Charles T. “Chuck” Dionese

Greece, NY: Chuck passed away peacefully on July 28th, 2026, after a battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his wife, Mary C. Dionese, sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Frank Celento; brother-in-law, Art Parmele. Chuck is survived by his children, Tina (Rick) Sihto and Andrea Piccone; grandsons, Nicholas Sihto and Carlo Piccone; significant other, Joyce Carnevale; sister, Rose Marie Parmele; several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Chuck’s visitation will be held on Monday, August 3rd, from 4pm-7pm at the funeral home. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 4th at 10:00AM at St. Theodore’s Church, 168 Spencerport Rd. Internment will follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project at: https://supportwoundedwarriorsproject.org in Chuck’s memory.

Chuck was born on February 4th, 1938. He grew up on Verona Street, on the west side of Rochester, NY. He is the son of an immigrant Italian American family and was raised with strong family values and a high respect for patriotism and cultural traditions. Chuck made life-long friends during his childhood. He attended #5 Elementary School and graduated in the class of 1956 from Jefferson High School. After high school, Chuck enlisted in the United States Army and served 2 years as a bridge engineer. He developed a great passion for American History, particularly WW2, inspired by three of his uncles who proudly served their country. When Chuck returned home from the Army, he opened his own barber shop in Rochester and began dating his future wife, Mary Sasso. Chuck and Mary dated for a short time before marrying at St. Anthony’s Church in Rochester, NY on September 5th 1964. He operated his barber shop until 1971 when he began working for Prudential as a Life Insurance Agent. Chuck worked and thrived at Prudential for 22 years until his retirement in 1993. He then returned to barbering at his best friend’s shop, Barber’s 6 in Greece Ridge Mall, as a part-time job to fill his time. That part-time job lasted for 22 years! Chuck enjoyed the comradery at the barber shop, connecting with customers, friends and co-workers.

Chuck and his wife raised 2 daughters, Tina and Andrea, who were what he would say “the light of his life.” Over the years, you could always find Chuck at a dance recital or cheerleading competition for his girls. Later, he was blessed with 2 grandsons, Nicholas and Carlo, who became the greatest joy of his golden years. From teaching them to cook or giving advice on a golf swing to the many history lessons he taught, his boys filled his heart with pride. Chuck loved to watch and root for the New York Yankees baseball team and he and Mary would enjoy traveling to Florida to watch the Yankees during training camp. Another one of his life-long joys was the music of Frank Sinatra- his all-time favorite singer. He knew every song and had every album. It was the only music that was allowed to play in Chuck’s car. In 1993, he and Mary saw Frank Sinatra live in concert, which was a memorable event that Chuck loved to talk about. Chuck loved golfing in his free time. You could find him on area golf courses at least a few times every week. Chuck had a proud day when he shot a hole-in-one in the summer of 2006. Being on the golf course with good friends on a beautiful day was his favorite way to relax and enjoy life. In more recent years, Chuck enjoyed spending time with Joyce and all the Carnevale family. He loved their many family meals and celebrations, which usually included a nice pour of his favorite scotch and a good laugh.

As much as Chuck loved the Yankees, Frank Sinatra, golfing and genuine pride of American patriotism, there was nothing he loved more than his family. Chuck was not only a protective and reliable provider for his wife and children, but he was also a loving and dedicated husband and father. He was a true and honest friend to many, always providing a listening ear without judgment. His character and values were strong and never wavering in any face of adversity. Everyone who knew Chuck admired his inner strength and ability to persevere, even against all odds. Everyone knew what a great sense of humor he had and how easily he could put a smile on your face with a quick-witted joke. Chuck will be remembered throughout his life, laughing whole-heartedly with close friends, family members and colleagues, experiencing real joy in the moment. His laugh was contagious and it was impossible to be around him and not have a good time. His sense of humor sustained him during the toughest of times in life and it elevated all the best times in his life.

Chuck was a one-of-a-kind man, a good man who made everything around him better. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends and all who were blessed to cross his path.