Category: Obituaries

Carl passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 15, 2024, 3 days before his 88th birthday, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

Carl is predeceased by his 4-year-old son Michael Thomas Becks; his parents Karl and Cora Becks; his brother A. Frederick Becks; his sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Karl Sperber; and his brothers in law John Frank and Thomas Falzone.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce (Falzone) Becks; his children Debra (Richard) Cooper, Eric Becks, Sandra (Floyd) Cole of VA, and Carla (Peter) Maio; his 4 grandchildren Richard (Leslie) Cooper III, Joseph (Megan) Cooper, Patrick & Mia Cole both of VA; 3 great grandchildren Liam Cole of VA, Richard Thomas Cooper IV and Grant Cooper; his sisters Coralie (William) Hinchcliffe, Mary Frank of TN; sister-in-law Joyce Becks; and several nieces and nephews.

Carl had many hobbies in life. Taking the children and grandchildren fishing, summer and winter was a big part of it. He enjoyed traveling and wherever he went there was always a fishing pole close at hand. He has fished the entire eastern seaboard from New Jersey to Key West, as well as the lakes and bays of New York and parts of Canada. When he wasn’t fishing he could be seen riding his bicycle to and from work or on a leisure ride with the family. He also enjoyed leisure rides, racing and overnight camping trips with the Rochester Bicycling Club of which he was a founding member. In the winter he loved taking the whole family cross country skiing in Durand Eastman Park. Having grown up nearby he knew his way around every back road, trail and path throughout the park so we were never lost. In the spring he’d have all the kids out picking dandelions for his famous (among family & friends) dandelion wine. Summertime always meant taking the family tent camping to the beaches of New Jersey, Virginia and N. Carolina. In his retirement years he enjoyed “camping” with Joyce in their luxury camper in the fall at the outer banks of N. Carolina and winters in the Florida Keys.

Carl’s family would like to give a big “Thank you” to the staff at Brook at High Falls Nursing Home for all their TLC during his final years.

Calling hours will be Friday December 20th, from 10AM-12PM, followed by his funeral service at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be made to St. Jude children’s Hospital in Memphis TN in Carl’s honor.

Jeannette L. Ross

Passed away on December 7^th, 2024 at age 69. She is survived by her husband of 49 years Richard, daughters Jennifer ( Roman) Warchol and Samantha (Nick) Dimeo, grandsons Brandon, James, Niko and Anthony, sister Nina (Nick) Paycoff, brother Russell (Debra) Brewerton, many nieces and nephews.

Donations can be made in her memory to Lollypop Farm.

Pearl Almast Shakarjian

Irondequoit- Born in Pontiac, MI November 26, 1934. Passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family on November 25, 2024 at age 89.

Survived by her husband of 70 years, Zakar Peter Shakarjian and their children; Michael, Mark (Carol), Tamara (Charles Hon), Patricia (Daniel Theodore), Paul, and brother Misak Hairabedian (Gwen) of Birmingham, MI along with nieces and nephews.

Pearl loved being a mother to her five children. She was known for her generous friendly nature and welcoming home. Pearl was young at heart and full of joy, prone to sing or dance at any moment.

Predeceased by her parents Yeghsapet and Zakar Hairabedian, her brother Georgie, her in-laws Araxie and Aristakes Shakarjian, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Louise “Margie” (Brownell) and Edward.

Calling hours will be Sunday December 1st, 1-4pm at Dierna Funeral Home, 2309 Culver Road, Irondequoit. Funeral services will be held Monday 12pm at Incarnation Episcopal Church, 1957 Five Mile Line Road, Penfield. Interment Irondequoit Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to: The Glaucoma Foundation (glaucomafoundation.org) or Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, Greece NY.

John Coushaine of Fairport, NY, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024. He was born in Buffalo, New York to the late Charles and Amelia (Tulowecki) Coushaine. John was predeceased by his beloved wife, June, and his brother, Charles. John is survived by his daughters, Valerie and Patrice; his granddaughter, Samara Selden, his nephew, Stan (Roseanne) Konopko; his sister, Kathy (Pat) Ferrara, and his trusted caregiver, Maureen Stevens.
A well-respected accountant, John began his career with the IRS before moving on to Marine Midland, and ultimately, to Viele, Solimano, Swagler & Chapman. After his semi-retirement (he continued working until 82!), he traveled extensively. His late wife, June, was the adventurous spirit in their relationship,
dreaming up trips and experiences to explore the world, from rafting the rapids of Alaska to marveling at the pyramids of Egypt. June inspired him to step out of his comfort zone, leading to unforgettable experiences. John was an avid radio control airplane builder and flyer, a passion that sometimes led to lighthearted conflict with June, as his office and workshop was often filled with planes, some in various stages of construction or repair. He faced the inevitable crashes with good humor, recounting the disasters that accompanied this hobby. John was an avid fisherman and boater. He and June enjoyed many summers at their cottage on Goose Bay in the Thousand Islands and graciously shared their home with many friends and family. John proudly served in the army during the 1950’s, stationed at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona. His service exemplified his dedication and commitment to others.
Known for his calm demeanor and dry sense of humor, John retained his wit even in the face of health challenges in his later years. When once asked how to keep a woman happy, he humorously replied, “Keep your mouth shut.”
John’s legacy will be cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the joy he brought into the lives of those around him.
Funeral services will be at a later date and will be announced in the Democrat and Chronicle when available.

Amy Beth Pizzingrilli

November 18, 2024. Safe in the arms of Jesus. Predeceased by her brothers Mark and Aaron, grandparents Tony and Ann Romano and Joseph and Josephine Pizzingrilli. Survived by her parents Ron and Carla, brother Scott (Sue), aunts Mary Grace Colucci, Cindy DiMascio, and Tammy Romano, uncle Gary Pizzingrilli, many nieces and cousins.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, at 11AM at Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church, 48 South Estate Dr. Webster, NY.  No prior calling hours. Private Interment.

Irma Hardock

November 21, 2024 at age 94. Predeceased by her parents David and Elise, brother Ewald and sister-in-law Anna. Survived by her nieces Linda Hardock and Anita Hardock-Gelabert, great nephew David Gelabert, great niece Annaliesa Detlef, great-great nephews Brayden Detlef and Nickolas Detlef, she also leaves many other relatives in Germany, the U.S. and Australia.

Irma immigrated to the United States with her family in 1952. She worked for many years at Tropel Optics and enjoyed swimming, walking and line dancing.

Calling hours will be held at Dierna Funeral Home on Monday, November 25th, from 11-1PM with a prayer service held at 1PM followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Lollypop Farm.

Teresa “Terry” Denaro (Capizzi)

Alexander Jaunutis Gečas, 88, of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully on October 27th, 2024.

Alexander was born 10/09/1936 in Tytuvėnai, Lithuania, the son of Vladas and Lydija (Hermanas).

Alexander immigrated to Herreid, South Dakota, and graduated high school in Chicago, Illinois. He then went on to the University of Illinois, earning a B.S. degree in Geological Sciences. Later, he earned a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Rochester.

Alexander honorably served as a physical science assistant in the US Army Signal Corps 1st Division from 1960-1962. He was also the Post Commander for American Legion Post 134, Irondequoit, NY.

Alexander married Ruth [Sikstenas] on 1/11/1975 in Rochester, NY. He is survived by his wife Ruth, four children, Audrone, Lina (Scott), Rama (Karan), Arunas (Alyson), and grandchildren Allen John, Andrew, Asha, Priya, and Vidiya.

Alexander was an Earth Science teacher at Greece Olympia High School for 28 years.

Alexander was a world traveler, skilled outdoorsman, avid fisherman, and gardening enthusiast. He enjoyed dancing, joking, and telling stories of his many adventures.

Alexander was a member of St. George’s R.C. Lithuanian church in Rochester, NY, where he also served as a youth and scout director for many years. As an active member of the Lithuanian American Community in Rochester, he directed the Lithuanian radio program “Dainos Aidas” for 20 years, and was director of the Lithuanian School.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 150 Varinna Dr. Rochester NY, 14618 on Friday, November 1st, at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations in Alexander’s memory may be directed to Honor Flight of Rochester.

Amalie “Molly” McBride (Daffner)

Rochester- passed away on October 25, 2024 at age 95. She is predeceased by her husband Charles W., children Albert and Gary McBride, Annette Hume, Charlene Holland, and grandson Rich Iannone.

Beloved mother of Charles A. (Victoria) and Mark (Susan), loving grandmother of Charles, Trevor, Bethany, Jonathan, Casey, Chelsie and Adam. She also leaves her great grandchildren, nieces Trudy and Sally Rose, many other nieces and nephews.

Molly’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday November 4^th, 10:30am at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. Interment Riverside Cemetery.