Ralph and her son David.
Mary is survived by her sons, Bob and Chris (Kay); daughter, Leslie (Art) Roberts; grandchildren, Joe and Tori Coon, Artie and Sara Roberts, Melissa (Rob) Helck, and Catherine Mary and James. Calling hours Friday, June 2, from 3 to 5pm, with a service following at 5pm at Butler-Badman Funeral Home, 4504 W. Seneca Tpk., Syracuse. Interment at Mosswood Cemetery, Cotuit, MA at a later date. Donations in memory of Mary can be made to the Onondaga Free Library or Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church
Sitting in the living room or at the kitchen table with Mary, just talking, was like leaving the hustle and bustle behind and just being in the moment. Time wasn’t relevant any more. We were just reminiscing or discussing new ideas or even talking about “stuff”. It was great. Time would usually overpower us and we would need to say our goodbyes quickly. To be visited again on another day.
Mary, I miss those conversations. But we can still have them just before I fall asleep sometimes. Peace be with you my friend. ~ Steve Arnold 
Thanks to Mary’s daughter Leslie, I have some wonderful pictures to share. The smile that lights up her eyes.
Always greeted you with a smile. Almost always. LOL
Are you sure you didn’t want another cookie?
Looks like when I was helping Mary with computer training.
Various pictures.
June 19, 1925 – January 23, 2020
As many of you may know, Ralph Coon, a faithful and long-time member of OHPC who served our Lord Jesus in so many different ways over the years, died on Thursday, January 23, 2020 after a long illness. He was 94 years old. Mary was able to be with him an hour before he died and she and her family would like to invite us to celebrate Ralph’s life with them…and to bear witness to the resurrection, at a service here at OHPC at 2:00 PM, Tuesday February 4th. The service will be followed by light refreshments, served in Fellowship Hall, where Mary and the family will greet us. There will be no other formal calling hours.
The Hospitality Committee was able to get members of the church to provide baked goods (cookies, pies, cakes, etc.) for the Memorial Service February 4, 2020
Ralph was a mentor, teacher and friend. He was a blessing to everyone that met him. May you rest in peace and cause a little mischief in heaven! I know you will!
January 12, 1942 – February 7, 2025
James Edward Doss (Jim) passed away on February 7, 2025 after a brief illness. Jim will be remembered for his many art contributions in and around the Syracuse/Nedrow and surrounding areas as he was the creative genius of “Doss Art” for 33 years.
Jim served proudly in the United States Air Force. He was a fire-fighter for the Syracuse Airport and a volunteer for the Nedrow Fire Department. He was also an EMT with Eastern Ambulance.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Herman, mother Dorothy, and brother Martin. He leaves to cherish an expansive memory by his wife Anne; daughters Cheryl, Lynn (Kevin), and Kris (Dave); stepchildren Todd (Meghan), Joel (Natalie), Ernie (Cindy), Billy (Andrea), Jeremy (Trish), and Katie (Forrest); his nephew Alex, cousins, and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim’s friends and all those lives he touched will forever be blessed with his contagious laugh and love of life.
A Calling hour was held on February 18 from 10:30-11:30am, with a service that followed at 11:30am at Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church. A celebration of Jim’s life was held in his honor at the Valley American Legion, 110 Academy St., Syracuse, NY 13207, from 2-4pm.
On a personal note…
I need to add a Facebook post that Jim’s wife Anne, wrote on his birthday. Truer words could never be spoken about Jim. Anne, thank you for this post! ~Steve Arnold
Did you ever meet anyone who was just…. “good”? Someone who helps you at all costs? Someone who minds their own business and expects you to do the same? Someone who will overlook your faults to take a chance.. knowing they may be the one to “go down”…I know this person. Happy birthday to Jim Doss…one of the most giving, loving people I get to call my husband!!! Enjoy your very special day!!! You are loved!!!!
January 2, 1928 – March 2, 2025
Bunky may have been born in 1928 and passed away in 2025, but those who knew her, can attest to the fact that she lived her life in the “Dash” between those dates. She made good use of that dash and we will never forget that. It was an honor to have known you Bunky!
~ Steve Arnold
Marie Ochsner Johnson, 97, better known to most as “Bunky”, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2025. Born on January 2, 1928, Bunky lived on Onondaga Hill her entire life. She was the daughter of Anthony and Mary (Day) Ochsner, and sister to Edith Bartlett and Stella Dudeney. She was married in May of 1956 to William Johnson.
Bunky was a graduate of Central High School and worked at NY Telephone Company for 17 ye
ars. She left the phone company to stay at home with her two daughters. Over the years, Bunky worked part-time at St. Ann’s School, Witherills Department Store, and Marshalls Department Store. In addition, she wo
rked the election polls in the Town of Onondaga.
Bunky was a member of Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church and its Circle 1 Group. She was a member of the Town of Onondaga Senior Center, Town of Onondaga Historical Society, Onondaga Hill Old-Timers, and “honorary member” of the Sears Ladies Group/Fairmount and Camillus. She also shared her time with husband Bill, when his credit union career as President/CEO of Empire (Empower) Federal Credit Union called.
Celebrating 80 years as a member of Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church
It was Bunky’s keen sixth sense which was always spot on, as was her spunkiness and apt for fashion. She was our social butterfly who always loved being with family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Ron) Welles of Onondaga Hill, NY; and Sandy (Lance
) Tucker of Goodlettsville, TN; granddaughters, Carly (Michael) Quinn and Kirby (Dylan) Dixon; great-granddaughter,Clover Quinn; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
On behalf of Bunky, the family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers. You are all angels walking this earth.
Calling hours were on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 9am to 11am at Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church, 4797 Makyes Road, Syracuse. The funeral service followed at 11am. Burial was at South Onondaga Cemetery. A celebration luncheon followed.
In lieu of flowers, many contributions were made in Bunky’s name to the Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church and the Town of Onondaga Senior Center.
1955 – December 23, 2018
This “In Memory of” page was originally created from the loss of our dear friend Doug Miller. It was so well received that I decided to extend the warmth and love of others in our church that we lost and so dearly miss.
So Doug, you live on, as do all the others in this page, as a candle for all to see.
~ Steve Arnold
Doug Miller December 23rd, 2018
More pictures of Doug.
Above is how Doug left his gloves on the drums faithfully after each service. His gloves will be handed down to his good friends and fellow drummers / percussionist, Carter & Skylar Buckman.
Eulogies from FaceBook:
This Christmas, our OHPC family lost a piece of its heart with the sudden passing of Doug Miller on Sunday morning. Doug was a light in our church with his beaming smile and warming personality. You could hear his love for the Lord through his music, you could fell his love for others through his hugs and outgoing greetings. It’s difficult to put into words the impact Doug’s death has on our close-knit church family, but it’s nearly impossible to describe the impact Doug’s life had on everyone who knew him. Please keep his family and our OHPC family in your prayers. At this point in time, we know that it was Doug’s wish for there to be no calling hours, so the plan will be to celebrate his life at a memorial service at OHPC on New Years’ Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 10:00 AM.
- Doug Miller walked the walk, and was truly one in a million. He was a generous and caring person
- I am devastated. We have lost a great person. I have lost a friend, an amazing human being, an inspiring man. This unexpected news is terrible. I would love to talk to him just one more time, and thank him for being who he was.
- Words cannot express the sadness
- What a huge void..and what huge footsteps to follow in.. but what a privilege to do so
All of us at the Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church suffered a devastating loss today of our church member and good friend, Doug Miller. December 23rd 2018 will be forever etched in the hearts of all of us. Heaven may have received a new angel today but we lost so very, very much with his passing.
Our 26 member Cantata group had our dress rehearsal, with Doug just yesterday. The difficult task of singing our cantata this morning was singing it without Doug. We made it through by singing it in his honor despite the ache in our hearts.
Doug was an icon in the church and truly loved by all who were blessed by his presence. To name only a few areas Doug’s shoes filled are: taking care of icy walkways, working on Session, playing the drums for the Praise team, point man for any of the BBQ’s and Dinners, known for his deep voice and saying “Reverend” to Bob. I could go on and on. Doug, I’m going to miss talking with you so very much as will everyone else. Thank you for all you’ve done in our church and in our lives that blessed us with your presence. This hurt will take time to fade but you will remain with us in our hearts and memories forever. When God greeted you at the gate this morning, I’m sure he said “Well done, Good and Faithful Servant. I’m also positive that in the time you’ve been there today, you’ve already scheduled a chicken BBQ. And God smiled.
Peace be with you my friend.
- He subbed during lunches at Marcellus….he’ll be missed
- Never met a kinder person. Never
- Loved to sing with him. Miss him already
- Hard to imagine OHPC without him in the picture. So sad.
- I’m sorry I never had the chance to get to know Doug well. But I sure love hearing all the stories about Doug at OHPC and other places he’s worked and volunteered. A huge loss for our church and community. For those who sang the Contata so beautifully despite your grief and heartbreak God gave you the courage to carry on and sing through your tears. God Bless you all for wonderful singing during a difficult time.
- Kind, gentle, energetic, and loud . That’s how I’ll remember Doug. Always moving, doing, supporting people, laughing, ready with a hug. He was a foundation of church life for two congregations as long as we knew him. He’ll be greatly missed by so many
- I only hope he knew just how much he was loved and by how many. He wasn’t one to compare and preferred being viewed from the sideline. But if our love for him trickles through Heavens gate, they are receiving a flood right now.
- This man meant a lot for many people. His work and attitude affected us all. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. He amazing character traits and his toughness made him a person anyone can relate to him. That is what is needed to be remembered about this kind hearted, helpful, and all around amazing man.