AREA: Parker, Sharon E., of Rochester, died August 11, 2026. She was predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Margaret Parker, and her sisters, Sheila Rinaldi and Sandra Casanzio. She is survived by her sister, Suzanne Zigrossi; two daughters, Jennifer and Julie Seils; grandchildren, Emma and Christopher Seils; five nieces and nephews; and three great-nieces and nephews. She was born and raised in Spencerport. Sharon earned her LPN degree at the Catherine McAuley School of Practical Nursing in Batavia and focused on caring for children in the hospital. Sharon was a connoisseur of sweets who also enjoyed gardening, baking, and spending time with her family and beloved rescue dogs. Her sense of humor, generosity, and loving nature will be missed by all.
A Service was held August 21 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 55 Martha Street, Spencerport. Donations can be made to one’s local animal rescue in her memory.
GREECE: Loos, Janice “Jan” Geraldine Kruszynski, 87, of Ft. Pierce, Florida, passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 10, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Her youthful essence, quick wit, and love for all will be missed.
Jan was born in Cheektowaga, NY, and raised in Perry, NY. She spent most of her adulthood in Greece, NY, and settled in Ft. Pierce, Florida, in retirement. Jan attended Perry High School, where she scholastically ranked 7th amongst her class of 66 seniors.
She furthered her education at the State University of New York at Buffalo, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s in education. She served the Greater Rochester community and taught at all three schools in the Greece Central Public School District. She also taught at Cardinal Mooney High School and Nazareth College. Her teaching subjects included Business Math, Typing, General Business Studies, and Accounting.
Jan is survived by her five children, Edmund O. Loos, III (Gina), of Orlando, Florida; Jennifer K. Miller (Michael), of Avon, NY; Kristin M. Vamvakitis (Jim), of Mount Dora, Florida; Rebecca A. Loos (Susan), of Richmond, Virginia; and Kimberlee K. Riper (James), of Clifton Park, NY, as well as her brother, Richard Kruszynski. She was also the grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Maddison, MacKenzie, Eddie, and Delaney Loos; Emma Miller; Bethany, Amalia, and Sophia Vamvakitis; and Hannah and Benjamin Riper. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Edmund Oscar Loos, Jr., and her parents, John & Helen Kruszynski.
Jan was more than her education, career, and family. She was a strong-willed, sweet, and savvy-dressed lady. Her daughter, Kimberlee, remarked that “Our mother dressed for the life she wanted” – she had an outfit and a pair of shoes for every occasion. No matter what, she made sure she arrived in style and accessorized to a “T.” Jewelry, watches, hats, and approximately 20 different shades of sunglasses to coordinate with her attire. The night we drove her to the hospital, she was emphatic that we pack her favorite lipstick in the overnight bag. Jan was never fully dressed without a big, beautiful, bold smile.
Mom’s humor was always on point, and her infectious laugh could bring a room to a standstill. Her authentic self never lied or sugarcoated a situation. Sarcasm was her love language. She became friends with every stranger she met and innocently flirted with any man who donned a beard. Jan was all of this and more.
Mom often said she was born in the wrong generation, and it showed in the music she listened to. She adored country and alternative music and loved live music. If you glimpsed at her Apple Music playlists, they often told of a chapter of her life, the perfect emotion for the moment, or the joy of the music itself.
She kept a list of the concerts she had attended, hoping it would keep growing. That list included Coldplay, Lady Antebellum, Brothers Osborne, Old Dominion, Lake Street Dive, Lucy Dacus, Chris Young, the Goo Goo Dolls, Lanco, Florida Georgia Line, the Piano Guys, the Tenors, OneRepublic, and Tonic Jane. Her musical taste was vast and modern. Two weeks before her passing, her daughter, Becky, didn’t have the heart to let her know that one of her favorite artists, Glen Hansard, had beaten her to the pearly gates. Mom knows now, and more than likely, she has his attention.
As she grew older, Mom’s curiosity for learning never stopped. She kept her mind sharp and her heart open by watching Korean Rom-Coms. The subtitles kept her focused; the dramas kept her hopeful that love, no matter the race, ethnicity, or language barrier, would always win. Mom was an eternal optimist and a hopeless romantic.
Jan captured people’s attention, put endless smiles on their faces, and had a kind heart beneath the armor she wore well. Mom always left a bottle of water in the mailbox each day for her mail carrier. She offered help to anyone but seldom accepted it. Fiercely independent, to say the least. Mom was proud of her strength and tenacity.
When Mom spoke of the past, she did so fondly, and one memory centered on her hometown of Perry. She longed for those simpler days when she would find herself roller skating on a Friday night. It was a treasured memory, and she told her daughter about it on the way to the hospital. If she has her way, she will grab the cutest dress, a matching pair of skates, and find her way back to her childhood skating partner in heaven.
Although her body aged, Jan’s heart remained young. She will be remembered for the many lives she touched—from her childhood friends in Perry, NY, and her students in Greece, NY, to the communities she helped build in Bliss, NY; Richmond, VA; and St. Lucie County, FL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or your local Military Veterans Support organization.
If you never had a chance to meet her and want to share a moment with her, put on “Benny and the Jets” by Elton John, turn up the volume, and sing with all your heart. “She’s got electric boots, a mohair suit, you know, I read it in a magazine, oh-oh B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets.”
BROCKPORT: Burch, Melvin R., 84, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Story of Hope Comfort Care Home in Chili, NY, on August 13, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, and he will be deeply missed.
Melvin was born in Brockport, NY, on September 5, 1941, to James and Grace Burch. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and loved spending time with his family more than anything. An avid outdoorsman throughout his life, Melvin spent decades hunting with his dear friend, Ed Kumar. He was a wonderful storyteller who loved sharing stories from his life with family and friends. His strong exterior was matched only by his loving and loyal nature.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife of almost 62 years, Sharon (Tripp); his sons, Theron (TJ) Burch (Kimberly) of Buffalo, NY, and Travis Burch (Virginia) of Crowley, TX; and his sister, Cheryl Burch Watts (Jerry). He was predeceased by his grandson, Nolan Burch, and is survived by his treasured grandchildren, Alexandra Burch and Clayton Griesbach. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Joyce Burch Stamp, Edward Burch, and James Burch.
Melvin chose to make an anatomical gift to the University of Rochester, and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of cards and flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Melvin’s memory to Story of Hope Comfort Care Home, 813 Marshall Road, Rochester, NY 14624. www.storyofhoperochester.com
CHILI: Abell, David S., died August 10, 2026, at age 85. He was predeceased by his wife, Ann. He is survived by his children, Timothy of Chili and Rebecca Grand of San Diego, and grandchildren, Timothy Jr. and Tara Grand. He retired from RG&E after 35 years of service as an electrical/nuclear engineer. After retiring, he worked at Ridge Road Station. He also worked as a train maintenance/serviceman for Wegmans. Dave was the former president and a standing member of the Genesee G Gauge Railway Society and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Chili. He was a model train/locomotive enthusiast.
His Funeral Service was held August 18 at the First Presbyterian Church of Chili, 3600 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624. Interment in Grove Place Cemetery. Contributions in his memory can be made to the church. Arrangements entrusted to the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili.
HILTON: Burger, Kenneth James “Ken,” died August 7, 2026, at age 88. He was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Helen Burger, and by the mother of his children, Connie Burger. He is survived by his children, David (Traci) Burger and Tanya (Dave) Grugnale; grandchildren, Allison (Kyle), Lindsay (Dillon), and Stacy; two great-granddaughters; and a great-grandson-to-be (due in November). Ken was the owner and operator of Kenneth Burger Excavating Co. in Hilton. A talented equipment operator, Ken took great pride in his work and truly enjoyed being on the job. Ken enjoyed tinkering in his home shop with little projects and working with his hands.
A private Graveside Service will be held for Ken at the convenience of the family in Parma Union Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made to Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions, 3177 Latta Road, Rochester, NY 14612. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton.
HOLLEY: Downey, Richard C. “Rit,” age 89, died August 10, 2026. He was born May 12, 1936, in Albion, to the late Charles and Katherine (Haight) Downey. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Sybil Eighmey, and his son, Charles Downey. He is survived by his daughter, Denise Johnstone of Holley; grandsons, Ryan (Jamie) Johnstone, Joel (Anna) Johnstone; granddaughter, Kelsie (Joshua) Vogt; two great-grandchildren; and two nieces. Rit was a manager at the 3M Plant in Rochester, and a real estate agent for several years. He enjoyed going to the Thousand Islands, where he indulged in the two passions he enjoyed the most: boating and fishing.
There will be no calling hours. A Private Service will be held at the convenience of the family, with interment in Hillside Cemetery. Contributions in his memory can be made to any AA Chapter in one’s area or the Holley Fire Department, 7 Thomas Street, Holley, NY, 14470. Arrangements entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Holley. To share a special memory of Rit, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
HOLLEY: Knight, Norman S., age 88, died August 18, 2026. He was born December 21, 1937, in Buffalo, to the late Joshia and May (Chago) Knight. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Amy Knight, and siblings, Bruce, Wayne, Rodney, and June. Norman is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Betty; children, Todd (Mary) Knight, Edward (Sherry) Tipton, and Stephen (Gail) Tipton; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Norman owned and operated Knight Tire & Auto in Brockport for over 20 years. He also served on the Holley CSD School Board for many years and was a past member of the Brockport Rotary Club.
A private Graveside Service will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Albion. Arrangements entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, Holley. To share a special memory of Norman, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
SPENCERPORT: Andrews, Marion Alice (Hoffort), age 78, of Calgary, Alberta, formerly of Spencerport, died August 4, 2026. Marion was born June 17, 1948, in Estevan, Saskatchewan, to August and Blanche Hoffort (Thievin). Marion made her home in Spencerport for 25 years. Previously, she lived in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Ontario. She was predeceased by her husband, David Andrews (2023); four older brothers, Armand, Phil, Jerry, and Roger; and daughter-in-law, Dani Forsyth. She is survived by her children, Darren (Sabine) Mann of Nanaimo, Jason (Janet) Mann of Airdrie, and Michelle Forsyth of Calgary; grandchildren, Sarah, August, Kyle, and James; sisters, Rose, Anne, and Lorraine; and a wide circle of family and dear friends who became chosen family. She will be lovingly remembered for her laughter, love, and light, for finding something to be thankful for in every season, for carrying herself with a quiet, steady grace through life’s hardest chapters, and for meeting the world with a contagious joy that made everyone around her feel a little lighter and a little more alive.
A Celebration of Marion’s Life was held at Evan J. Strong Funeral Services in Calgary on August 15. A second Celebration of Marion’s Life will be held at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, 735 East Avenue, Hilton, on Saturday, August 29, at 1 p.m. Contributions in her memory can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
SPENCERPORT: Menke, Richard J. “Dick,” died unexpectedly July 30, 2026, at age 83. He was predeceased by his parents, George and June, and his wife, Rae, the love of his life. He is survived by his children, Jason (Linda), Richard (Pam), and Georgeann (Doug) Anderson; grandchildren, Tyler, Jordan, Alexis, Rikki, Hunter, Sara, and Spencer; one great-grandchild; brother, Ron (Janice); Daisy, his beloved dog; his Canadian family; nieces, cousins, and friends from all walks of life. He served in the Navy Reserves in Rochester from 1960 to 1966 and was called to active duty from 1962 to 1964, stationed in Morocco. Dick retired from General Motors early in life to start his motorcycle repair business, The Hawgologist. He was a charter member of the Lord M.C. and a member of the GCHOG, ROCHOG, LCHOG, and OHOG motorcycle chapters. He rode to Alaska three times and was the recipient of the LCHOG High Mileage Award in 2025. Having traveled 1,000+ miles in 24 hours, he was a multiple Iron Butt award recipient. His Florida home in Clermont let him ride his bike 365 days a year. “Life is good” was one of his favorite sayings. He was not shy about letting his family and friends know that he loved them.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fowler Funeral Home Inc., 340 West Avenue, Brockport. Interment will be held privately. Donations in his memory can be made to the Al Sigl Center, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, NY 14620.
