Rochester Funeral Homes Cope With the Cruelty of COVID-19

They’re not often mentioned with the other front-line workers fighting the COVID-19 crisis, but they are there nonetheless—quietly risking their health to ease the pain of others. For the men and women of Rochester’s funeral homes who consider it a sacred trust to care for the dead and provide compassionate service to their families, the barriers imposed by COVID-19 are heartbreaking. The virus is cruel—not only to the victims whose lives it takes but also to the surviving families who face … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What is the Longest Running Business in Rochester or Rochester Hills?

Dear Crabby, What is the Longest Running Business in the Rochester or Rochester Hills? Sincerely, Kathleen Novetsky   Dear Kathleen, A better question for our historical writer, Deborah J. Larsen ... but I'll have a go at. You're really asking two questions in one, and you also don't say "still operating," but I'll assume that's what you mean. For Rochester Hills, it could be a tie with many businesses. When Rochester Hills became a city, any existing businesses in Avon Township … [Read more...]

Rochester Rotary Dedicates Park Monument to Community Leader Bill Potere

Almost 100 people gathered in Rotary Gateway Park earlier this month, next to the library in Downtown Rochester, to witness the dedication of a new sundial monument. Inscribed on the front, the word IMAGINE, succinctly encapsulated the life of a Rochester community leader, the late William R. Potere. Bill Potere grew up in Rochester and eventually took over his father’s funeral home, which is now called the Potere-Modetz Funeral Home. Unbeknownst to many, Bill was the quiet visionary … [Read more...]

Potere-Modetz Funeral Home is One of Rochester’s Oldest Businesses

Although it has been known by several different names throughout its history, the roots of the Potere-Modetz Funeral Home go back 137 years in Rochester. Along with the Rochester Elevator, the funeral home qualifies as one of the town’s oldest businesses. It all started around 1880, when William Harvey Greene went into the furniture and undertaking business in Rochester. Within three years’ time, he was successful enough to build a brand new store at 311 S. Main (now the location of Haig’s of … [Read more...]

Remembering Jerry Prieskorn, Tony Canu, and More

The Rochester Media team respectfully brings you a periodical update of obituaries as shared by Pixley Funeral Homes and Modetz Funeral Homes in Rochester. It is never easy learning a loved one has passed. With this collection, it is our hope to keep our community connected to ensure the memories of those passed continue to live on in our thoughts. The following notices are of residents with a Rochester, Rochester Hills, or Oakland Township connection. More details and a complete listing may be … [Read more...]

Remembering Margery Johnston and other former Rochester-Rochester Hills residents

Welcome back to our Local Condolences section. The Rochester Media team respectfully brings you a periodical update of obituaries as shared by Pixley Funeral Homes and Modetz Funeral Homes in Rochester. It is never easy learning a loved one has passed. With this collection, it is our hope to keep our community connected to ensure the memories of those passed continue to live on in our thoughts. All notices are of Rochester and Rochester Hills former residents and can be found online at … [Read more...]

Remembering Rodger Lee Fuller, William H. Morgan and others

Welcome back to our Local Condolences section. The Rochester Media team respectfully brings you a monthly update of obituaries as shared by Pixley Funeral Homes and Modetz Funeral Homes in Rochester. It is never easy learning a loved one has passed. With this collection each month, it is our hope to keep our community connected to ensure the memories of those passed live on in our thoughts. All notices can be found at www.PixleyFuneral.com and www.ModetzFuneralHomes.com, through an … [Read more...]

Remembering Loretta Smarch, Joseph Coleman, Janet Davis, Mary Helen Bull and others

Welcome back to our Local Condolences section. The Rochester Media team respectfully brings you a monthly update of obituaries as shared by Pixley Funeral Homes and Modetz Funeral Homes in Rochester. It is never easy learning a loved one has passed. With this collection each month, it is our hope to keep our community connected to ensure the memories of those passed live on in our thoughts. All notices can be found at www.PixleyFuneral.com and www.ModetzFuneralHomes.com, through an emailing … [Read more...]

Remembering Virginia Bennett, Shirley Giglio and others

Local condolences: Jan. 23 Virginia L. Bennett April 16, 1926 - January 20, 2014 BENNETT, VIRGINIA L. of Waterford; Went home to be with the Lord on January 20, 2014; age 87; Beloved wife of the late Frank; Loving mother of Sharon Bennett, Gregory Bennett, Deborah (Louie) Calderon and Janine (Paul) Lair. Cherished grandmother of Christopher and Olivia. Mrs. Bennett was a member of the Walton Boulevard Church of God. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 24, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at … [Read more...]

Remembering Florence Mary Thompson, Doris June Zink and others

Welcome back to our Local Condolences section. The Rochester Media team respectfully brings you a monthly update of obituaries as shared by Pixley Funeral Homes and Modetz Funeral Homes in Rochester. It is never easy learning a loved one has passed. With this collection each month, it is our hope to keep our community connected to ensure the memories of those passed live on in our thoughts. All notices can be found at www.PixleyFuneral.com and www.ModetzFuneralHomes.com, through an … [Read more...]