Lester F. Schmutzler, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on Oct. 7, 2023, at Iroquois Nursing Home, where he resided for a short time after living a healthy and independent life until his 93rd year.
Lester lived his entire life in Camillus, where he and his wife Ann raised their four children: Tom, Susan, Patty and Bill. In addition to his home in Camillus, Lester loved spending time at his camp on Skaneateles Lake. After purchasing the lake property in 1964, Lester made the camp into a special place. Over the years, he built and expanded his lake home, including an impressive stairway to the water and a permanent dock, largely by himself. He took pride in having his family enjoy the camp, and his extensive garden was the envy of his lake neighbors. He took pleasure in fishing and hunting around the Skaneateles property.
Lester was a masterful toolmaker who spent 34 years working for Carrier Corporation and then, immediately after leaving Carrier, went to work for Syracuse University, where he worked another 29 years until his retirement at the age of 86. Because of his skill, he was entrusted with the most difficult and intricate projects, and he was looked to as a mentor to younger colleagues. Lester was also known for his magnificent sand castings of objects made of bronze, silver and gold.
Lester was predeceased by his wife of 66 years Ann in 2017; his daughter Patricia Schmutzler Geiss in 2007; and his son, William Schmutzler in 2016.
He is survived by his son Thomas Schmutzler (Erminie Izzo); daughter Susan Smith (Thomas); grandchildren Helen Schmutzler, Stephen Schmutzler (Katelyn Lyzwa), Alexandra Smith, Timothy Smith, J.P. Geiss, Gianna Geiss Feder (Dave), and Greggory Geiss; great-grandchildren Evelyn Ann Schmutzler and Aria Schmutzler; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Nov. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the B.L. Bush & Sons Funeral Home, 10 Genesee St., Camillus. A memorial celebration will take place at the funeral home on Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. followed by burial at Greenlawn Cemetery in Warners, N.Y. A reception for family and friends will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Skaneateles Lake Association, PO Box 862, Skaneateles, NY 13152 or online https://skaneateleslake.org/memory-honor-donation.
Please sign his guestbook at blbush.com.
