Category: Obituaries

John William Gulisano “Pops”, an amazing father, partner, friend, and Papa at the young age of 69 has passed away after years of many health complications.

John is survived by his children, Lisa (Rob), Lori (Mark), Nick, Andrea (Sam), and Carla (Jesse); grandchildren Jj, Ella, Ava, and Antonio; great grandson, Kasai; Luis, who was like a second son to him, and many friends and family.

He is predeceased by his parents Sam Gulisano and Ruth Milbourne; great Aunt, Frances Gulisano, his first wife, Joanne; second wife, Sharon and many lifelong friends and family.

John was a strong, resilient, and spiritual man who overcame many hardships throughout his life but no matter what obstacles he faced, he always got right back up ready for the next challenge.

He was a devoted loving father with an amazing sense of humor that always brightened people’s day. He loved to be around people and so much, so it was hard to go anywhere with him without someone knowing him. He was always kind and empathetic to everyone around him, a great problem solver, and the person that everyone would go to when they had an issue as he naturally knew the right thing to do. He was just an overall good hearted family guy and especially adored his grandkids. He always looked forward to setting up his garden every year, cooking, and loved hosting events at his house. Not only did he have a passion for whipping up a great meal, but he was considered to be a “world class chef” to his family, friends and even people just passing by. John loved getting into a good political debate, was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back, lift you up if you were down, never judge you and make you laugh til you cried with his stories & humor. He will be deeply missed by everyone.

A gathering for friends and family will be held Thursday March 12, 2026, 5-7pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd.; Mass at Holy Cross Church 4492 Lake Ave on Friday March 13, 2026, at 10:30am and Burial Services at White Haven Memorial Park in the Orchid Mausoleum.

David J. Ruggeri

March 9, 2026. Age 65. Predeceased by his parents Samuel P. and Carmela Ruggeri, brother Richard. He is survived by his children Bryan (Jennifer), Jacob (Madison) Ruggeri, Amanda (Steve) Wetzel, Megan (Tom) Winnick, their mother Martha and grandchildren Mason and Miles Wetzel. Brother Samuel (Domnika) and sister Nancy Piccarreto, nieces Ariel Ruggeri, Kristen Kennedy, nephews Nicholas and Joseph Piccarreto. He is also survived by many special cousins and friends.

He was a master carpenter and loved his motorcycles and vintage cars but most of all he loved his family.

No calling hours. Burial shall be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Dimitri House, 102 N. Union St. Rochester, NY 14607.

Stephen Paul Reynolds, born March 5, 1951, passed away peacefully from complications of diabetes the day after celebrating his 75th birthday. Steve was many things: talented creative, soccer fanatic, member of Mountain Rise United Church of Christ, Type 1 diabetic, table tennis maven, hopeless romantic, avid cyclist, stalwart enforcer of the University of Rochester’s logo standards, dog lover, softball player, and – thanks, in part, to his advocacy for LGBTQ rights – a man widely hailed as “the coolest straight guy you’ll ever meet.”

But above all, Steve was a parent.

For Steve, “parent” was not a title bestowed upon the birth of a child; it was something earned by choosing, over and over, to love someone different than you, simply because they needed it. Steve devoted his life to parenting as a youth group leader at Mountain Rise, as a coach on numerous sports teams, as “Mister Steve” to the kids on Da Vinci Drive, and as an uncle to his nieces and nephews in the Reynolds and Dwyer families, who inspired his life-defining choice to be a father to Emma and Conor. That choice set a precedent at the University of Rochester, where Steve fought hard to become the first person to take paternity leave. Steve’s immense legacy is how those he parented have chosen to be a leader, make a difference, and treat others as they wish to be treated.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 PM at Mountain Rise UCC (2 Mountain Rise, Fairport, NY, 14450). If you wish to honor Steve, you can contribute to the American Diabetes Association, perform a random act of kindness for someone you don’t know, or, if you were one of the many people parented by him, simply be the kind of person he raised you to be.

Joan F. “Joanie” Hill
January 28, 1962 – March 4, 2026

Franklin Crisler, Jr.
1937-2026

A Time to be Born

Franklin Crisler, Jr., age 88, was born June 18, 1939, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, to the late Louvenia Pendleton and Frank Crisler Sr. He peacefully transitioned on February 26, 2026, having lived a life characterized by service, devotion, wisdom, and unwavering love for God and his family.

A Time to Serve

Franklin proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, reflecting his commitment to leadership, brotherhood, and lifelong learning.

As a hardworking man of exceptional discipline and dedication, Franklin was employed by Xerox Corporation for over 40 years, where he faithfully served until his retirement. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in every area of his life.

A Time to Love and be Loved

A defining moment in Franklin’s life was meeting Jewel, the woman who would become his lifelong partner. At their first encounter, he looked at her with confidence and said, “You are going to be my wife one day.” She stood there surprised and shocked by such an emphatic statement. What began as a bold declaration developed into a beautiful love story. His declaration proved true, and Jewel became the love of his life. They were wedded in 1964, and the two of them shared many years of marital bliss. Franklin remained a devoted, faithful and loving husband and provider throughout their journey together. He was the head of his household and a true protector of his wife and two children. He took great pride in providing for his family and ensuring their needs were met. He was a present and loving father—supportive, and deeply involved, guiding his children with wisdom courage, and love. He represented strength and courage in every season of life.

Franklin joined Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, where he worshipped faithfully under the leadership of Reverend Jackson. His faith in God remained an important foundation in his life, and he carried that faith with him in how he treated others with kindness, wisdom, and integrity. He was a dedicated servant in Christ and to the church. A man of God, Franklin shared wisdom freely. He loved telling stories about what life was like when he was younger, teaching lessons about perseverance, faith, and resilience. People often came just to sit with him and listen because his words carried experience, truth, and understanding.

Franklin loved to play his father’s guitar for his father was the founder of the Mississipi gospel singing group, The Jackson Southernaires. Franklin was so very proud of his father and all of his accomplishments. He enjoyed watching old western movies, fishing, traveling, playing pool, swimming, going to the YMCA, cooking (especially frying fish), and going for long drives with his beloved wife. He also loved talking on the CB radio, where he was known by his handle name, “Meat Skin.” He will be remembered as a man of many talents, including playing the guitar, singing, solving mathematical problems, and saving money. One of his special songs was “Nee Na Nae” which he sung as a lullaby. He was admired, respected, and loved by many. His wisdom, knowledge, sense of humor, leadership, kind heart, and straightforward demeaner which had such an impact on countless individuals, will never be forgotten. His special tone of voice when asking someone: “Bring me a Pepsi and a cup of ice” still resonates in our ears.

A Time of Cherished Memories

Franklin is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Crisler Sr. and Louvenia Pendleton; his siblings: Howard Crisler and Jerry Pendleton, both of Chicago, Illinois, Donnie Pendleton and Stanley Pendleton, both of Jackson, Mississippi.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Jewel Crisler; two children, Frank (Cindy) Crisler and Denoris Crisler, all of Rochester, New York; grandchildren: Kerima Crisler, Marquese Crisler, Frank D. (Devon) Crisler, Imani Crisler, and Essence Brownlee; great-grandchildren: Madison Crisler, Marquese Jr., Kareem Beasley, K’von Beasley Crisler, and Kehlani Beasley Crisler; siblings: Madis Lacy, Carolyn Evans, Clarence Pendleton, and Fred Culver along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 13th at Noon (Visitation 11-Noon) at the Mircale Valley Deliverance Church, 290 North St. Interment Riverside Cemetery.

Ms. Hazel Elizabeth Jones
November 22, 1938 – February 22, 2026

Hazel Elizabeth Jones was born on November 22, 1938, to the union of Howard Jones
and Christine Gordon. She began her journey surrounded by family and love, which
would become the foundation of her beautiful life.
In 1942, Hazel and her family relocated from New Jersey to Rochester, New York,
where she would plant deep roots and build a lasting legacy. She attended Our Lady of
Mercy and later Franklin High School, forming friendships and memories that would
carry her through the years.
In the summer of 1956, Hazel met Willie B. Washington. From that union, two beloved
children were born, Cathy and Curtis Washington. Family was the heart of Hazel’s
world. She poured her love, wisdom, and strength into each generation, always making
sure her family knew they were cherished.
Hazel worked faithfully for many years at Harris Corporation until her well-earned
retirement. She carried herself with quiet strength, dedication, and pride in everything
she did.
Raised in the Episcopal faith, Hazel was a devoted member of Saint Simon’s Episcopal
Church in Rochester, New York. Her faith remained her anchor and guiding light
throughout her life. Through every season, she leaned on her belief in God, and it
carried her with grace.
Hazel found joy in simple and meaningful things. She loved spending time with her
friends and family, especially sitting on her porch, catching up, sharing stories, and
enjoying laughter that filled the air. Those porch conversations were more than
moments — they were memories in the making.
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Hazel peacefully answered the Lord’s call and went
home to be with Him. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing she has
received her eternal rest.
Hazel was preceded in death by her father, Howard Jones; her mother, Christine
Gordon; her grandmother, Hazel Gordon; her sister, Yvonne Jackson; and her great-
granddaughter, Trinity Dempsey.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her longtime companion, Edward Bailey; her
devoted children, Cathy Washington and Curtis Washington (Regina); her niece, Beryl
Bright; her honorary daughter, Whitney Booth; her beloved grandchildren, Tanisha Lee,
Toya Robinson (Namath), Brandon Hayden, Chariek and Asia Ball; six treasured great-
grandchildren; her dear friends Dot Jones and Helen Heath and a host of extended
family and friends whose lives were forever touched by her love.

Hazel’s life was a testament to faith, family, strength, and unwavering love. She leaves
behind a legacy of resilience, grace, and devotion that will continue to shine through
each of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Church of Love Faith Center, 700 Exchange Blvd. Visitation will take place from 9:00–11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
The family invites all who knew and loved Ms. Jones to share fond memories below. Flowers may be sent directly to Church of Love.