Rochester Cremation

01/07/2026

Harriet DeCoste (Rudy)

Harriet DeCoste (Rudy)

December 31, 2025

Irondequoit, NY

Passed away suddenly, at age 69.

Predeceased by her parents Walter and Jean Rudy and brother Richard Pakusch. Harriet is survived by her three children, Bianca (William) Gauthier, Catrina (Kurt) Rebstock and Alex DeCoste; grandchildren Jacob & Domonique Gauthier; brothers Michael and Stanley Rudy; sister Helen Rudy-Sarfaty; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Harriet will be most remembered for her kind and generous heart. She spent her life serving others, the early years as a talented and passionate lead chef at several successful downtown restaurants and later in life she entered into the medical field where she compassionately cared for the physically and mentally disabled until her retirement from Rochester Psychiatric Center.

She poured every ounce of her being into working hard and raising her children while also helping many souls in need throughout her years. Her life was a testament to resilience, proving that one person could build a home filled with stability, laughter and love through sheer determination and a generous spirit.

A memorial service followed by celebration of Harriet’s life will be held on Saturday January 31st 2026 at the Spies Conference Center at Camp Eastman Park, 1301 Lakeshore Blvd. Irondequoit, NY from 1:00 PM until.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Project Smile or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, all charities near and dear to Harriet.

View Harriet DeCoste (Rudy)'s obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/06/2026

Judy Baxter

Judy Baxter, of Brockport, NY, age 78 passed away on January 1, 2026. Daughter of the late Emerson and Jean Groves. She is survived by her children. Son Eddie, and daughters Jackie (John) and Christine. Five beautiful grandchildren, Ashley, Samantha, Phillip, Alexis and Ezra. Predeceased by her sister Donna. She leaves behind two sisters, Barb (Neil) and Lori (Clayton), and several nieces and nephews. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and sister, she will be greatly missed.

As per her wishes, there will be no services.

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01/06/2026

Anita Carter

Marion, NY – Anita entered into rest surrounded by her loving family on December 2, 2025 at the age of 84.

Anita was born on June 2, 1941 in Syracuse NY, the daughter of the late Sally and George Bond. She was predeceased by her brother George Bond Jr. and her husband William Carter. She is survived by her sister Sari Bond; her children Sari (Timothy) Barber, David “Chi” Turner, Ron Turner and Cherie Turner; Her grandchildren Logan (Gyorgyi) Fountaine and Sarina Barber; great-grandchildren Westyn, Bryson, and Charlotte; long-time special friend Nancy Day.

Anita will be remembered as a kind and loving soul. Blessed with a generous spirit and the unique gift of gentle strength. She lovingly raised her 4 children and helped raise an additional 9 stepchildren extending to each the same heartfelt affection. Anita warmly embraced everyone who had the pleasure of crossing her path with her eternal compassion and big heart.

Anita always had a special adoration for horses since she was a young girl. In adulthood she found great joy in raising her Siberian Huskies and going to dog shows. Reading was an incredible passion of hers. She was enamored with books of every kind. Her warmth and love for all people and animals will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Contributions in Anita’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Wayne County at https://waynehumane.org.

Calling hours will be on 1/17/25 at Spinelli’s Catering and Event Space 303 Macedon Center Road Fairport, NY 14450 from 11 am-12 pm. Celebration of Life will follow from 12 pm-2 pm. We ask anyone joining our Celebration of Life to RSVP Cherie or Sari on Facebook Messenger by 1/12/25.

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01/05/2026

Peggy Ann Lopez

Peggy Ann Lopez, 89, of Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, after her third battle with cancer.

Born in Tonawanda, NY, Peggy was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother. She shared a deep and enduring bond with her husband, Hector Lopez. She was known for her easygoing nature, kindness, loving spirit and gratitude.

Peggy loved reading, swimming, gardening, taking car rides, visiting Disney, enjoying warm weather, and most of all, spending time with her family. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her loved ones, and her presence brought joy and comfort to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Hector Lopez; her children, Donald Clark, Clifford Clark (Renee), Robin Horn (Scott), Tina Bowman (Shawn), and Shannon Lopez; and her grandchildren, Keifer Clark, Amber Clark, Paige Saenz, Cameron Clark, Kyra Wroten, Leah Wroten, and TaCarie Broadbent, as well as several great-grandchildren.

There will be no public service. All condolences may be made directly to the family in lieu of flowers @

Family of Peggy Lopez:

10 Round Trail Dr. Pittsford, NY 14534.

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01/05/2026

Vernon Charles Bartholomew

Vernon Charles Bartholomew (Bart) 85, Avon, NY, formerly of Holland Patent, NY passed away December 27, 2025. He was born in Utica, NY on January 29, 1940, son of Charles and Margaret Vaeth Bartholomew.

He graduated from Holland Patent Central School in 1957.

Bart proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1961 where he served in radio and communications aboard the USS PRICE and the USS CALCATERRA.

In 1961, he began his career in computers at SPERRY/UNIVAC/UNISYS which lasted over 30 years.

For many years he was responsible for the computers at Griffiss AFB and was on call for all the airbases in the Eastern United States from Maine to Florida to Texas.

He was a lifetime member of the Holland Patent Hose Company. He enjoyed participating on their firematics team and working at their annual field days.

He was also an avid deer and turkey hunter.

On June 12, 1965 he married Patricia Ricci at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Holland Patent, NY.

Devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Patricia, son, James and Kara Bartholomew, Avon, NY; daughter, Cristine and Bob McDaniel, Honeoye Falls, NY, and four grandchildren: Sydney McDaniel, Cameron McDaniel, Taylen Bartholomew and Delaney Bartholomew.

He is also survived by two brothers, Peter and Richard, in-laws: Peter and Nora Ricci, Tom and Mary Ellen Hanlon, Susan Rehm and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his in-laws Peter and Florence Ricci.

Burial will be at the Holland Patent Cemetery in the Spring.

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01/02/2026

Mary A. Krutenat

Mary A. Krutenat, age 85, was born on August 10, 1940, and passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025. She spent her entire life in Rochester, New York—a place she proudly called home. Mary was a woman whose life was marked by faith, love, and quiet service to others.

She is predeceased by her husband, her parents James and Amy Lane; her beloved husband William “Bill” Krutenat, and her sister Betty Schultz.

Above all else, Mary cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to her two children, Ken (Kristyn) Krutenat and Kimberly (Michael) Palumbo, and she took immense joy in her role as a grandmother to her five grandchildren: Kyle Krutenat, Keaton Krutenat, Michael Palumbo, Sophia Palumbo, and Isabella Palumbo. Being “Grandma” was one of her greatest joys, and her love for her grandchildren was unconditional, proud, and constant.

Her Christian faith was the foundation of who she was. It guided the way she loved her family, served in her church, and cared for everyone who crossed her path. Mary was deeply involved in her church, Crosstown Alliance Church, throughout her life, where her kindness, consistency, and servant’s heart were felt by many.

Mary devoted over 30 years of her life to her work as a nurse at Genesis Pediatrics in Gates, where she considered her co-workers family. She loved her job and worked up until her last days. Caring for children and supporting families was not just her profession—it was a calling. Her patience, compassion, and steady presence made a lasting impact on countless patients and coworkers over the decades.

Mary also loved sewing, a hobby that reflected her patience, creativity, and care—often creating things not for herself, but for others. She loved gardening and had a special tradition of giving away her produce from her garden.

Mary’s celebration of life will be held in March 2026, with details to be announced. Mary leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faithfulness, and love that will continue to live on through all who knew her.

View Mary A. Krutenat's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/01/2026

As we move into a new year, we know this transition can feel especially heavy for those who are grieving. While the calendar turns and the world speaks of fresh beginnings, many families are stepping into a year their loved one will never share, and that can be incredibly hard.

Please know that it’s okay to feel reluctant, uncertain, or even overwhelmed during this time. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and there is no “right” way to enter a new year after loss.

Our hearts remain with you, just as they were when we first had the honor of serving your family. We are wishing peace for you and your family this new year.

12/31/2025

Judith Mae Binder

Judith Mae Binder, 82, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025 at the Jewish Home of Rochester. Born in Philadelphia, PA on January 17, 1943, to Harry E. and Helen M. (Koskul) Binder, Judy was an Elementary Vocal Music Teacher in the Greece Public Schools for more than 20 years.

While struggling with Lewy Body Dementia herself, Judy was the primary caregiver for her beloved spouse of 48 years, Barbara V. Erbland, whose Alzheimer’s diagnosis eventually led to her death in November.

A 1960 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School in Philadelphia, and a 1964 graduate of the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, Judy’s life was elegant and filled with music, creativity, love and cats.

At heart, Judy was a musician. She fluently played the piano, flute and cello, but also dabbled in the ukulele, African drums, the recorder, and numerous other instruments. She wrote lyrics and music — including an ensemble of 10 songs entitled Coming Home, a personal reflection entitled Livin' Like New and the school song for Longridge Elementary School in Greece. She brought music to the people of Rochester.

Judy was on the Board of Trustees for ARTwalk, on the board of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, an adjudicator for Rochester Broadway Theater League Stars of Tomorrow program, on the teaching staff for Music for People, chair of the Super Kids program, and a member of the Rochester Flute Association Flute Choir.

Judy and Barbara co-founded “Come Out Dancing,” an LGBTQ+ swing dance group that brought joy and community to many. Under the label JUBA creations, they created greeting cards to celebrate birthdays and extend Christmas greetings to friends and family.

Judy’s love for adventure included post-retirement traveling with Barbara to Africa, the Galapagos Islands, the Caribbean, Belize, the Baltics and the Danube River.

One of her proudest accomplishments was her 2010 free-swim across Honeoye Lake which raised $10,000 for the Ontario-Yates Hospice. Along with Barbara, she participated in an "Outward Bound" adventure — toughing it out in the wilderness in a challenge that was documented in a 1987 issue of Vogue.

She and Barbara designed and, with friends, built a cabin in the woods of South Bristol where they, along with friends and family, enjoyed many years relaxing by Turtle Pond. This was the location of their wedding on July 22, 2016, which was a celebration of their 39th anniversary.

Judy was predeceased by her beloved spouse, Barbara; her former husband, Jerry M. Exline; and many beloved cats

She is remembered with love by her sisters, Jennifer Ortiz (Jorge) and Jane Denoto; stepchildren, Catherine Erbland, Stephen Erbland and Peter Erbland (Rick King); step-grandchildren, Joshua Erbland (Jasmin Keys), Annie King (Andrew Hunter) and Lucy King (John Savino); step-great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Howard Hunter; and many others.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff at the Jewish Home and to the Griffin family—Ginny, Michael, Paige, and Sam—for their years of friendship and support, and specifically to Ginny for her dedicated role as caregiver to Barbara and Judy for the past two and a half years.

A celebration of Barbara and Judy’s life is planned for July 2026 to celebrate what would have been their 10th wedding anniversary and acknowledge the nearly 49 years they spent together.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pet Pride of New York, the Jewish Home Foundation, the Eastman School of Music, or to other causes focused on music, cats, or caring for others.

View Judith Mae Binder's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Gerald (Jerry) Earl Mattern Sr.

Gerald (Jerry) Earl Mattern Sr.

September 6, 1939 – December 5, 2025

Gerald “Jerry” Earl Mattern Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 86.

Jerry was born on September 6, 1939. He was predeceased by his sisters, Barb and Joyce, and his beloved grandson, Benjamin.

He is survived by the love of his life, Elaine Mattern, whom he married on March 31, 1973; his sister, Kay Mattern and children: Michael (Shirley) Mattern, Gerald “Jerry” Jr. (Mary) Mattern, Susan Ledezma, Jennifer (Brandon) Sweet, and Johnny (Sherrie Rossi) Lundberg. Jerry was a proud grandfather to Jennifer (Alex) Whitfield, Amy (David) Pillittieri, Jacob (Shannan) Mattern, Rebekah Mattern, Jillian (Daniel) Reitano, Ryan (Taisha) Mattern, Kendra (Joe) Stocking, Kelsey (Jose) Ledezma-Rebollo, Katherine Carditello, Cristina (David) Loomis, Gabriella Carditello, Brittany Barone, and a cherished great-grandfather to Liam, Vanessa, Keira, Kaitlin, Madelline, Maximilian, Violet, Arianna R, Colette, Isabelle, Amaryllis, Penelope, Brighton, Brooklyn, Arianna B, Lorenzo, Giovanni, Rio, and Elaina.

A Life Well Lived

Jerry lived life with strength, determination, and a sharp mind. He worked hard every day during his long career at Kodak, taking pride in work that engaged both his hands and his intellect. He was a man of action — a passionate gardener, an avid hunter, and a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the New England Patriots, especially during the Tom Brady years.

He loved traveling around the world with Elaine, especially to Walt Disney World, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy life’s simple pleasures — like a big bowl of ice cream every night. At the dinner table, Jerry was known to shake his fork to make a point, a small gesture that captured his spirited personality and quick wit.

His Story in His Own Words

Jerry shared some of his life story in a video interview with his granddaughter. If you’d like to hear Jerry tell his story in his own voice, you can watch the interview here:https://youtu.be/sLgzPPHYjWU

View Gerald (Jerry) Earl Mattern Sr.'s obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Pamela J. Arno

Pamela Arno, a 71 year-old resident of Penfield NY, passed away on December 24, 2025.

She is survived by her husband, Randy; her daughter, Tammy (Mike); her son Barry (Melissa); and her grandchildren, Kobey and Layla. Pamela was the eldest sister of siblings: Gail, Randy,Joyce and Joe.

She is predeceased by her mother, Jane; father, Eugene and brother Randy Bachman. She cherished spending quality time with her family especially during the holidays, Christmas Eve being her favorite. She also enjoyed playing games and doing crafts. Her memory will forever be etched in our hearts and prayers.

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12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to all of the families we have been honored to serve. 🎄❤️

Today can bring a mix of emotions, especially for those who are navigating the holidays after the loss of a loved one. Traditions may feel different, and moments of joy and sadness can exist side by side and that’s okay.

If it brings you comfort, we encourage you to share memories, tell stories, and speak the name of those you hold close in your heart. Remembering them is a meaningful way to keep their love present today.

From our family to yours, we are wishing you peace and comfort this Christmas.

12/22/2025

Mark H. Taggerty

Mark H. Taggerty, 66, of Ovid, NY passed away unexpectedly on Monday December 8th, 2025. Mark was born on January 9th, 1959 in Waterloo, NY, the son of the late Theodore H Taggerty and Kathleen M. (O’Hora) Rodrigues. He grew up in Ovid, NY and attended South Seneca Central School. Mark worked for Frazier Industrial for 31 years as a welder where he made many lifelong friends who were more like family. In his younger years, Mark enjoyed being in the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He enjoyed time spent with his daughter and granddaughters, as well as his siblings and their families. Anyone who knew Mark knows that he was a quiet, gentle soul with a wonderful laugh, one you will never forget.

Mark will be remembered by Penny Taggerty, the mother of his children, his daughter Shelby (Rob) Taggerty, son Jeff Lannon; grandchildren Ava Taggerty, Trinity Lannon and Adeline Brodie; siblings, Mary (Rick) Perkins, Andrew (Kelly Ann) Taggerty, twin sisters Kim & Kelly Taggerty; nieces, Kelly, Cassie, Tara & Brenna and nephew and godson Jared; great-nieces & great-nephews, several cousins, his aunts Mary Daloia and Teresa Langley.

Mark was predeceased by his parents Ted Taggerty and Kathleen Rodrigues, and nephews Ryan Mills and Scott Fedyshyn.

A Celebration of Life in Mark’s honor will be held at the Waterloo VFW, 29 W. Elisha St, Waterloo, NY 13165 on Saturday January 10th from 1pm-4pm for all who would like to attend.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Seneca County Sherriff’s Office, Seneca County PD, Waterloo PD and all other agencies involved in trying to bring Mark home safely. As well as a special thank you to cousin Barb Langley Russell.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention in Mark's memory.

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