Category: Obituaries

Roger Kralis

1/3/1945-4/23/2024

Roger was called home to Heaven on April 23,2024. He is predeceased by his mother Anna and father Frank as well as his brothers Terry and Robert.

Roger is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years Mary, daughter Victoria (Brian) Butland, son Frank (Nicole), grandchildren, Lauren (Darren), Brian, Hailey, great grandson Beau, sisters Beverly (Dave) Dilgard and Anita and nephew Justin.

Calling hours will be Friday April 26^th, from 4-7pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Sunset House 3746 St Paul Blvd Rochester NY 14617.

James “Jim” Vogler (55) passed away April 4, 2024.

Jim was predeceased by his mother, Mary Vogler. He is survived by his wife, Romy Vogler, and sons Harrison and Dylan; father Ronald Vogler, brother Glenn Vogler, sister Kathleen (Scott)

Harrison, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his beloved dog, Charlie.

After graduating from Greece Olympia high school, Jim attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) during the heyday of Runnin’ Rebel basketball prominence. It was at UNLV that Jim formed some of his deepest lifelong friendships and developed a passion for hospitality and entertaining. Over the years, Jim and Romy were frequent birthday, holiday, and reunion party hosts, and the food was legendary. Where else would you find a backyard steam table designed to handle forty dozen clams?! At most events Jim could be found apron on, manning the grill, turning out perfectly cooked strip steaks. Jim, and his entertaining spirit, will be sorely missed.

The family will be hosting a celebration of life for Jim at a future date to be announced.

Hazel B. Champion

Peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 23, 2024, at the age of 97. Predeceased by her husband, Cliff Champion; daughters Lynne Manderano and Penny Champion; and her sister Joyce Baker.
She is survived by a legacy of 4 generations – daughter Valerie (Dave) Burton; grandchildren Kristie Gabel (Billy Gable), Suzannah Bryson-Long (Doug Long), and Craig (Tina) Bryson; great-grandchildren Aiden Rae Gabel and Ethan Bryson; and great-great-granddaughter Emery Lain Stewart. Also survived by cousin Roz Regan; sister-in-law Linda Champion; and many nieces, nephews, and bonus grandchildren.
Proud of being a “cradle Episcopalian”, Hazel volunteered many hours with the Church and Episcopal Church Home.
Over the last 5 years, she knit hundreds of scarves that were donated to schools, churches, and veterans’ organizations. She also was a whiz at solving cryptograms.
Her family will greet friends on Friday, April 12th at 11AM which will be immediately followed by her funeral at 12PM at St. Mark’s & St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1245 Culver Rd. Private committal.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Marks and St. Johns.

Daisy A. Giles

Passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024 at age 91. She was predeceased by her son Michael Cathey and daughter Fajetta Jones, siblings Doris Hucks, Troy Giles, and Ledell Giles.

She is survived by her daughters Nadirah (Carl) Fenner and WillieMae Love, also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and her dear friend and aide, Bobbi Elam.

Daisy was proud of  her long career at the City of Rochester, working for 25 years. She enjoyed fishing, shopping and never missed her soap operas.  Her greatest pride came from being with family. She took great joy in mothering every child she could. Her warmth and nurturing personality played a vital role in the raising of young children and babies within the family.

Her Graveside service will be held on Thursday March 21^st, at 12:30pm at Oakwood Cemetery 1975 Baird Rd. Penfield, NY 14526.

Paul Baskera

Passed away March 8, 2024 at 92. He is finally going to rejoin his wife Ellie. Survived by his niece Carol Ann Baskera and her husband Tom Bator, extended family in Germany and also his adopted family Philip and Kathy Cubiotti-his caretakers. Paul was a retired engineer of Xerox and a veteran of the US Army. Always eager to advise and help his friends.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday 3/20 11am at Riverside Cemetery Chapel of Peace.

Calvin J. Kotwas, March 6, 2024 at 68, due to a stroke. Calvin was born on July 18, 1955, to Bernard and Olive Kotwas. He grew up in Webster, NY, and attended Webster Thomas High School. In 1976, Calvin married Kathy Stenglein, and together they had a daughter, Kara. Calvin worked as a precision tool and die machinist and enjoyed hunting, riding and fixing motorcycles, and listening to rock-n-roll music.

Calvin was preceded by both his parents, his siblings Aletta “Letty” Kotwas, Bernard “Bernie” Kotwas (Pat), and his nephew David Kotwas. He was also preceded in death by his closest friend, Gary Spencer (Ruth).

He is survived by his daughter, Kara Wochner, son-in-law Mark Wochner, and grandson Felix Wochner. He is also survived by his former spouse and friend, Kathy Staunton (Bob), his nephew Clinton Kotwas, and close friend Cathy Tierson.

Visitation hours and a service will be held on Sunday, March 17, from 3:30 – 5:30 PM at Dierna Funeral Home. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Brain Injury Association of New York State at bianys.org/donate.

Joan Marilyn Wingate
Irondequoit
4/24/38-2/26/24. Predeceased by Son Kevin, Parents Stephen and Nellie (Stella) Shurgot,
brothers Mitchell & Donald Shurgot.
Survived by the love of her life Ken Wingate. Their journey together spanned 67 beautiful years,
filled with shared laughter, cherished moments and a bond that will endure beyond time. She
leaves behind Daughters Kim (Tom) Jost, Karleen (Kevin) Quinlan. 6 Grandchildren – Madison
(Justin) Wingate/Busch, Zachary Wingate, Kendra Jost, Ian Jost, Alison Quinlan, Colin Quinlan.
She was a creative, beautiful, kind soul with a beaming smile. Family was most important to
Joan, cherishing every moment they spent together. Also she cherished her extended family
and friends. Joan was happiest spending time outdoors in her beautiful flower gardens, getting
her exercise by playing tennis and enjoying cards with friends.
Joan always enjoyed a good party, please join us to say goodbye. Saturday, June 1, 2024 from
2-6pm at Saint Paul Exempts 690 Thomas Ave, Rochester NY 14617.