Category: Obituaries

Irondequoit, NY – Ann passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, at the age of 82.

Ann was predeceased by her parents Francis and Marietta Maier and her son-in-law Alex Zerbinos.
Ann is survived by her five children, Dorothea Halme, Tina Zerbinos, Michelle Ben-Jureidini, Michael (Dyan) Thompson, and Patrick (Elsa) DeAngelo; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren – whom she loved very much; brother John Maier; sister Mary Ellen (Dave) Bauman; Aunt Marilyn (Jim) Hamman; cousin Joann LaFave; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ann said, “Send my love to everyone, I love them all very much.”

Ann was a graduate of Mercy High School. Although she held various jobs throughout her life such as waitressing, Department of Motor Vehicles, daycare, and call center at DHL, Ann’s most important job was raising her children by herself.

Many thanks to the staff at Fairport Baptist Home for their compassionate care during her stay.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 5th at 11AM at St. Cecilia Church, 2732 Culver Rd. Private Interment.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Point Pleasant Fire Department (55 Ewer Ave., Rochester, NY 14622), or to the Irondequoit Ambulance (2330 Norton St. Rochester, NY 14609) who always responded caringly and compassionately in her time of need.

Wilda Arlene Graham, at age 92 of Greece, NY, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025.

Arlene is predeceased by her parents, James and Wilda Bergen and her brother James (Shirley) Bergen.
Arlene is survived by her brother Pete (Karen) Bergen, her sister Ruthann (Steven) Smiley, daughter Linda (Ermie) Tolentino, sons David (Victoria) Graham and Marty (Mary Grace) Graham, 8 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Arlene was born August 18, 1932, to James and Wilda Bergen in Watsontown, PA. She grew up in Milton, PA, with her siblings, Jim, Pete and Ruthann. Arlene was a Majorette in the Milton High School Marching Band. She worked at the Milton Telephone Company as an operator.

Arlene met her true love Donald R Graham on a porch swing while he was visiting in Milton, PA. They married in May of 1953 and moved to Rochester, NY. where they started their family. Donald passed unexpectedly in 1968. At that point Arlene went to work to support her family and eventually retired from Eastman Kodak.

Arlene had a passion for her love of music, loved to dance, loved to travel and had a great sense of humor and was easily entertained by her children who loved to make her laugh. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the booster club and a season ticket holder with the Rochester Amerks.

Arlene’s greatest love was her family, and she delighted in family gatherings and hearing all the news about grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed their company more than anything right to the end.

Arlene was a woman who believed life was meant to be celebrated, was known for her elegant style and fierce attitude. Those who knew her best would tell you that no gathering was complete until she arrived, invariably dressed to perfection with something that sparkled – a fitting reflection of her bright spirit. We will miss her immensely but take comfort in the knowledge that she rests securely in the arms of her Savior, Jesus.

A celebration of Arlene’s life will be held Friday, March 21st at 12 Noon at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3000 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY, followed by a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sharing a dance with someone you love in Arlene’s memory.

Linda (Versluis) Grieco

Rev. Walter Cushing

Irondequoit-March 2, 2025 at 94. Predeceased by his parents Thurza & Walter and beloved sister Sharon (Arthur) Scott. Survived by nephews David (Lois) Scott, Ronald (Sue) Scott, Timothy (Jill) Scott, nieces Bonnie (Larry) Folden, Sheryl (Harold) Luckner, Kathleen Ross (John), Kimberly (Matthew) Eiffert, and caregiver/family friend Doug Crooker.

Father Cushing served as a priest for nearly 7 decades. He was ordained by Bishop Kearney in 1956 and assigned as associate pastor at Holy Cross in Charlotte, NY for 6 years. He then became chaplain at St. Agnes High School for 18 years. During that time, he was appointed as chaplain of the Monroe County Jail and Associate Director of the Family Life Bureau. Finally, he was named Pastor of St. Cecilia Church, where he served for over 20 years. He never truly retired and enjoyed participating in mass for the Holy Family Catholic Community churches in Wayland, Perkinsville & especially Cohocton for over 2 years. He inspired many and was beloved by all.

Father Cushing spent his free time pursuing his love of photography, watching the New York Yankees & Buffalo Bills, and enjoying the company of his countless great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews.

Father Cushing will lie in state at St. Cecilia Church on Friday March 14th, from 10am-11am followed by his funeral mass. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Charles J. Gottschalk
On 02/28/25. Charlie is the son of Patricia and John (deceased), brother to Jean and Glen
(Peggy, deceased), uncle to Scarlet (Michael), Gayle (Cassidy), and Geena (Adam), great-uncle
to Everett and Brooks. He is housemate to Mary Beth, Fred, Albert, and Danielle, and friend to
his ARC of Monroe family.
Charlie enjoyed music, swimming, movies, walks, parties, trains, watches, his cousins, singing
with John his barber, bird-watching, his dog Luke, and above all, his friends. His family is
grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at his group home over the years of his
residency.
A celebration of Charlie’s life will take place on March 18 th , 10:30 AM, at Holy Cross Church,
4492 Lake Avenue, Charlotte, NY, 14612.
In his honor, a contribution may be made to the ARC Foundation of Monroe, NY,
(arcfoundation@arcmonroe.org), 2060 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Rd, Rochester, NY, 14623.

MSG – E8 US Army

Paul passed away March 3rd, 2025 at the age of 79 after a very courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Marie Schumacher Sr., brothers Henry Junior and Dennis, sisters, Mary Kmiecik, Janet Herike, and Rose Roach, his son Walter Weaver, granddaughters Stefanie and Ashley Baker. Survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years Joan “Pat” Schumacher, daughters Tonda (Kirk) Herman. Tammy (Frank Warner) Baker, grandchildren Michelle (Mike) Barbulean, Christina (Joe) Minisce, Doug (Michelle) Herman and Tim (Andrea) Herman, great grandchildren, Cameron and Harper Barbulean, Chase and Victoria Minisce, Calvin, Sadie, Caylee Herman, Alexander Herman and Landon Smith, sisters Donna (Wayne) Fish, Darlene Burns, Marlys (Allen) Feist and Karen Klocko, brothers, Jim and Joe and many nieces and nephews.

Paul started out as a milkman, then went to work at Homestake Gold Mine in South Dakota and then became a pilot. He also retired after 40 years as a Master Sergeant/E8 in the US Army. He met and married Joan “Pat” on June 7, 1975.They built a life together in Rochester New York along with their children and through the joys and challenges of almost 50 years of marriage they held on to each other creating memories that will forever be cherished.

Paul was loved very much by his wife and family. One of his greatest delights was holding his grandchildren and great grandchildren as babies, he would cuddle them for hours.  He will be missed very much.

Paul loved to buy and restore Studebakers, and he also loved to listen to country and western music.

Calling hours will be Sunday, March 9 from 11 AM – 2 PM followed by a prayer service at Dierna funeral home 2309 Culver Rd. Interment and military honors at Irondequoit Cemetery.

Following the cemetery service there will be a reception held at The Union Tavern 4565 Culver Road.

Nelson Pagan-Rodriguez “pata de juey”

Rochester, NY – passed away unexpectedly on February 23,2025.

Nelson was born to Hipolito Pagan (father) Justina Rodriguez (mother) in Ponce, Puerto Rico on May 24,1959.

Nelson is predeceased by his parents Hipolito and Justina; brothers Luis, Hipolito, Roberto and Alfredo Pagan.
He is survived by his children Nelson, Joel and stepson Richard; siblings Antonia, Margarita (Rafael), Nereida, Pascuala and Julio (Marisol); cousins Milagros, Lillian and Minerva; his grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Nelson was a jack of all trades king of none. Nelson enjoyed helping family and friends with house projects, expecting nothing in return but his cup of coffee.  Nelson was loved by everyone and will be missed dearly.

Calling hours will be held on February 28,2025 from 4-8PM at Dierna Funeral home 2309m Culver Rd.

Jerome Blocker
February 21, 2025, at 62.

Predeceased by his parents Cleveland and Elouise Blocker; sisters Delois Blocker and Annie Rea Blocker; and brother Carl Blocker.

Survived by his children Jerome Blocker Jr., Angel Blocker, Rickea Blocker, Jhamyce Blocker, Jhamerhe Blocker, Dawnisha Blocker, and Dawnte Blocker; grandchildren Jhayla Lloyd, Mayson Blocker, De’marhi Brown, and Marcellus Jean Baptiste; and his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, March 8th, 11-1PM at Dierna Funeral Home.