Category: Obituaries

Richard J. Donals

Greece/Conesus Lake – May 26, 2024 at 94. Joined the love of his life, Velma R. Weather. He was the head, she the heart and together, our foundation. Loving father of Nancy Donals, Marianne Donals, James (Corrine), Dan (Peggy), Grandfather of Timothy (Marnee) Burke, Kevin (Kristina) Burke, Christa Tyson, Meghan (Rob) Arscott, Emilie (Patrick) Lazenby, Kaitlin (Matt) Cup, Garrett (Chelsey) Donals, Kelly (Matt) Noyes, Rick Kemp, Sara Donals (Matt Faiello), Michael Donals, and 17 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Richard (Dick) Donals was a devoted Husband, Father, Family Man. Married to wife Velma Weather in June of 1951, they remained married for 70 years until her passing in July of 2021.

He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 in Germany during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953 as a Master Sergeant. Other than his two-year service to country, he served as a proud member of Local 13 Plumbers and Pipefitters from 1950-1986. In 1982, after working for three Local 13 contractors, he started his own company with partner’s Gil Venette and Larry Mehlenbacher called Livingston Mechanical Contractors.

Dick worked hard and played harder throughout his career. Dick earned the respect of everyone he worked with. He enjoyed life and lived life to its fullest.

He met most of his life-long friends at the 10th ward playground, usually starting in a fight and ending up best friends for life.

From a young boy, he always enjoyed being on the water. Dick and Velma retired on Conesus Lake, and wintered in Palm Harbor, Florida.

He enjoyed boating, swimming, golf, and bowling. He was an organizer of many leagues, tournaments, even a third of July parade on McPherson’s Point which is still carried out to this day.

He was always welcoming and ready to receive family and friends at either of his vacation homes. We had many gatherings for Holidays, weekend cookouts, or just to play cards. Whatever the occasion, it was always a good time.

He will be sadly missed, but the classic stories and memories will bring laughter to all future gatherings for years to come.

His legacy and memories will live on through his extended family and everyone he came in contact with.

Many thanks to the staff at the Jewish Home on the 4 Southwest Unit. Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association.

Calling hours will be Thursday June 27th from 4-7pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd.  Services will be held privately.

Albert Yao Kouao was born July 7th, 1983, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and was known for his unwavering dedication to his family and community, as well as his smiles, jokes, resilience and compassionate nature. He passed away on May 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy filled with professional achievements and personal kindness. To honor his memory, a viewing and a Funeral service will be held at Dierna Funeral Home on May 31, 2024; respectively at 9am and 10am (EST) with Father Gary Tyman of Saint Anne Roman Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 2650 Lake Avenue, Rochester. Albert attended the Cours Secondaire Protestant in Cotonou Bénin where he achieved his high school diploma. He then emigrated to Ann Arbor in Michigan and earned a bachelor’s degree in Programming Information System] from Washtenaw Community College. He worked at St John’s Nursing Home and The Highlands at Pittsford and then found Ellison Transportation. Albert was a devoted partner to Trishana and a loving father to his children, Amare and Layla, and to his stepdaughter Gabby. His family was his world, and he demonstrated his love through constant involvement and support in all aspects of their lives. He maintained a close and loving relationship with his parents, Mathias Kouao and Christiana Avah, and shared a special bond with his siblings, Max, Yvonne, Franck, Aaron, and Edna, who were integral to his life. Memorial donations may be made to paypal: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/94IdNcpcTU. The family offers their heartfelt thanks for your prayers and support during this time. Your comforting condolences and gestures of love are truly appreciated.

Chris Thanos

April 17th, 1948-May 18th, 2024

Chris was a man who loved a good meal and cup of coffee almost as much as he loved family and friends. He was wise, kind, generous and loving. He could also be a bit of a curmudgeon…but at age 76, he earned that right! Chris was patriotic (often sporting his favorite color red), was a member of the Boy Scouts for over 20 years and absolutely loved dogs.

Chris was very proud of his Italian and Greek heritage. He and his 5 siblings were born and raised in the city of Rochester. His parents instilled a strong sense of family and the importance of their Catholic faith. After leaving school in 6th grade, Chris began working as a young adolescent to support his family. In his early 20’s, Chris married and celebrated the birth of two children. Chris cherished those early memories of his family and photos that captured the love he had for them. Chris worked hard throughout his adult life – he held jobs at the Armory, at restaurants and in food service. He knew his way around the city of Rochester like the back of his hand. During his retirement years, Chris’s friend (and former social worker) Angela was re-connected to him. Their deep love and trust in one another were evident. Angela introduced Chris to his Heritage Christian Services family where he met his dear friends Jeff and Julie.

With their support, Chris moved from his apartment in the city to Fairport where he could be closer to friends. In 2018, Chris fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Graceland and soaking up everything Elvis who was one of his heroes!

In April of 2019, just before his 71st birthday, Chris moved into his home in Brighton. He said the best birthday he ever had was when he moved into Winton. He celebrated with hibachi and received a gold watch. Later, he bought a silver watch that he treasured. The tradition of going out for hibachi and having steak on his birthday continued through the years.

Chris felt at home in his “man cave” where he loved watching the Food Network. He also enjoyed watching the Bills play on Sunday with his housemates, and watching Westerns and action movies. Chris developed very close bonds with many of the staff at Winton particularly Genny. He had a trademark belly laugh and wink that will be missed.

Chris is predeceased by both his parents, William Thanos and Theresa Sorrentino, brothers Tony, George and Bill and sisters Fanny and Anna. We celebrate that they have been reunited as a family. Chris will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

A Mass will be celebrated in honor of Chris at Holy Cross Church 4492 Lake Ave Rochester, NY 14612 at 10:30am this Friday May 24th followed by a graveside service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Ronald Warczok Jr.

Suddenly on May 11, 2024.
Predeceased by his mother Geraldine Bednarz.
Survived by daughters Chelsea and Ann Geraldine; grandsons Wesley and Knox; his father Ronald Warczok Sr.; brothers Joseph Warczok and Jeffrey; Sue Heffer; and many friends and coworkers.
Ron worked for 22 years at Park Enterprises as a tool and die maker.

Family and friends may call Thursday, May 30th 4-8PM at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. (near Norton).
Donations may be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Greater Rochester.

Gregory D. Fagan “Finesse”

Departed this life on April 27^th 2024. Gregory Dean Fagan was born on December 16^th 1957 in Bowling Green, Kentucky to the late Macy and James Fagan.

Greg relocated to Rochester, NY at a young age and attended #19 school, #42 school, Charlotte High School and Benjamin Franklin High School. He obtained an associates degree in 1990 and held employment at local factories and doing carpentry work. He was never married but has a son and daughter that he loved dearly. He was a ladies man that referred to himself as “Finesse”. He enjoyed dressing up for events took pride in his appearance. He loved music and sports, Cadillacs and Classic cars and his favorite football player was Tom Brady. He looked forward to attending the Buffalo Bills training camps in the summer with his daughter. He loved spending time with his grandkidsand great grandkids and could often be found baby sitting one or the other.

He was loved by many. A great father, brother, and friend. Gregory is predeceased by his mother Macy Helen Fagan and father James Fagan, and 3 brothers Derek Fagan, Hugh Lee Caldwell, and Mark Caldwell-Cook. He was the middle child of his siblings.

He is survived by his loving children Gregory McNeil and Vanity Fagan, grandchildren Armani Fagan, Christian and Cheyanne Winston, Zemora and Folami Beard, Zarielle Guest, Jaquan Wise, Damarco McNeil, Santajha Sides, great grandchildren Qu’mias Fagan, Josue Vega III, Kai’liana and Amari and one on the way. Beloved brother of Theresa Collins, Emily (Winnie) Love, Victor Fagan Sr., Timothy Fagan, Chrystal Fagan Jacobs, Frederick Anthony Fagan Sr., and Kimberly Carter Fagan. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and other loved ones, his childhood friends Laron Hagan, Jerry Ingram, Clint and Willy Rat.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday May 18^th at 2:30pm at Holt Lodge 255 Holt Rd. Webster, NY 14580.

Sharon A. Malachowski

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.