Obituaries

Obituary of Richard Palczyk

Richard Palczyk, 68, passed away on April 12, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones.
Rick will be remembered for the love he shared with his family, scratch offs and the Minnesota Vikings. His presence, fun loving personality, and loyalty to those he loved will be deeply missed.
He leaves behind his cherished wife Ellen, children and step children in Kenny (Laura), Jenn, Tim (Kim) and Josh, grand children Olivia, Aniston, Madelyn, James, Sammy and Isabelle, 4 brothers and sisters, a large extended family. Let’s not forget his beloved Jaxx.
A private service to celebrate Rick’s life will be held for immediate family only. A Celebration of Life open to all those who loved him will be held on Thursday 4/16 from 5:30 – 8:00 at Rising Storm at the Mill (1880 Blossom Rd. Rochester, NY 14625). Feel free to wear purple and/or gold in honor of his beloved Vikings to make him smile.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Richard’s memory by spending time with loved ones and appreciating the moments that matter most.
Rick’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Obituaries

Obituary of Norman W. Laudisi

Norman W. Laudisi

Passed away on April 11, 2026. Predeceased by his daughter Juliann, brothers Albert, Richard and William. Survived by his wife Patricia, children Rosemarie (Donald) Liberi, Christine (Paul) Vella, David (Cherieann) and Barbara (Sean) Martens, grandchildren James, Julie (Brian) Walton, Melissa (Kyle) Harling, Daniel, Nicholas, Adam, Kyle, Lily, Amelia and Haley, 3 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Calling hours will be Wednesday April 15th, from 3-7pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday 10am at St. Cecilia Church. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lipson Cancer Center.

Obituaries

Obituary of Madeline Reyes

Madeline Reyes

Passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026. She is survived by her loving family.

Visitation and services will be held on Monday April 13th from 10am-12pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Road, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

 

Obituaries

Obituary of Allen Thompson

Allen Robert Thompson
May 23, 1958 – April 2, 2026

Allen Robert Thompson, a loving father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Born and raised in Rochester, Allen devoted his life to his family and found his greatest joy in the time he spent with them.

He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Frank Sr. and Ester Thompson, as well as his siblings Joann Coley, Carlton Kelly, and Lucinda Franklin. Allen’s memory will forever be cherished by his children, Terence (Lashanda) Reed and Naquita Thompson; his eight grandchildren; and his devoted siblings Sandra Davis, Frank (Gail) Thompson, Jr., and Ellie Thompson. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 19th at 10:30 AM, with visitation from 9:00–10:30 AM, at Fifteenth Tabernacle Beth El, 19 Harrison St., Rochester, NY 14605. A private Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to Dierna Funeral Home. The family invites all who knew and loved Allen to share messages of remembrance and expressions of love.

Obituaries

Obituary of Karolyn Hampton

Karolyn “Karol” Hampton, born June 2, 1951, in Pelham, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at the age of 74. A devoted homemaker, Karol dedicated her life to caring for her family and those she loved. She was the daughter of the late JC Bolden and Violet Swackard, and her warm spirit and unwavering kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Karol was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Stephanie Hampton, Cedric Hampton, and Derek (Ebony) Boyd; five beloved grandchildren; and her brother, Leo “Michael” Metts. She also held a special place in her heart for her two nieces, Wilene Randell and Renee Metts‑Richardson, whom she adored deeply.

Karol’s life was marked by generosity, compassion, and a quiet strength that uplifted those around her. Her legacy lives on in the love she shared and the countless lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11th at 11:00 AM, with visitation from 10:00–11:00 AM, at Dierna Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

The family invites you to share a message of love below to honor Karol’s memory and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.

Obituaries

Obituary of Juanita Maldonado

Juanita Maldonado, age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026, surrounded by her family. Juanita was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Juanita was the daughter of the late Gabriel and Felicita Sanchez Cruz. She was one of at least 20 siblings the couple had.

Juanita is survived by her loving husband Luis “Toñito”, who were married for 57 years, sons; Luis Jr. (Jeanne), Melvin “Mo” (Alejita) and daughter Jenny (Orson). Nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, several brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, April 7th, 4-7PM with a service starting at 7PM. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Obituaries

Obituary of John McMahon

John C McMahon, of Greece, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday March 29, 2026. He was born on July 14, 1961, in Rochester, New York.

John worked for many years as a printer at a local printing press. Outside of his profession, he spent much of his time fishing and hunting. He also had a strong appreciation for dogs and enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia.

He is survived by his brother Ben, his two daughters Jennifer and Rebecca, and by his two beloved grandchildren, Alex and Scarlett who brought him endless joy.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a further date. Jennifer and Rebecca will notify family and friends to gather, share stories, and honor a man whose legacy of love and quiet strength will endure. More details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of donations to the Mental Health Association of Rochester which supports peer-led programs promoting metal well-being and recovery. Mental Health Association of Rochester or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Obituaries

Obituary of Philip Marotta

Philip J. Marotta
December 16, 1948 ~ March 29, 2026
Born in: Brooklyn, New York
Resided in: Rochester, New York

Phil is predeceased by his parents, Salvatore “Sam” and Elizabeth “Betty” Marotta; his brothers Michael and Thomas Marotta; his in- laws Charles and Rosemary Harster, brother in-laws Jack Harster and Roger Fox and his niece Colleen Fox.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Marylou Marrota and his two devoted dogs, Ziva and Jethro; his sister Pattie, brother in-law Jamie and their family; cousin Liz, Felix, Abbey and Family, brother in-law and sister in-law Bob and Sharon Harster; sisters in-law Jean Fox and Nancy Pedini-Marotta, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; close friends Kelvin, Terri and Steve, Diana and Bob.

Phil was a Vietnam Veteran w/101 st Airborne. He was always proud that he served and proud of our country. 4 th of July was his favorite holiday of all. He was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and always stayed true to the “Brooklyn” Dodgers. He enjoyed vacationing with Marylou in the warm climates of Florida and Mexico. He also enjoyed his many visits through his childhood and adulthood back to his roots in the “Big Apple”. He always said there’s nothing like a Coney Island Hot Dog!

He enjoyed his time spent working for Xerox Corporation as a records analyst and the time he spent working at Davenport Machine where he made great connections with the people he worked with.

Through all of Phil’s physical challenges, he found the absolute blessing in each day and recognized that there was always someone who needed more than he. He was a very giving individual.

Phil was one in a million and will be loved and missed always.

Obituaries

Obituary of Vera Eisenman

Vera Eisenman
September 29, 1926 – March 21, 2026

Vera Eisenman, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great- grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 99. Born on September 29, 1926, Vera’s life was a testament to resilience, strength, and unwavering love for her family.

Vera’s journey began in a small village outside Minsk, Belarus, where she left home at the tender age of 17 during the turmoil of WW II. In those difficult times, she met and married her husband Jacob. Together, they faced the horrors of the war and its aftermath, which included searching for Jacob’s family in Poland, only to discover the heartbreaking truth that they had all perished during the Holocaust.

In October 1960, with hope and determination, Vera and Jacob embarked on a new chapter, leaving their home behind and setting sail for America with their four young children. Speaking no English, and sponsored by Jacob’s uncle, they arrived in New York City with just a few belongings. Their plans changed when the uncle discovered Vera was not Jewish, and retracted his sponsorship. Stranded, they were then assisted by the Rochester Jewish Welfare and settled in Rochester where the garment industry thrived and Jacob could find work in tailoring at Projansky’s.

Despite these challenges, Vera’s resolve only strengthened. She attended night school to learn English, worked cleaning houses, and was employed as a seamstress. She also had a fifth child.

Vera’s life was defined by hard work, love for her family, and a deep connection to the world around her. She and Jacob saved every penny they could and purchased their first home after only three years in the United States, achieving the ‘American Dream” of home ownership. Years later, after saving more, borrowing some, they opened their own custom tailoring shop in W. Irondequoit, where they worked side by side, building a business and giving family members and friends a place to help and make some extra cash. “Jacob’s Tailor Shop” still stands on Titus Ave., near the House of Guitars.

A woman of many passions, Vera was a gifted seamstress, an avid reader, a lover of animals – especially cats. She took great joy in cooking, whereby her matzo ball soup and “plotskis” (potato pancakes) were legendary. She enjoyed gardening, hosting family dinners, playing dominoes, and feeding the birds. Her nurturing spirit and love of life will be deeply missed, by all who knew her.

Vera is predeceased by her husband, Jacob, grandson Michael, and daughter-in-law, Billie. She is survived by her five children, Anna Arcoleo (Angelo), Michael Eisenman, Roza Eisenman, Ella Eisenman (Lisa Van Parys), and David Eisenman (Carolyn); her 8 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Vera’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, humor, wisdom, and unyielding spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lollipop Farm, in honor of Vera’s love of animals.

SERVICE: A private family service will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery on May 22nd.
CELEBRATION of LIFE: Family and friends are invited to celebrate Vera’s life on May 22nd, 4:00pm at 159 Mont Morency Dr., Greece, NY 14612.

Obituaries

Obituary of Michael Atanas

Michael Atanas

Passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at 86.

Predeceased by his parents Gorgi & Maria, and brother Tome.

Survived by his wife, Zorka; children Meri (Chris) Sorci and John (Katya) Atanas; grandchildren Olivia, Mariah, Adam, and Matthew; brothers Petar (Jeannie) Atanas and Louie (Vickie) Atanas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Michael would make a friend anywhere he went and he was always the first to offer a helping hand. He loved to fish, enjoyed being a part of his walking group at the mall, volunteering at his church, and loved working outside.

His funeral will be Thursday, April 2nd at 10AM at St. Dimitria Macedonian Orthodox Church, 235 Telephone Rd. Henrietta. Interment Webster Rural Cemetery.

Founded in 1961, Dierna Funeral Home has been a trusted part of the Rochester community for generations. We honor our roots by providing compassionate, dignified service, clear guidance, and sincere support to every family, today and in the years ahead.

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