Category: Obituaries

Lee Ann Schroeder

December 19, 1961 – September 1, 2023.

Lee Ann (Sailer) Schroeder passed away at home on September 1, 2023 at age 61, after a fierce battle with cancer. She is predeceased by her parents, Cyril (CJ) and Patricia Sailer, as well as her nephew Joshua Berna, and is survived by her husband Brian, children Nick and Natalia, her siblings Lori Anne (Kevin) Cusack, Elizabeth Ann (Ron) Berna, Lisa Anne (Stuck) Coffey, James Patrick (Marj) Sailer, and Lynette Ann (Spencer) Brush, her in-laws Mike and Cheryl Martin-Schroeder and Vicki Schroeder, and all their children and grandchildren, her precious cats, and many good and dear friends.

Lee was born and raised in Rochester and graduated from Pusan American High School in Pusan, South Korea, where most of her family lived from the late 70s to the early 80s. Upon her return to the States, Lee attended classes at Slippery Rock University, St. John Fisher College, and RIT, and later in her life at Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage, where she earned her license to practice massage therapy. She also, over the years, worked at Greater Rochester Cablevision/Time Warner Cable, RG&E, Highland Hospital, and UR/Strong, among others.

Lee touched so many people with her awesome sense of humor, great storytelling, and always putting others before herself. Some of the things Lee loved most were her pets, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Billy Joel, singing, theater, scallops, Sex in the City, Facebook games, and coffee. She hated tomatoes and “real” potatoes… “they taste like dirt!”

Per Lee’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. There will be a celebration of her life for friends and family on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Knollwood Lodge at Northhampton Park from 12-4:00.

Hilda M. Mulay

Passed peacefully on September 9, 2023, with her loving family by her side. Daughter of the late Cesare and Rose Cirulli, Hilda was predeceased by her devoted husband of 67 years, Joseph J. Mulay and her son David Mulay. Also predeceasing her were her sisters Lee Sapienza and Norma O’Brien, and her brother Victor Cirulli. She is survived by her children, Daniel (Angela) Mulay and Sandra (Kevin) Casey, her grandchildren, Alexandra Casey, Jennifer Casey, Kathryn Casey, and Brandon Mulay, her great-grandchild, Luna Casey-Marquez, and several nieces and nephews.

Hilda was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1928 with the given name of Ilda Cirulli. A child of Italian immigrants, she spoke Italian first and quickly learned English when she started elementary school, where her teacher changed her name to “Hilda.” Her family moved to Rochester, NY when she was 3 years old. She worked at Kodak as a young adult and became a full-time homemaker after her children were born. She supported her husband’s business Union Auto Parts, helping him with administrative tasks, but most importantly taking care of everything at home. A tremendous cook, she made the most delicious spaghetti sauce that no one could quite duplicate. She was very artistic, mastering ceramics and crewel and adorning her home with her many creations. She had a nurturing spirit, providing a warm and loving home to all who entered. Her children were truly blessed with the best mother on earth.

Hilda will be remembered for her sweet and friendly disposition, good humor, and not to mention her beautiful red hair. She was a fashionista, always looking her best, and did not want to be left out of wearing the most up-to-date styles. She sported glittery crocs just recently. She also loved her TV and watching her favorite show-The Golden Girls. But mostly she enjoyed just being with her family, especially her little Luna. Hilda’s family would like to thank The Community Hospice and all the staff at Elderwood Village for their incredible care, with a special thanks to her caregivers J.J. and Nigeria. The family is also grateful for Megan Garay, who provided several years of companionship to Hilda prior to her move to Elderwood.

Calling hours will be Wednesday September 20th from 4-7pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 10am at St. Kateri at Christ the King Church 445 Kings Highway S. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Hilda’s family suggests donations in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org/donatetoday.

Neal Irving Budd, affectionately known as Uncle Neal, joined the ancestors on September 11, 2023. Born in Rochester, New York on February 18, 1952, to Charles and Clarissa Budd, he grew up in Brighton with siblings Wayne, Cynthia, Gary, Stevie, Sharon, David, and Bobby.

The consummate Boy Scout, he was raised in the traditions and beliefs that held that group together. Integrity, care, belief, cooperation, and a respect for nature were all core tenants he held so dear.  A passionate nature enthusiast, Neal found solace in the waters & wilderness, pursuing hobbies like bird watching, gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was an admitted eccentric, sharing his opinions and interests with anyone who would listen. Neal was a familiar face in the community, often seen riding his “Pee-Wee Herman” bike.

Neal dedicated many years volunteering at the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, imparting his wealth of knowledge to all who visited. He was also involved with the Rochester Public Market.

Neal cherished his family: children Margo, Ian, Emily, and Lena; grandchildren Evelyn, Vivian, Corinne, and Deacon; and too many nieces and nephews to count.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Powderhorn Lodge, off Woolston Rd, in Powder Mills Park in Pittsford, Friday, September 22, 2023, from 3 to 7pm. All are welcome; dress accordingly and don’t forget to BYOB, as Neal would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to two of Neal’s favorite local haunts:

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse: https://geneseelighthouse.org/donate

Rochester NY Public Market:  https://www.marketfriends.org/give

Suddenly on September 15, 2023 at 31. Predeceased by his grandparents Phyllis and Phil Borzilleri, and Frances and Vincent Grillo, and Aunt JoAnn Ronayne.

He is survived by his father Vincent Grillo, mother Kim (Mark) Vandertang, brother Matthew Grillo, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Please be a part of our family as we say goodbye to Nicholas, a loving son, big brother, and  best friend to many.

Calling hours will be Tuesday September 19th, from 4-8pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. His Funeral Service will be celebrated on Wednesday September 20th, 10am at the funeral home, followed by interment at Irondequoit Cemetery.

Cheryl “Sherry” Brown was a caring and loving matriarch who will be dearly missed by many. She passed away on August 31, 2023, at the age of 65, in her hometown of Rochester, NY surrounded by her family. Her lifelong pulmonary difficulties and her battle with cancer clearly depicted her courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. To many people’s surprise, Cheryl remained faithful and upbeat until the end, providing encouragement and preparing her loved ones for her eventual passing.
Cheryl had a vibrant personality that would light up a room and touch the hearts of those she met. Not because she was soft and warm, but because she lovingly spoke her truth whether you wanted to hear it or not. She loved hard and would truly give someone the shirt off her back, but not before giving a stern look, a long lecture, and a discussion about how to prevent such a situation from happening again.
Cheryl learned about her God Jehovah, dedicated her life to serving him, and was baptized on April 26, 2008. Despite her sickness, she thoroughly enjoyed being out in the ministry with her friends and sharing the good news of Jehovah’s Kingdom with anyone who would listen. Although her health often prevented her from being out in the ministry as much as she desired, she eventually met her goal to continuous auxiliary pioneer. Even in her last days, she touched many lives and hearts as she shared the hope of a better world to come.
Death was not a fear of Cheryl’s, as her strong faith in Jehovah’s promise to resurrect her to a paradise earth, kept her encouraged. She often referred to her favorite scripture as a source of reassurance and strength. Isaiah 41:10 states “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold onto you with my right hand of righteousness. (13) For I, Jehovah your God am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you do not be afraid. I will help you.”
The simplest pleasures in life brough Cheryl great joy. She loved spending time in the kitchen, making family favorites such as dressing, mac and cheese, neckbones, greens, and sausage bread to name a few. She also enjoyed listening to her favorite R&B oldies and doing all things crafts: crocheting, sewing, gardening, and anything she could make with her hands.
Cheryl is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Brown; her parents, David Lawrence Jr. and Eleanor Lawrence; her son, Tafeek Bradley; and her siblings, Melvin Lawrence, Gwendolyn Evers, and Alan Lawrence. Left to cherish her memories are her children, Preston (Faith) Lawrence of Rochester, NY, Alan Lea, of Rochester, NY, and Chiqueeta (Javoras) Martin of Kannapolis, NC; and her brother, David Lawrence III of Rochester, NY. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives, and close friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2pm on Saturday September 9, 2023, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 4343 Mt Read Blvd in Rochester, NY.

Passed away on September 10, 2023 at age 99. Predeceased by her husband of 63 years Angelo and son John. She is survived by her daughter Karen (Tom) Verzillo, grandchildren John Michael Datel, Thomas J. Verzillo and Lisa Tribunella, greatgrandchildren Tori and Mila, many loving nieces and nephews.

No Calling Hours. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday September 14th, 10am at St. Cecilia Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Suddenly, David T. Tisa of Webster, NY passed away July 9, 2023 at age 43.  He is survived by his parents Julie Tisa (Fleishman) of Bath, NY and William Tisa of Webster, NY.  David is also survived by his aunts and uncles Joan and Lyle Akins, Jerry Fleishman and Thomas and Tasia (Bobish) Tisa along with cousins and many friends. David is predeceased by his grandparents Thomas and Mary Tisa and Victor and Kathyrn Fleishman.

David’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held September 16th at 10 AM at St. Rita Church, 1008 Maple Drive, Webster, NY. Interment Holy Sepulchre.

Paula Sulli “Crazee P”

Irondequoit – Passed away on September 7, 2023 at age 64. She is predeceased by her brother Peter Jr. and parents Joyce and Peter Sr. She is survived by her loving husband Richard Boprey, devoted brother Scott, nieces, cousins and many dear friends. At her request, there will be no services.

Anthony “Jim” James DiStefano
Born February 15, 1946, in Wisbech, England. He went home to be with his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ on August 12^th.
Predeceased by his parents Anthony DiStefano and Yvonne “Bonnie” DiStefano. Survived by his sister Laura (Robert Secor) DiStefano, beloved pet Travis, and many other family members.
Psalm 118:5 “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.”
Services to be held privately. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Nancy A. Mummery

Irondequoit- August 25, 2023 at age 78. Predeceased by her parents Vincent and Vera Phillips Jr. Survived by her husband of 58 years Fran; children David, Ann, Michael (Jim DiNoto) and Chris, grandchildren Jessica, Adam (Omar Monroy), Alexa and Elizabeth, great grandchildren Cecil and Elaina, sister-in- law Florence and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Monday 4-6pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. Her Funeral service will be held on Tuesday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 11am. Please meet at Lake Ave Gate.