Livonia: The Reverend Edward B. Zenkel, 79 years, a Diocese of Rochester priest for nearly 55 years, died March 23, 2016. Father Zenkel grew up in Holy Apostles Parish in Rochester and attended the parish school, as well as the former St. Andrew’s and St. Bernard’s seminaries.
Bishop of Rochester James E. Kearney ordained Father Zenkel to the priesthood in June 1962, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Rochester.
After ordination, Father Zenkel served as assistant pastor at Guardian Angels in Henrietta and St. James in Waverly before becoming chaplain at the State Industrial and Agricultural School at Industry in 1968. Father Zenkel served there until 1981, when he became pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas in Leicester and St. Lucy’s in Retsof. While there, he served as chaplain at Groveland Correctional Facility and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Jail. In 1994, he left those parishes and became pastor of St. Mary in Honeoye, where he remained until reaching senior priest status in 2003.
He loved living on Conesus Lake and his Golden Retrievers, and was never shy about being Wegmans biggest fan. He had a big heart for people and a great love for life and was always keeping those around him on their toes with his playful prankster spirit.
He is predeceased by his parents Edward J. and Margaret (Tydings) Zenkel. Survived by his brother Robert (Julie) Zenkel, and beloved nieces Ann (Eric) Crews, Nancy (Nate) Buchanan and Margaret Zenkel and great nephew Eston Calder Crews. Also survived by many cousins on the Tydings and Zenkel sides of the family.
At Father Zenkel’s request there will be no prior calling hours. His funeral Mass will be, 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Saint Matthew’s Church, 6591 Richmond Mills Road., (20A), Livonia, NY 14487. Memorial contributions may be made to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester Priest Retirement Fund, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624. Arrangements entrusted to the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., Livonia-Honeoye. To send a condolence please visit:
www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Father Ed was my cousin. I have so many fond memories of time spent with him. He tried so hard 1 day to get me to water ski- with no success but plenty of laughs. The cousins went out for a night on the town and he was so thrilled when they kept asking him for his ID. He must have been in his thirties at that time. Many a day spent at the lake with Mister, great food and plenty of reminiscing and laughs. The last time I spent with him was about 3 years ago- we were visiting from Wisconsin. To my dear cousin- you are 1 of the most kind, caring, funny, loving people that I have known. You are now at peace with the Lord. May you enjoy this next journey with your family up in heaven. You will truly be missed here on this earth. Love you.
Will miss the “Pope of the Lake” as he humorously called himself. Loved his humor and stories. Was a great neighbor, friend and priest. Always looked forward to his phone calls to ask for help with something at his house and visiting for a while when there.
Rest in Peace, Father Ed. You will be missed but not forgotten.
Father Ed was one of my favorite people, unless he wanted his dog groomed! Always wanted him done yesterday!!! He often called and said it is ” The Pope” calling! We would know he was into his martini’s! God Bless you Father Ed, Love you, Rest in PEACE.
ALWAYS ENJOYED JOKING AROUND WITH FATHER ED. I USED TO KID HIM ABOUT HIS UNCLE DON ZENKEL WHO RAN JANES FURNITURE ON NORTON STREET. FATHER ED ALWAYS REFERRED TO DON ZENKEL AS HIS JEWISH UNCLE IN THE FURNITURE BUSINESS.
GONNA MISS YOU—GOD BLESS