Dedicated & Caring Staff
Our Employees Will Go the Extra Mile
When you lose someone special to you, adding the burden of planning a funeral can feel overwhelming. Bartolomeo & Perotto is built on a strong foundation of customer service. Our employees will go the extra mile to make this process as easy as possible during a challenging time.
We often get asked “How do you do what you do?” Taking some of the onus off the grieving has it’s rewards. It is our honor to care for your loved one, and help celebrate a life well-lived.
Get to Know Our Team
Michael P. Perotto
President, Funeral Director since 1988
Mike attended Canton College for Mortuary Science. After completing his residency, he earned his funeral director’s license. Since then, he’s been growing the business with his dad, Phil, and brother, David.
A large part of his commitment to improving funeral care is being involved in industry-related organizations. He has previously served as president of both the Preferred Funeral Directors International (PDFI) and the local Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association. Mike previously served as a board member for the Greece Rotary.
Mike has enjoyed watching his own sons, Michael and Jon grow into young men who are now creating their own distinct futures. Mike’s third “son,” Rocky is the family’s faithful companion. He is also a friendly staff member at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home as a grief therapy dog.
Aside from keeping lacrosse stats on the sidelines of his son’s games over the years, Mike is true outdoorsman who loves to hunt, hike, fish, or just sit around a campfire with friends. When he gets some spare time, he likes cooking and perfecting timing and flavors with his food smoker.
“It is our commitment to the Bartolomeo legacy, reaching back to 1922, that motivates us to continue to grow and improve.”
David L. Perotto
Vice President, Funeral Director since 1994
After graduating from high school at the Aquinas Institute, Dave earned a horticulture degree from Cornell University. In 1994, Dave graduated from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service and chose to enter the family business, teaming up with his dad, Phil, and brother, Mike. After his dad’s retirement, Dave and Mike took the reins and began managing the business together.
Dave serves on the board for the Greece Chamber of Commerce as well as the Executive Committee. For many years he served on the Ambassador Committee. He finished a term as a board member for the New York State Funeral Directors Association and was appointed as one of the NYS Pre-Plan trustees.
Dave's hobbies include scuba diving, hiking in the Adirondacks, fishing & bow hunting. He enjoys starting his days at the Northwest YMCA. This association led him to join the YMCA Board of Managers, giving him the opportunity to give back to the organization. He served as the "Invest in Youth" chairman, a campaign raising funds to make membership affordable for all at the YMCA. He also served as branch chair. He lives in Greece with his wife, Jackie whom he met from his days at Aquinas.
“People ask me all the time, ‘Why do you work as a funeral director?’ My response is always the same. It is rewarding to be able to help people as they recover from the loss of a loved one. I can't think of a more gratifying profession than ours.”
Philip P. Perotto
Funeral Director since 1966 - Retired
As the nephew of the founders, George & Frances Bartolomeo, Phil was immersed in funeral care early on. He served his country in the United States Air Force. Upon his return, he attended the Simmons School of Mortuary Science, picking up the reigns of the business with his cousin Peter Guilliari. His sons, Michael and David are the next generation to carry on the Bartolomeo & Perotto legacy.
Phil served as President of Rochester Genesee Valley Funeral Directors Association; Regional Governor New York State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA)- Group I; Secretary/Treasurer of NYSFDA; Vice President of NYSFDA; President of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, and the Greece Chamber of Commerce Welcoming Committee. In 2004, he was awarded the GCOC “Businessperson of the Year” Award.
Phil enjoys the outdoors and spending time hunting with his family and friends. He has also participated in different disciplines of competitive shooting. He and his wife Dorothy have 3 children (Michael, David, and Roseanne) and have enjoyed supporting their two grandsons, Michael and Jonathan in sports, and in all they do.
Phil’s mantra has always been “Always improve and create an atmosphere at the funeral home of compassion, understanding, and excellence in service.”
William F. Padulo
Director of Operations & Personnel, Funeral Director since 1995
Bill graduated from the Aquinas Institute, class of '85. From there he studied at SUNY Canton College in Canton, NY. Having been friends with the Perotto family since third grade, he often spent time around the funeral home and started helping out holding the door for guests at visitations and driving the limousine for funerals. Bill started working full time and eventually decided to pursue his funeral director's license. He graduated from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service in 1994 and became a licensed funeral director a year later.
He started a support group at the funeral home and formed a bond with many of the people whom he had helped. They met monthly and took special trips to places like "Concerts by the Shore." He was a member of the Southwest Kiwanis club and is a member of The St. John the Evangelist of Spencerport Men's Club, The Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce.
He has been a Greece resident since the late 80's. In 1994 he married Ellen Schmidt. They have two beautiful daughters, Hannah and Sarah, who are college graduates pursuing their own passions. In their spare time, he and Ellen enjoyed years of watching them play basketball and softball. They currently enjoy spending time at their campsite at Red Rock Ponds enjoying food and fires with their camp neighbors.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to guide and lend support to families through the toughest time of their lives and feel it is a great privilege. It is rewarding to have people appreciate all that you do for them over the years. I am fortunate to call many of them friends.”
Joseph P. Capuano
Funeral Director since 1978
Joe is a native Rochesterian. After high school he studied at Monroe Community College, following with a degree from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. He has served over 45 years as a funeral director, taking care of families in the Rochester area.
His enjoyments in life are being a funeral director, shooting pool, classic cars, looking forward in life and building projects. His passion is his family and friends.
“I realize I couldn’t have chosen a better profession to dedicate my life to. My years of caring for others have been rewarding. It has kept me alert to the needs that many people have, as well as the frailty of life itself.”
Lyle J. Sasso
Funeral Director since 2001
Lyle comes from a tiny island in the Caribbean named Anguilla. At the age of 17 he left its sunny shores and turquoise water to attend the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York City. He completed his Mortuary Science degree in 2000.
Lyle has been working in funeral service for over two decades. He came to us from New York City before making the decision to move to upstate to begin a new chapter in his career at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home in November of 2022.
Basketball, football, tennis and swimming are the sports Lyle likes watching or participating in. He loves dogs and recently adopted his own pup.
“I’ve never regretted my career choice in funeral service. I love my job and I enjoy helping people in their time of need.”
Christopher M. Lawrence
Funeral Director since 1989
Chris is a 1988 Canton College graduate where he earned a degree in Mortuary Science. After his residency he received his NYS Funeral Director’s license and has been active in funeral care for over 30 years.
Chris lives in Greece with his wife Linda. They have a daughter, Juliana who is now pursuing her own life goals as an adult.
When not at work Chris likes being outdoors taking care of the yard, and sometimes swings a club out on the golf course. More than anything he enjoys spending time with family and friends and sharing a good meal.
“I look at funeral service not as a job, but more as a calling. I get tremendous satisfaction out of helping the families that I work with through one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Michaela R. Conti
Resident
Michaela was a student of Mortuary Science at SUNY Canton when she met Mike Perotto who was guest speaking for one of her classes. Mike invited Michaela to do her practicum work with Bartolomeo & Perotto and she accepted! During the summer and holiday breaks she earned her practical experience and has since graduated with honors. Michaela is now a resident at the funeral home.
Her mother, Aurora and father, Robert Conti raised her and younger brother, Bobby in Greece, NY. She was a 2020 graduate of the Aquinas Institute of Rochester.
Michaela loves basketball & lacrosse – playing it, watching it and someday has hopes of coaching. Her “fan” heart goes to the Boston Celtics and the Buffalo Bills. She’s a reader of books, likes to cook and is an outdoor enthusiast. When the weather is right, she’ll be fishing or ATV-ing! Above all she loves spending time with family and friends.
“I like doing this job and it has given me my purpose in life. There is a saying that ‘the two most important days in your life are the day you were born and why.’ Being a funeral director is my why.”
Andrea Ruggieri
Marketing-Communications Specialist, Pre-Planning Coordinator
Though originally a Syracuse native, Andrea has called Rochester “home” for over 25 years. With a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts/Graphic Design at Oswego State College, and years of Marketing experiences under her belt, she now takes the lead in coordinating marketing & communications for the Perotto family of funeral homes.
She is thrilled to be a part of the Bartolomeo & Perotto team. This career move was a great progression in serving people and working alongside the best in the funeral care industry.
Outside of work, Andrea loves being outdoors; hiking, boating, sailing, gardening, reading, photography and spending time on Otisco Lake with family and friends. Andrea and her husband Chris are enjoying watching their two grown daughters, Alexandra and Erika create their future as adults.
“I admit, I’ve learned a great deal about funeral care and how important it is to have the right people caring and guiding you when you are faced with one life’s most difficult realities.”
Heather Henderson
Accounting, Business Administration
Heather is an only child, born in Rochester. Soon after she was born, her family moved to Guntersville, Alabama where she spent her growing up years. She graduated from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. In 2016, she decided to make a fresh start and move back to her roots in Rochester.
Heather is very connected in the Greece area; a member of Kiwanis for many years as president of both the Greece and Rochester clubs and more recently as lieutenant governor of the Genesee Division. She is also an active member and ambassador of the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce. Currently she serves as the insurance agent for Greece Chamber Benefit Partners.
In 2019, she won the GRC Award, “Young Professional of the Year.” She connected with David Perotto through the Greece Chamber, and soon enough she took on roles at the funeral home, as a funeral assistant, then in accounts payable, payroll, and facilitating family insurance claims. Before coming to Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, Heather worked as a licensed in insurance agent in Georgia for over 13 years.
Playing and coaching volleyball is a part of her history that she looks back fondly on. Now she enjoys cooking, enjoying a good glass of wine, and spending time with family and friends.
“What I love the most about the funeral industry is that it is ever changing, and we are in a position to have a positive impact on the lives of others during one of the most challenging times of their life.”
Stacy Morse
Administrative Operations Manager
Stacy has been a great addition to the team at Bartolomeo & Perotto since 2018. She grew up in Greece and graduated from Greece Athena High School.
She and her husband reside in North Chili with their children, Evan and Logan. After staying home for 14 years with her kids, she took a chance at a new career with the funeral home that her family has used since they were located on Jay St.
“I have had a lot of different jobs, but at heart, I am a “people person” and truly enjoy being able to help people when they need it the most.”
James LiVecchi
Facilities Manager
Jim has a long history with the Perottos, dating back to grammar school with Michael and David. Because of this, the funeral home was always on his radar.
He owns a business that helps people with estate management and downsizing. He thrives on organization, streamlining, and efficiency, so it seemed like a perfect fit to join the Bartolomeo & Perotto and Walker Brothers team in managing their fleet of vehicles and keeping the buildings in tip-top shape.
Jim has two great kids and has made it a point to be involved in their busy lives. Jim coached football, basketball, and track & field for almost 20 years in the Gates-Chili and Greece school districts. Having the opportunity to coach his daughter’s basketball and track team and being a hockey parent to his son has been a joy over the years. Jim is very involved in his church and enjoys teaching Sunday School. He likes keeping active with cross-fit, biking, and shooting baskets with his kids.
“I’ve always understood and respected all that goes into helping families in their time of need.”
Rocky Perotto
Therapy Dog, Available upon request
On a sunny June day in 2015 the staff of Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral home was in for a surprise at the morning meeting. Owner, Michael Perotto showed up with a jubilant, blonde fluffball of fur at his side. He announced that this pup would be a part of our team.
At the time, we all basked in the glow of puppydom with happy licks and tail wags. We had no idea the impact he would have on the families we serve, or on us personally. This Golden Doodle named “Rocky” not only became a team member but an important avenue for the grieving.
Rocky is a fully trained, certified therapy dog. He still has moments of preferring to chase leaves than walk beside you like a champion canine, but that is what is so endearing about our friend Rocky. He emits a sense of “realness.” Dogs are naturally genuine, and this shows in his ability to seek out and give comfort to those who need it.
The beauty of a dog’s perspective is that they know no boundaries. They give what is needed unconditionally. Many of us who have pets understand. We witness this gift with Rocky daily. His ability to take away intense grief, if only for a short time, gives hope that we will get through it.
They first learned about grief therapy dogs at a funeral industry conference. A Funeral Director from Krause Funeral Homes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin told a story about their dog, “Oliver.” Unfortunately, Oliver had passed away. The Krause family and the funeral home staff were overwhelmed with grief. But what surprised them was the reaction of the local community.
Word got around of Oliver’s death and calls flooded the funeral home. Oliver had connected with so many of these people at a crucial time. The funeral home realized they needed to let the community honor and grieve. They decided to hold a funeral service for this creature that had touched so many. They were overwhelmed at the showing of people. Over 200 people attended the service for Oliver.
This is one example of how animals deeply touch our lives. Dogs and other pets have been introduced into nursing homes, hospice centers, and other service organizations with incredible results. On more than one account, a person in a catatonic state has virtually “come to life” through interaction with an animal.
Friendly contact creates smiles, happiness, and positive socialization. Similarly, this interaction also brings comfort during times of distress. These phenomena have been observed over and over again. If you think about it, you’ve probably seen it too!
Oliver’s powerful story made it clear that this was something we needed to offer at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home.
We are thrilled that Rocky can bring comfort to those experiencing grief. He has met with many families already and is available to anyone upon request. Just ask if Rocky is around!
Get to Know Our Funeral Assistive Team
Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home employs many different people in positions that are vital for serving our families with the best care available. There are funeral assistants, limo drivers, hearse drivers, car washers, flower runners, food servers, cleaning & maintenance crew members. They all form a solid team that makes your loved one’s final life celebration seamless and as stress-free as possible.
John Harnischfeger
Funeral Assistant, Driver
The stories behind the people that come to work at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home are sometimes quite intriguing. Who knew we would have a State and National Federation Natural Powerlifter record holder working as a Funeral Assistant and Service Driver? You can’t miss John Harnischfeger’s powerlifter look, but don’t be fooled, he’s been working in funeral care for more than 23 years and is very approachable and friendly.
Though he recently retired as a career firefighter, he began his journey into firefighting as a volunteer with the Ridge Road Fire Department right out of high school. His father was also a volunteer, inspiring him to make firefighting a way of life. It wasn’t such a far stretch for John to continue serving his community in his off hours at the funeral home.
John married his high school sweetheart, Ellen. Their two adult children are Andrew and Brooke, who are now making their own way in the world. Like all proud parents, they relish seeing each new step taken. The family still manages to take a vacation here and there together when possible.
Bob Scarciotta
Funeral Assistant, Driver
Working at the funeral home started out as something to fill time in retirement but turned into much more. He found it very rewarding to be able to help people at what is one of the hardest times in their lives. Bob has known the Perotto family for many years. His family lived down the street from Phil & Dottie Perotto when they had an apartment above the funeral home, back in its Lexington Avenue days. His wife Nancy, was a teacher and taught two of our funeral directors, Mike Perotto and Bill Padulo while they were in grammar school.
Bob was a 35+ year career accountant, employed most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Catalyst, a direct marketing firm, where he retired in 2012. Bob and his wife Nancy have been married over 40 years and are now enjoying retirement together. They spend time with their two grown daughters, and their extended and growing family.
You might see Bob and his family, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. His love of the Finger Lakes region probably influenced his creation of “Bobinator Vineyards,” his own “brand” of wine. He also likes to fish in the Adirondacks, venturing up there 1 or 2 times a year.
“Just lending an ear to listen to someone about a loved one or being able to assist a family in some way is very satisfying. Seeing the look of ‘thanks’ in their eyes or hearing how we were able to help them through this difficult time makes it all worth it to me.”
Michael J. DeToy
Funeral Assistant
As someone who enjoys helping and working with people, Mike came to work as a funeral assistant after serving 22 years as a police officer in the Brockport Police Department. He also had an 11-year stint with the County Parks Department prior to becoming a police officer.
In addition to working at the funeral home he is the Court Clerk in Clarkson, New York. He volunteers as a coach for the LeRoy High School Trap Shooting Team and is a member of ARPALER and OATKA Fish & Game Club. After being an active firefighter for over fifteen years, he is a member of the Brockport Fire Department Exempt’s Club. He played and officiated hockey games in his younger years.
He and his wife Laurel and have two children, who are now young adults finding their way in the world. Laurel is retired after over 34 years in the Rochester City School District. Mike and his wife look forward to enjoying more camping, with their new motorhome. Being outdoors brings Mike great joy. He enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening and working in the yard, and let’s not forget grilling!
Brenda Bauer Gotham
Funeral Assistant
Brenda came to Bartolomeo & Perotto with a background as a retired human resources professional. She worked for corporations including, Wegmans Food Markets and Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Both positions required her attention to detail while assisting employees and their families, often with significant life transitions.
Both Brenda and her husband are lifetime Rochesterians. They have lived in the Town of Greece for over 20 years but enjoy the activities and entertainment that all of Rochester has to offer. Brenda is very interested in world, local and community news, specifically in respect to new business and product development, and employer announcements.
If you drop by the YMCA, you may see her taking advantage of her membership there. She also enjoys activities like tennis, skating, RPO concerts, outdoor music events and discovering new parks and trails to walk.
“Assisting families with difficult, life changing events was evident to me each time I attended a funeral service at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home. The staff are compassionate professionals who uphold a high standard of respect for the client. To assist with families and guests is a team effort. It’s great to feel like part of a team that helps to ease the grief and anxiety of people who are coping with their loss.”
Ralph Palumbieri
Funeral Assistant
Ralph is a long-standing Greece resident, graduating from Greece Olympia High School in 1973. He attended Monroe Community College and received an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. Ralph has an interesting work history ranging from Taylor Instrument, to Mercury Print, Spinergy, Johnson & Johnson and Harris Communications. In 2019 Ralph retired, but decided to fill some of his open time at the funeral home assisting families at a time when they need a helping hand.
In his youth, Ralph loved the competition of playing soccer, football, hockey and track. Staying active has stayed with him. He is a runner, loves to play golf and played softball for 20 years. He and his wife Margaret have two children, Adam and Cara.
Paul Fuenfstueck
Driver
Paul is retired from a 30-year career in security. He has known the Perotto family for over a decade and decided to come on board as a limo and hearse driver. He enjoys working with all the staff at the funeral home, providing assistance and comfort to the families we serve.
He and his wife Karen have been married since 1972. Two children and five grandchildren later, they’ve been blessed and keep busy. Outside of their prized family time, Paul and Karen enjoy backyard pool time and traveling with friends.
Mark Polizzi
Funeral Assistant, Driver
Mark was a paralegal at a foreclosure firm for ten years. He holds a degree in physical education from MCC, a degree in business management from Empire State College, and graduated from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. He is a very caring person. Working at the funeral home, made sense to him.
He is very passionate about working out and staying fit. Not long ago he weighed 290lbs. It has been a life journey that he is very proud of.
Mark is also a huge fan of ice hockey. Not just watching it, but he’s a player who’s been on the ice since he was five years old. He still plays adult league hockey two nights a week. Mark’s daughter Mia also plays hockey. He enjoys watching her and being a coach on her team. He and his daughter spend a lot of time at Rochester Americans hockey games. At one time Mark was vice president of the Rochester Americans Booster Club.
“The Funeral Business has always been a very interesting profession in my opinion. I think it takes a special caring and compassionate person to work in the business.”
John Page
Funeral Assistant
Many people in the Spencerport area remember John as the previous co-owner of Page Appliances, Inc. For his entire career, he and his brother ran the store and sold home appliances in the Village of Spencerport. He is retired now and working as a funeral assistant for the funeral home.
He married Sandy, a Spencerport native. Together they have two adult children and are blessed with four grandchildren. No surprise, he loves following his grandkids activities and sports whenever possible. John is an eager gardener, loves to tinker in his shop and work around the house. The rest of his time is well spent with friends and family.
“I enjoy seeing familiar faces and visiting with people, and to help in any way.”
Curtis Birthwright
Funeral Assistant, Driver
In 2016, Curtis’s mother-in-law’s funeral services were held at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home. At the request of his wife, Curtis spoke at the funeral. It was then that Curtis realized he had a special gift that he wanted to continue sharing. He was compelled to bring comfort to those in their time of grief. He enjoys being a funeral assistant and driver at the funeral home in his spare time.
Curtis hands out smiles in healthy portions at a time when you may need some warmth. He takes his job as funeral assistant with great pride. This man is a born “people person,” working with young people every day. Curtis has been employed at Rochester City School District for over 20 years teaching grades 1-6 and coaching a multitude of athletes from Hilton to Greece. Curtis and his wife raised two great kids who are both athletes awarded with athletic scholarships in college.
“I have been told that my smile often brings joy to a room. If I can share my smile and a kind word of encouragement, then my role as a funeral assistant is complete.”
Tim O’Connor
Funeral Assistant
Tim is one of many retired Kodak employees in Rochester. He worked as an electrician for 41 years. Tim enjoys supplementing his retirement as a Funeral Assistant at the funeral home. He started out “filling in” for an employee on leave and it didn’t take long to realize that he was a permanent fixture with the organization.
Tim is an avid hunter, which is a trait he also shares with Dave and Mike Perotto. In their off time, they are often heard “discussing” hunting strategies. Tim has three daughters and is married to Kim, who also worked in the funeral home business office until she decided on a full retirement! In fair weather it’s not uncommon to see the back end of Kim and Tim’s RV as they head off and enjoy camping together.
Thomas Meier
Funeral Assistant
Tom is retired from a 27-year career in emergency services with Waterbury Fire Department in Waterbury, Connecticut. He held the title of Fire Captain for many years and after committing much of his time to firefighting he decided it was time to spend more time with his wife and son. He now works as a volunteer for the Spencerport Volunteer Fire Department.
Retirement afforded him the ability to not only have more family time, but more time to serve his community.
“I felt inspired to be involved in something where I could help people. Being a funeral assistant gave me this opportunity.”
