In Remembrance

After retirement Jo spent many happy years promoting Rochester as an information specialist for Visit Rochester and a volunteer at the George Eastman House. Family and faith were her greatest joys and highest priorities. She will always be remembered for being sassy and full of life.

John was a devout Catholic. He let his religion guide him and give him comfort and strength in difficult times. John grew up in the Great Depression and served his country in the Army through the end of World War II. A few years ago he took the Honor Flight to visit the WWII memorial in Washington DC.

Loving husband, father and grandfather. Tom was born and raised in Rochester, graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College and his law degree from Albany Law School. He practiced law for more than 45 years, and was extremely engaged in the local legal, political and Catholic communities. He brought grace, decency, and integrity to all facets of life. Tom attended all Catholic schools growing up. A weekly church-goer at St. Joseph's, the McQuaid alumnus felt great pride in his Jesuit education. He also had a great interest in theater.

Dave was a parishioner at St. Joseph's for 36 years. He volunteered on the Building & Grounds Committee, R&R Retreat Team member and was the Co-Chair of the St. Joseph's School Playground Committee. He also volunteered for Penfield Girls Softball, Penfield Little League, St. Joseph’s School, Our Lady of Mercy, and McQuaid. He gave his time so generously, always helping anywhere and to anyone who needed help. His faith was very important to him. Dave married his (Bishop Kearney) high school sweetheart, Sandy. He was a friend to many…and a huge Yankees fan!

Celine was a devoted mother. She was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s for approximately 10 years.  She was a devout Catholic, attending mass every Sunday.  Celine lived her life as a true Christian, always treating people with kindness, and would always help anyone that needed it. She will be missed.

Donald was a parishioner of Holy Spirit for 3 years and St. Joseph’s for the last year. His community Involvement included Rochester Rotary, Rochester Regional Foundation, and Rochester Hearing & Speech.

Norma was Roman Catholic and has been a parishioner at St. Joseph’s since the 60’s. After retiring, Gordon and Norma enjoyed spending time with the many friends they met through bowling as well as time spent with family. Norma also enjoyed watercolor painting.

Pat was a loving wife and was a dedicated mother to her 5 children and grandmother to one.   She loved her career in nursing and, later, as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Pat dedicated herself to serving her community, including volunteering at Penfield Volunteer Ambulance Service, working at St. Mary’s Hospital, Jefferson Family Medicine, and Health Care for the Homeless.

Carol was a parishioner for 44 years. She volunteered as a ‘money counter’ for about 17 years. Carol was also a Minister of Holy Communion. She attended mass every Sunday and is very much missed by her "7:30 Mass friends."

Ann was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s for many years.  She went to mass weekly up until the day she died. Ann was married to her husband for 40 years.  Her kids will always remember her strength, especially when their dad died suddenly.  Ann’s love for her husband never faded.

George was very friendly. He always welcomed everyone to the home. George got to know people and make them feel comfortable. What a gift he was.

Bev was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s since 1994. She attended weekly mass. Bev was an amazing woman who was an inspiration to anyone who knew her. Even with her blindness, she always had a positive outlook on life. She was a fun-loving spirit and had a recognizable laugh that brightened up any room. Her incredible strength was very evident during her battle to survive numerous medical issues over the last several months. She lived a fantastic life.

Barbara was a beautiful and devoted wife, loved her family and loved children. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Barbara raised 5 boys and 2 girls, and was always an optimist looking for the positive in every situation and person. She was loved by all, and was vital and active right up until her last days.

At. St. Joseph’s, Peg made an indelible mark on how we walk beside adults preparing to become Catholic in the RCIA and how we, as a large parish, value small Christian community. Other parishioners have said that Peg and her husband of 50 years, Tom, embody all that defines St. Joseph’s with their generous discipleship and engaging style of lay leadership.  Peg’s faith spilled over into her service efforts for the larger world by building libraries for all and welcoming refugees by volunteering at Mary’s Place. Peg’s work with refugees included literacy support as well as helping refugees prepare for entry into the workplace. In recognition of Peg and Tom’s commitment to others, their alma mater, LeMoyne University, gave them the Ignatian Award for Community Service in 2019.

Mary was a parishioner at St. Joseph’s Church for 47 years. Jim and Mary enjoyed extensive worldwide traveling, logging over 50 countries, wine making, golf, gardening and do-it-yourself projects. Mary and her husband Jim were married for 64 years.