Category: Obituaries

John Cup

Passed away peacefully in Rochester on Sunday September 27, 2026 at the age of 96, following the ride of a lifetime that brought him back home surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Helen, his children Tom (Linda), Tanya (Mike) Cmunt, and John (Carole) King, grandchildren Matt (Kait), Melissa (Joe) Lippa, Tara (Jason) Walik, Justin Cmunt, Christopher and David King, great-grandchildren Addie, Emma, Ellie, Elizabeth, Maeve and Quinn, several nieces and nephews.

John came to the United States to make a new life with his mother and brother Michael. He settled in Rochester, NY and met the love of his life Helen.

He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Fondly known as Pop by his kids and Deed by his grandkids. He loved watching them play soccer, hockey and anything they enjoyed.

He had a certain happy-go-lucky, fun way that always got us laughing together. He could fix anything and was there to help with anything; we could always count on him.

We will always remember his smile, his laugh, his jokes, and most of all, his soft side—the way he made us feel whenever we were together. We will miss him very much.

Calling hours will be Tuesday October 6th, from 3-7pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. His Funeral Service will be celebrated Wednesday October 7th, 10am at St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church followed by Interment at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to hospice care.

Phyllis (Gangemi) Cioppa Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on September 26, 2026.

Predeceased by her husband Joseph Cioppa; sister Catherine (Tony) Pellegrino; and brothers Mike (Kay), Lee (Joann), Yonnie (Ann), John, Joe (Angie), and Angelo.

Survived by her loving children Josephine, Anthony (Geraldine), and Diane Claffey; grandchildren Victoria (Leonard), Arthur (Becca), Monica (Zach), Christine (Jason), Jennifer, Nicole (Marc), Thomas, Amanda (Mike); great-grandchildren Nicholas, Zachary, Adam, Abby, Joseph, Andrew, Isabella, Alexandria, Adrianna, Daniella, Maya; sister-in-law Deborah Gangemi; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Friends may call Sunday, October 4th from 3-7:30PM at Dierna Funeral Home. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, October 5th at 10:00AM at St. James Church 130 Brett Rd, Rochester. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation.

Dynell J. Babers-White
1998 – 2026

He will be remembered by his family and friends for the impact he made on the lives of those who knew and loved him. His memory will remain forever cherished by all whose hearts he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Dierna Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service. Pastor James L. Cherry, Jr. will officiate.

Though gone too soon, Dynell’s life and legacy will continue to live on through the love, memories, and moments shared with family and friends.

Forever loved, forever remembered.

Charles A.C. Randall, Jr.
August 8, 1996 – September 27, 2026

Mr. Charles A.C. Randall, Jr., a beloved father, son, grandson, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026.

Charles will be remembered for the love he shared with his family and friends, his caring spirit, and the lasting impact he made on the lives of those who knew him. Though his time here was far too brief, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way, Rochester, New York 14611. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Rev. Dr. Richard Douglas, Pastor, will officiate. Interment: Riverside Cemetery.

Charles’ life was a gift to all who knew him. His love, laughter, and spirit will be cherished forever, and his memory will remain a blessing to his family and friends for years to come.

“Forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.”

Harry L. “Bobby” Hicks, Jr.
December 19, 1942 – September 26, 2026

Harry L. Hicks, Jr., affectionately known as “Bobby,” passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026. He was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend whose kindness, wisdom, and caring spirit touched the lives of many.

Bobby will be fondly remembered for the love he shared with his family and friends and for the lasting memories he created throughout his life. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way, Rochester, New York 14611. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Rev. Dr. Richard Douglas, Pastor, will officiate. Interment: Riverside Cemetery.

Bobby’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and he will remain forever loved and never forgotten.

The Life of Cleveland Blocker Jr.
May 11, 1950 • September 22, 2026
Forever loved. Forever remembered.

Cleveland Blocker Jr., affectionately known and loved by many, passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 76 years young.

Born on May 11, 1950, in Camilla, Georgia, Cleveland was the beloved son of Cleveland Blocker Sr. and Eloise Williams.

Cleveland served in the United States Army.

Cleveland was truly the life of the party. If you knew him, you knew his smile could light up a room. You rarely, if ever, saw him without a smile on his face or heard him without a joke ready to make somebody laugh. He loved to dance, laugh, joke around, and, most of all, enjoy life and the people around him. His joyful spirit and larger-than-life personality made him someone you could never forget.

Cleveland had a special way of reminding everyone to celebrate life, even when talking about the day he would leave this world. One of his favorite sayings was:
“When I’m gone, don’t do all that whooping and hollering. I want everyone to smile and throw me a big party, ’cause I’m gone on home to rest with the Lord.”

Those words capture the kind of man Cleveland was. He wanted laughter where there were tears, smiles where there was sadness, and a celebration of the life he was blessed to live.

Cleveland leaves behind his life partner, Charlaine Anderson; two daughters and five sons; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings; friends; and countless people who loved him dearly.

His family will forever cherish the memories of his laughter, his jokes, his dancing, his smile, and the joy he brought into their lives. Although his absence leaves a space that can never be filled, his spirit will continue to live on in every story told, every joke remembered, every dance shared, and every smile he left behind.

So today, we honor Cleveland not only with tears, but with love, laughter, music, dancing, and celebration—just as he wanted.

Rest peacefully, Dad.
You kept us laughing while you were here. Now you’ve gone on home to rest with the Lord. Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Cleveland. And Dad… we promise to throw you that party. ♥

Bobby James Moorehead
October 10, 1940 – September 21, 2026

Mr. Bobby James Moorehead, beloved husband of Mrs. C. Grace Moorehead and devoted father of three children, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at the age of 85.

Bobby will be remembered for his love of family, his kindness, and the many lives he touched throughout his years. His presence brought comfort and strength to those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished by all who were blessed to share in his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 304 Joseph Avenue, Rochester, New York 14605. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon prior to the service.

Pastor James L. Cherry, Jr., Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Bobby’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion to his family will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“Forever remembered, forever loved.”

Kevin L. Parson, Sr.
February 10, 1964 – September 19, 2026

Mr. Kevin L. Parson, Sr., beloved husband of Shirley L. Parson and devoted father of six, passed away unexpectedly on September 19, 2026, at Rochester General Hospital.

Kevin was a faithful member of Greater Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, where he worshipped and served with dedication. He will be remembered for his love of family, his steadfast faith, and the warmth and kindness he shared with those around him. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dierna Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Greater Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, 60 Grand Avenue, Rochester, New York. Pastor Henry Turner will officiate. Entombment: Riverside Cemetery.

Kevin’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion to his family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Shirley Ann Thompson, affectionately called “Pee Wee” by family and friends, was born September 5, 1955, in Batavia, New York, to Deacon James and Cora Thompson. Shirley completed her education through the Rochester City School District, attending School Number 36 and graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School. Extracurricular activities during high school included playing softball, which allowed her to demonstrate her speed, agility and coordination.

Reared in a God-fearing home, it was no surprise that Shirley accepted Christ into her life at an early age. This life-long relationship with the Lord began at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Albion, New York, where she was a faithful and dedicated member. Upon relocating to Rochester, New York, she united with the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, serving under the leadership of three pastors: the late Reverend Willie Frank Cotton, the late Reverend Joseph Carter, and until her passing, under the current pastorate of Reverend James L. Cherry Jr. Throughout her 60 plus years of service at Antioch, Shirley allowed God to use her talents in several ministries: the Jr. Usher Board, Junior Choir, Hospitality Ministry, Pastor’s Aide, Senior Usher Board, and the Nurses Ministry, always serving in the spirit of excellence, until her health began to fail. Shirley’s 60 plus years of exemplary service earned her special recognition from the Great Lakes Association and the Antioch M.B. Church Special Recognition for Nurses Ministry.

Shirley had many employment opportunities during her lifetime. Among the most memorable were Eastman Kodak Company and Monroe Community Hospital where she displayed an exemplary work ethic and history, until she was physically unable to continue. Many of her most treasured times were those spent at Elder Care where she enjoyed laughing, cracking jokes, and talking with other individuals. Shirley will be remembered for her down-to-earth personality and for “keeping it real,” a unique individual. She was also a loving, caring person, when you got to know her. She never found it necessary to be phony or “put on airs”; also comfortable being who she was. In her past time, Shirley enjoyed watching television, playing Spades, fishing and listening to music. If you knew Shirley, you would certainly remember her special response, “Yep, and stuff!”

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., Shirley answered God’s invitation to come home.

She is predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Newton; parents, Deacon James and Cora Thompson; brother-in-law, Kevin Anderson Sr.; uncles and aunts: George (Julia) Thompson, Jesse (Alice) Thompson, Ernest (Minnie) Barrington, Adolpus (Doris) Fudge, and Mattie Redden.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love, faith, and service: her siblings: Barbara A. Anderson, Theresa, Pastor Emerita (Bishop John) Crocker, Elijah Thompson, and Brenda Thompson; nephews and nieces: Khalid (Naimah) Anderson, Bishop E. John E. (Janielle) Crocker, Kevin (Sheawanda) Anderson, David (Ebony) Anderson, and Jeffrey Anderson; aunt, Margret Brantley of Tampa, FL; along with a multitude of wonderful nephews and nieces whom she loved in her own special way; several beautiful cousins; church family, and dear friends, including a special friend, Sister Thelma Ross.