Category: Obituaries

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.

Ann M. Kamm
August 19, 2023 at 101 years of age went peacefully to the Lord.
Predeceased by her husband Chester; parents Christopher Fersaci and Phyllis Profetta; siblings Catherine Denton, Albert Fersaci, Ida Mastowski, and Sam Fersaci.
Survived by her brothers Larry Fersaci and Joe (Joann) Profetta; sister-in-law Kay Kamm and many nieces and nephews.
Our sincere appreciation to nieces Sandy, Lisa and Catherine LoDolce for their loving contribution so Aunt Ann could remain in the place she loved.
Ann loved her family, entertaining, cooking and traveling.
Calling hours will be Wednesday 5-7PM at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. Her funeral mass will be held Thursday 10:30 AM at the funeral home followed by interment at Webster Union Cemetery.

“NOSTROVIA”

Passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2023 at 33. She is survived by her mom Patricia, her dad Ronald, brothers Kevin and Keith Neill, sister Krystal (Matt Palermo) and her half-brothers Ronald (Deanna) Palermo, Adam (Kimberly) Palermo and Joseph (Sheila) Palermo.

Calling Hours will be Sunday 4-8pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. Her Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Monday 1pm at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Please meet at main entrance on Lake Ave.

Gerardo “Gerry” Vazquez

Retired RPD Officer passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2023 at the tender age of 57. Gerry is predeceased by his father Abraham. Survived by his loving mother Cristina Vazquez, siblings Reinaldo Vazquez; Gloria (John) Cruz; Iris (Wilson) Burgos; Tony Vazquez; and Abraham Vazquez Jr. He is also survived by Linda Rivera; Milagros Rodriguez; Cecilia Maldonado, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Thursday 4-8pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 11am at St. Michael’s Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.