Conesus Lake: At age 77, almost 78, John ‘Jack’ passed away with his family by his side on Friday, May 3, 2024, at St. John’s Home in Rochester, NY. ‘Jack’ was born on July 14, 1946, in Rochester, NY to the late John E. Illes and Margaret Nelson (Wendelgass). In addition, to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Illes. Survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Catherine (Rogers) Illes, his sister, Kathy (Illes) Windhauser, brothers-in-law John (Joyce) Rogers, Lawrence (Mary Jane) Rogers, Paul (Susan) Rogers, and sister-in-law Deborah Illes. As well as nieces and nephews, Thomas Windhauser, Sheri Blackmore (Windhauser), Ian Rogers, Justin Illes, Keith Illes, Alex Illes, Christian Illes, Erin Rogers, Shaun Rogers, Lindsay Magro (Rogers), Lisa Rogers, Emily Rogers, and Sophia Rogers. Also survived by several great-nieces, nephews, and friends.
John was affectionately known to his family and friends as ‘Jack.’ He worked as a machinist at Kayex Corporation for over 40 years. He lived in West Irondequoit for over 25 years and retired to Conesus Lake NY in 2000.
He served as an active firefighter with the St. Paul Blvd Fire Department in West Irondequoit NY, from 1977-1993. He served as a Fire Commissioner for the Lakeville Fire District from 2008-2024, he served as Chair, Head, and Board of Commissioners from 2014-2024. John ‘Jack’ joined the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department as a social member in 2012.
For several years he served as a representative for the Conesus Lake Association.
John ‘Jack’ enjoyed spending time with his wife, family, and close friends. He volunteered at Bingo at the Lakeville Fire Department every Thursday for several years.
He loved Conesus Lake from the time he was a young child, when his uncle lived on East Lake Rd, till the time of his death where he shared his home on Conesus Lake with the love of his life, his wife, ‘Cathy,’
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and was a master of many crafts. Numerous people came to him for assistance with welding projects, or handyman skills he possessed.
John ‘Jack’ along with his wife ‘Cathy,’ was a devout Catholic and a Parishioner of St. Matthews Catholic Church in Livonia, NY for many years.
Friends and family are invited to call from 4-7 PM on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia. A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 AM on Friday, May 10, 2024, at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road in Livonia. Memorial Contributions may be made to: St. Matthews Catholic Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road, Livonia, NY 14487, or to the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 376, Lakeville, NY 14480. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Oh Cathy! I was looking for someone else and saw about Jack just this morning; a day too late to see you all at the service. My heart goes out to you! Your family and ours made many memories together. Take care.
We grew up together and I have so many special memories. Picnics at the Becker house with Jack driving the old jalopy, trips to the Buffalo zoo and happy Thanksgivings when they lived in Horseheads. When Jack married Cathy, they always had fantastic July 4 parties and my family looked forward to Ring of Fire celebrations on July 3 at Conesus Lake. My heart breaks for Cathy and all of us who were privileged to be part of Jack’s life. Rest easy cuz, I love you!
Jack was the big brother I never had. The oldest of all us cousins. He was so kind and generous, always opening his house for gatherings and boat rides on the lake. My heart hurts for you, Cathy, and those left behind. My memories are many and cherished from childhood through adulthood. Rest easy, Jack, you will be missed.
Thank you, Jack, for loving and caring for my friend Cathy and being such a wonderful husband and best friend to her.
Thank you for your service to the Fire Department and thank you for the quality work you always performed . . . and thank you for being you.