Category: Obituaries

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.

Daniel Purdev

Michael John DiCesare
60, died on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, after being in a coma since Christmas. He is survived by his two children, Amanda and Elisabeth “Duncan”; their mother, Karrie, all of Rochester; his sister, Julie (Glen) Arellano, of Riverside, CA; his brother, David (Donna), of Albany, NY; and a niece and nephews, along with many extended family members and friends. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, John and Judith DiCesare.
Michael, also known as “Mickey” with a goofy sense of humor, is a graduate of Eastridge High School and studied communication and media studies at Monroe Community College. He was passionate about cooking and worked as a chef for many area restaurants including Jack n’ Jill Inn and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. He created a barbecue sauce, called Tailgater’s, and owned and operated Calico Jack’s Seaside Cantina in the ’90s in Rochester.
Michael enjoyed playing cards, listening to classic rock on vinyl, and was an animal lover, taking in kittens who followed him home from work.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, April 20, at 11AM at Christ the King Church, 445 Kings Highway South, Rochester, NY 14617, followed by a reception at 2PM at Sea Breeze Volunteer Fire Department 4657 Culver Road, Rochester, NY 14622, where all are welcome to remember and tell stories of Michael.

Gary F. Phillips

Ogden: Passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, January 30^th, 2024 at the age of 67.   Predeceased by his parents Warren and Alice Mae Phillips.  He is survived by his children Trisha (Aaron) Gerace and Kevin (Rebecca) Lindsay, their mother Susan Phillips, grandchildren Adam, Madelyn, and Julia Gerace, Paige Lindsay and several cousins.

Gary enjoyed his many years working as a pressman while collecting antiques, reading, cheering on the Cleveland Browns and trying his luck at local casinos.   He especially loved being around his grandchildren and attending their sporting events and school functions.

Services will be held at the discretion of his family.

Helen J. Leszcynski

Irondequoit – February 16, 2024 at age 98.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Stanley. Survived by her loving children Gary, Judy (Sam) Day, Michael (Wandrae) of Texas, and Peggy (Dave) Ellender; grandchildren Laura (Rick) Berg, Anthony (Sue) Day, Robert Day, Alicia Ellender (Dave Drum), Vicki (Matt) Kleehammer, Erin (Matt) Hefner of Texas and Megan (Michael) Perkins of Texas; 17 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Helen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted Mother, Grandma, and GG.

A special thanks to Griswold Home Care, especially Naomi and Lisa, and to Dr. Muto at Landmark for their loving care.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, February 27th, 2-4PM with a prayer service to follow at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. Private interment.

Linda K. Dawson
Webster – February 16, 2024.
Predeceased by her father Fritz Ketterer. Survived by her husband Alan; children Leah (John) Yambor, Eric and James; Mother Ruth Ketterer, sister Sue (John) Coco, and Lu Ann (Tim) Young. She also leaves her in-laws, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Private Services. Donation can be made in her memory to Webster Comfort Care Home.