Category: Obituaries

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.

Clementina M. “Nina” Schmitt (Pesce)

Our beloved Mother, Clementina (Nina), the 13^th child of the late James and Mary Pesce, passed from this life on February 2, 2024 at 98 years of age. Predeceased by her loving husband, Robert and daughter, Gina Reger, she leaves behind her loving children Paula (James Cimino) Schmitt, Lisa (Robert) Songin, and Michael (Catherine) Schmitt, 4 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and another on the way, several nieces and nephews. She will forever be dancing in heaven!

Friends may call Thursday, 4-7 PM at Dierna Funeral Home, 2309 Culver Road (near Norton). Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM at Peace of Christ Parish at St. Ambrose Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Trajanka Talevska

Passed away on January 24, 2024. Predeceased by her husband Tome. Survived by her children Lubo Talevski and Gordana Rock, grandchildren Steven, Alexandra, and Samantha Rock, brother Kole ( Elica) Mitkovski, also numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

She loved spending time gardening. The most important thing in her life was her family.

Calling hours will be Monday January 29th from 5-8pm at Dierna Funeral Home 2309 Culver Rd. Rochester, NY 14609. Her Funeral will be celebrated Tuesday January 30th at 10am at St. Dimitria Macedonian Church 234 Telephone Rd.West Henrietta, NY 14586. Interment Mount Hope Cemetery.

Joyce M. Norton

Passed away on January 24, 2024 at 91. Predeceased by her beloved husband Philip, daughter Terry Vittore, parents David and Winifred Miller and sister Norma Fox. She is survived by her son Paul (Kyle Bunce) Norton, and daughter Amy (Joe) Lancaster, son-in-law Don Vittore, grandchildren Katy Lancaster, Robin (Anthony) Viscuse, Laura (Jim) Pelow, Mark (Amanda) Vittore, 10 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Born in Wellsville, NY in 1932. Graduated from Wellsville H.S. Worked in the District Attorney’s office for 5 years; was Justice Edward O. Provenzano’s secretary for 13 years.

Calling hours will be Sunday 2/4 from 2-5pm at Dierna Funeral Home, 2309 Culver Rd. Private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY.

Jacqueline Mae (Thitchener) Buckpitt

Born January 24, 1935, passed away peacefully
on January 14, 2024. A loving mother and wife, Jackie is predeceased by her husband
of 60 years, Robert. She is survived by her four children Charles (William), James
(Kimberly), David, and Marjorie. Blessed with seven grandchildren, Michael, Andrew,
Lauren, Lyndsay, Daniel, Timothy, Jessica, their spouses, and 14 great grandchildren,
nieces and nephews.
A lifelong resident of Rochester, she graduated from Franklin High School and
settled in Irondequoit where she devoted her time to raising her family and providing
part-time support to the family boiler business: Buckpitt & Company inc. A cancer
survivor, avid reader, talented crafter and artist, Jackie enjoyed hosting friends and
family while spending summers at their heaven on earth, the family cottage of 55 years
on Wolfe Lake in Canada.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 1pm at
Resurrection Lutheran Church on St. Paul Blvd. in Irondequoit. Private internment. In
lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or
Resurrection Lutheran Church, 3736 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, 14617