Obituaries

Obituary of Virginia Holtz

Virginia C. Holtz

Passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2026, at 94.

Predeceased by her husband Robert Holtz; daughter Cherrie; son Gary; and siblings Raymond Howard, Joanne Trussel, and Eugene Howard.

Survived by her loving daughter Kathleen (William) Heinsler, and son Michael Holtz; grandchildren Kimberly (Michael)Rieger, Eric (Nicole) Heinsler, Ken Holtz, Tiffany (Jeremy) Glen, Jessica Holtz, Brittany (Brandon) Apsey, and Justin Holtz; great-grandchildren Michael (Mandie Leckinger) Rieger, Kevin (Kaitlyn) Rieger, Nathan (Maggie Metcalf) Heinsler, Lucas (Olivia Vangelov) Heinsler; great-great-granddaughters Olivia & Ellie Rieger; sisters Mary Lou Pelcher and Margaret (Bob) Weiland; brothers Vernon Howard, Daniel Howard, Patrick Howard; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ginny was a lover of life. She loved shopping, angels, a good Manhattan, and was always the life of the party.

Services will be held privately.

Donations may be made in Ginny’s memory to Sunset House.

“Gone from my sight, but never from my heart.”

Obituaries

Obituary of Jalil Tramel

Mr. Jalil T. Tramel
February 11, 1988 – March 12, 2026

Affectionately known as “Jah,” Mr. Jalil T. Tramel was a proud Rochester native, born on February 11, 1988, to Mr. Anthony Cochran and Ms. Unita L. Tramel. He passed away on March 12, 2026, at Strong Memorial Hospital. Jalil was a devoted father, son, brother, and friend, and he was truly loved by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Jalil leaves to honor his legacy his beloved daughter, Lanyah Tramel; his parents, Anthony (Geneva) Cochran and Unita L. Tramel; his siblings, Jakeem Tramel, Indigo Burnette, Jenae (Alicia) Cochran, Martel Cochran, Denzel Cochran. He also leaves his loving companion, Marshanna Willis, and her son, King Lawrence, whom Jalil helped raise. He is further survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many cherished friends.

Services held privately.

Please feel welcome to leave a message of love below. All flowers may be sent to Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church.

Obituaries

Obituary of Lucinda Franklin

Mrs. Lucinda Rachel Franklin
June 25, 1954 – March 20, 2026

Mrs. Lucinda Rachel Franklin, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the age of 71. Born in Rochester, New York, on June 25, 1954, she was the beloved daughter of the late Frank Thompson, Sr. and Ester Thompson.

Lucinda lived a life rooted in service, compassion, and faith. She dedicated many years to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant at St. John’s Nursing Home, where her kindness touched countless lives. A faithful and active member of the Fifteenth Tabernacle Beth El, she found purpose and community in her spiritual home.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Joann Coley and Carlton Kelly. Cherishing her memory is her son, Archie (Cassandra) Jenkins III; her grandsons, Archie Jenkins IV and Jaden Nelomes; her siblings Sandra Davis, Frank (Gail) Thompson, Jr., Ellie Thompson, and Allen Thompson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 28, from 6–9PM at Dierna Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 29, at 10AM, with visitation from 9–10AM, at the Fifteenth Tabernacle Beth El, 19 Harrison St., Rochester, NY 14605. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

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

Obituaries

Jorge Luis Rivera

Jorge Luis Rivera, a devoted worshiper, musician, and prayer warrior, entered the presence of the Lord on March 20, 2026. Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Jorge later made his home in Rochester, New York, where he became a beloved figure in his family, church, and community.

Jorge lived a life marked by unwavering faith. He loved the Lord deeply and expressed that love through worship, music, and constant prayer. His gentle spirit, steadfast devotion, and willingness to intercede for others touched countless lives. To know him was to witness a man who walked closely with God.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Rivera, and his daughters Wanda Ramos, Natasha Cobb, and Berta Rivera. Jorge was a proud and joyful grandfather to Pedro Rivera, Isabella Rivera, Lilianah Rivera‑Terry, Samuel Rivera, and Sophia Anderson, each of whom brought him immense happiness.

 

A viewing will be held at:

Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Road Rochester, New York 14609 from 8:00 – 9:00 AM

A celebration of his life and faith will follow at:

Pentecostal Holiness Church 939 N Clinton Avenue Rochester, NY 14621 9:30 – 11:30 AM

Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery at 12:00 PM.

Jorge  leaves a legacy of love not only in his children and grandchildren’s hearts but in countless hearts.  His family takes comfort in knowing he is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully.

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35 KJV

 

 

 

Jorge Luis Rivera, un adorador dedicado, músico talentoso y fiel guerrero de oración, partió a la presencia del Señor el 20 de marzo de 2026. Nacido en Cayey, Puerto Rico, Jorge más tarde estableció su hogar en Rochester, Nueva York, donde se convirtió en una figura muy querida por su familia, su iglesia y su comunidad.

Jorge vivió una vida marcada por una fe inquebrantable. Amaba profundamente al Señor y expresaba ese amor a través de la adoración, la música y la oración constante. Su espíritu noble, su devoción firme y su disposición para interceder por otros dejaron una huella imborrable en todos los que lo conocieron. Quienes compartieron con él fueron testigos de un hombre que caminaba de cerca con Dios.

Le sobreviven su amada esposa, Wanda Rivera, y sus hijas Wanda Ramos, Natasha Cobb y Berta Rivera. Jorge fue un abuelo orgulloso y lleno de alegría para Pedro Rivera, Isabella Rivera, Lilianah Rivera‑Terry, Samuel Rivera y Sophia Anderson, quienes fueron una de sus mayores bendiciones.

La velación se llevará a cabo en:

Dierna Funeral Home
2309 Culver Road
Rochester, New York 14609
8:00 – 9:00 AM

El servicio fúnebre se realizará en:

Pentecostal Holiness Church
939 N Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14621
9:30 – 11:30 AM

El entierro tendrá lugar en el Riverside Cemetery a las 12:00 PM.

Jorge deja un legado de amor no solo en los corazones de sus hijos y nietos, sino en innumerables corazones. Su familia encuentra consuelo al saber que ahora está gozando en la presencia del Señor a quien sirvió con tanta fidelidad.

34 Un mandamiento nuevo os doy: Que os améis unos a otros; como yo os he amado, que también os améis unos a otros.

35 En esto conocerán todos que sois mis discípulos, si tenéis amor los unos por los otros.

Juan 13:34-35 Reina Valera

Obituaries, Uncategorized

Miguel A. Velazquez

Miguel A. Velazquez

Passed away on March 13, 2026. He is survived by his wife Ana N. Velazquez, children Miguel Velazquez Jr., Sara Rivera, Nereida Velazquez, and Alberto Velazquez, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Wednesday 3/18 at 7pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. (near Norton St.) and on Thursday at 1pm at the Funeral Home followed by Interment at Riverside Cemetery.

Obituaries

Obituary of Tara Nettles

Tara K. Nettles, affectionately known as “Tara Tulip,” passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family—just one day before her 52nd birthday. Born on March 15, 1974, in Rochester, NY, Tara was the cherished daughter of Danny Nettles and Sandra D. Brown Lewis.

Tara was a radiant light in the lives of all who knew her. She faced her battle with cancer with remarkable courage, unwavering faith, and a strength that inspired everyone around her. She lived a life marked by compassion, resilience, and deep devotion to her family and community.

A dedicated and beloved employee of St. Ann’s Nursing Home, Tara also held various positions throughout her career, always bringing kindness, humor, and a generous spirit to her work. Her coworkers lovingly called her “Tara Tulip,” a name that reflected her bright presence and gentle heart.

Tara leaves to honor her legacy her five children: Rashida, Tashad, Milan, Jordyn, and Jaedyn; four grandchildren; her parents, Danny Nettles and Sandra D. Brown Lewis; and her stepfather, Robert. She is also survived by seven siblings and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 28th at 12:00 PM, with visitation from 10:00 AM to Noon, at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1772 Clifford Avenue. Rev. Dr. Douglas Smith, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be private. Please wear Green to Honor her legacy.

The family invites you to share a message of comfort, remembrance, or love below as they honor Tara’s beautiful life and enduring legacy.

Obituaries

Obituary of Kwame McNeal

Kwame H. McNeal
September 26, 1990 – February 6, 2026

Kwame H. McNeal, affectionately known as the life of the party, was born on September 26, 1990, in Rochester, NY, to Leonard McNeal and the late Jill Washington. Kwame passed unexpectedly on February 6, 2026, at the age of 35.

Kwame was deeply loved by his entire family, who saw him as someone who could do no wrong. His vibrant spirit, humor, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished presence in every room he entered. To know him was to love him.

He leaves to honor his legacy his devoted father, Leonard; ten siblings; many nieces and nephews; and a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 20th at 4:00 PM (visitation from 3:00–4:00 PM) at Dierna Funeral Home.

Interment will be private.

The family kindly asks attendees to wear green in Kwame’s honor. Please leave a message of love below.

Obituaries

Obituary of Christina Stephens

Christina “Chris” Stephens

Passed away on November 12, 2025, at 51.

Predeceased by her parents, Ronald & Diane Stephens.

Survived by her sons, Nikolas (Elizabeth) Stephens, and David (Tal) Kohen; and her grandchildren, Emma Ester Kohen and Ella Kohen.

A Celebration of Christina’s Life will take place Sunday, June 7th. Please reach out to Nik Stephens via Facebook for location.

Obituaries

Obituary of Bernice Price

Sis. Bernice Price, born March 4, 1955, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Robert L. Price and Emma Bronner, entered into eternal rest unexpectedly on February 27, 2026, at the age of 70. Her life was a testament to service, faith, and unwavering love for her family and community.

A devoted member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, Sis. Price served faithfully as Choir Director and Sunday School Teacher. Through music and ministry, she shaped generations—teaching them not only how to find the right note, but how to walk in the Word of God. Her passion for children extended far beyond the church walls, as she spent countless hours tutoring young people throughout the community, offering guidance, encouragement, and a steady presence.

Family was the heart of her world. She will be forever cherished by her two brothers, Alfred (Diane) Price and Robert S. El-Amin; her eight nieces and nephews; and their children, all of whom she adored deeply. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith will continue to live on in each of them.

Sis. Price will also be lovingly remembered by her Antioch Missionary Baptist Church family, who were blessed by her leadership, her voice, and her service for more than half a century.

A Musical Tribute will be held on Friday, March 20th, from 6:30–8:30 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, March 21st at 11:00 AM, both at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 304 Joseph Avenue. Pastor James L. Cherry, Jr. will officiate. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Messages of love and remembrance are welcomed below.

Obituaries

Obituary of Candace “Candy” Collalto

Candace “Candy” Collalto

March 8, 2026 at 77. She is predeceased by her parents Howard and Nellie Miller, siblings Cheri Snyder, Howard (Beverly) Miller, and Natalie LaBella. Survived by her husband Frank Collalto, children Toni Collalto, Tina Collalto, Tricia (John) Morris, and Timothy Russi, grandchildren Justin (Deanna) Collalto, Stephen Collalto, Angelina Willliams, Chessi Russi, Gianna Morris, Nicholas (Nikole) Voegtle, Nathaniel Woods, and Vincent Voegtle; great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was the perfect Mom-always there for school events, Girl Scouts, and family trips. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her children and grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

Calling hours will be Friday March 20th, from 11am to 1pm, followed by her funeral service at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. (near Norton St.) Interment at Holy Sepulchre 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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