Honeoye: Peacefully on March 13, 2018 at age 77. Survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia (Burton) DeNise and children; Mark (Tracy) DeNise of Newark, Julie (Charlie) Lowery of Honeoye, and Lori (Phillip) Baldauf of OH; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brother David (Sally) DeNise, sister Betty Privitera, many nieces & nephews and friends.
Dick was born a city boy with a country heart. After serving a short tour with the Navy, he married Ginny and they settled in Honeoye where they lived and loved for the next 57 years. Together they provided a loving and nurturing home to three children, and became part of a community that would forever be where they called home. As part of that community, Dick and Ginny became active members of the United Church of Christ where he sat on the Board of Trustees, and sang bass in the choir.
For 29 years, Dick worked at Stone Construction Equipment. While there, he put to use his creative mind and his tinkering soul working in both Research and Development and as an exceptional welder. As his children grew and began their own lives, Dick found opportunities to serve his community and beyond in a number of ways.
Through NY Help he continued his trips to a small village in Honduras. His missions brought the villagers running water, a medical facility and a school. Dick also volunteered with the American Red Cross providing meals and fresh water during hurricanes Andrew and Katrina, and wherever else his help was needed.
Serving with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Dick spent many summer weekends on Seneca Lake. His service with the Coast Guard not only provided an additional avenue to serve, it put him on the water. It was water that soothed his soul. An avid swimmer since high school, Dick swam the length of Honeoye Lake.
A devoted husband, loving father and fiercely loyal friend, there are no words to express our sorrow. His stories, his laughter, and his devotion will be greatly missed here on this earthly plane, but will live on in our hearts and memories. God called him home too soon for us, but at the right time for him. Our faith reassures us that one day, when the time is right, we will be together again.
Friends may call on Sunday, March 18th, from 3-5pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 19th, 1pm at the Honeoye United Church of Christ, 8758 Main Street, Honeoye, NY. Burial will be held at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Dick’s memory to the American Red Cross, Greater Rochester Chapter, 50 Prince Street, Rochester, NY 14607 or Help Honduras Kids, NY/HELP, c/o Arcade United Church of Christ Congregational, 297 Main Street, Arcade, NY 14009. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com