Anthony R. Turrisi

Greece: Passed away on January 10, 2026. Anthony is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Turrisi; children, Tony (Lucy), Michael (Laudonia) & Steve (Nicole); grandchildren, Briana (Brian) Wainwright, Anthony & Jamie; niece, Ann Marie Treviso.

Anthony’s life story will be shared during visitation, 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, January 23rd at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24th at 10:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3000 Dewey Ave. Inurnment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in Anthony’s name to the Sunset House, 3746 St. Paul Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617.

Remembering Anthony R. Turrisi ~

Anthony R. Turrisi was born on September 16, 1937, in Rochester, New York—a notably large baby at nearly 13 pounds—and grew up on Randolph Street, a place that shaped the roots of a life grounded in family, faith, friendship, and resilience. He was the son of Salvatore and Concetta Turrisi. Tragedy touched Anthony at a young age—he was only six when his father passed away and just eleven when he lost his mother. In the face of profound loss, Anthony was lovingly raised by his sister Anna, whom he always looked up to as a second mother and one of the most influential people in his life.

Anthony was preceded in death by his brother Frank, who passed in 1951, and his beloved sister Anna, who passed in 2022. Their impact on his life was lasting and deeply felt.

He attended St. Andrew’s and Aquinas before graduating in 1955. That same year, Anthony proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1955 to 1958 as a Yeoman Third Class. His service instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and pride that carried through the rest of his life.

After returning home, Anthony began a long and dedicated career with Rochester Telephone, where he worked for 38 years before retiring in 1996. He remained active even in retirement, serving on the retirement union board, working as a shuttle driver for Doan Car Dealerships, and—most importantly—devoting his time to helping care for his cherished grandchildren, Briana and Anthony.

In 1958, Anthony met the love of his life, Frances “Fran” Anzalone, at Becker’s Big Boy. Their love story led to marriage on July 21, 1962, and together they built a life rooted in devotion and partnership. Fran was Anthony’s rock, his steady support through every season of life. They raised three sons—Anthony, Michael, and Steven—of whom he was immensely proud. Determined to give his children the opportunities he himself had missed, Anthony worked hard and led by example.

Family life was filled with joy: vacations to Myrtle Beach and Florida, Little League baseball games where Anthony proudly coached his boys, and countless sporting events cheering on the Buffalo Bills and the Rochester Red Wings. Sports were a lifelong passion, especially football, and many Sundays were spent watching games with his close childhood friends—Wayne, Jerry, Rich, Clem, Larry, Bill, and Jack. These friendships spanned decades and were filled with golf outings, picnics, trips to Florida, laughter, and shared memories.

Anthony was also deeply connected to his neighborhood community. He treasured his friendships with the Firkins Family, where street parties were legendary and the famous “beer mobile” made its rounds, always adding to the fun and camaraderie.
Known for his humor and warmth, Anthony was a natural jokester with an infectious laugh. Some of his favorite sayings became family staples—“Well, maybe just a taste,” whenever food was offered, and “Drive careful and call me when you get there,” words that perfectly reflected his loving, thoughtful nature.

He enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra, keeping up with the news, following all sports, and relaxing with a Genesee beer. He loved golf, bowling, and gardening—especially growing tomatoes and flowers—as well as collecting hats and watches and meeting friends for coffee or lunch. Anthony also had a lifelong soft spot for dogs; though he never owned one himself, he took great joy in his grandpups, Rory, Joey, and Jack, whom he truly adored.

Faith was central to Anthony’s life. He was actively involved with GYA, attended Holy Name Church, and served faithfully as a sacristan for Sunday Mass before later attending St. Charles Church. His faith, along with his family and friends, was what mattered most to him.

In the summer of 2024, Anthony faced one of the greatest challenges of his life when he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). He met his illness with courage, strength, and grace. After a hard-fought and brave battle, Anthony passed away on January 10, 2026.

Anthony was proud of his Italian heritage and even prouder of the family he built. His legacy lives on in the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the values he passed down. He will be remembered as funny, thoughtful, loving, emotional in the best way, and beautifully simple—a devoted husband, a dedicated father, a loving grandfather, a caring brother, and a cherished uncle.

Above all, Anthony R. Turrisi will be remembered for the way he showed up for others, the joy he found in everyday moments, and the deep love he held for his sister Anna and his wife Fran, the two women who shaped and sustained his life. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know and love him.