Rodger Denning, 61, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Rochester, NY. He is predeceased by his mother, Sara Denning.

Rodger is survived by his loving wife, Elisabeth Denning; children, Scott (Courtney) Denning, Jake Denning, and Autumn (Max) Maurer; grandchildren, Lilith Denning, Alice Denning; father, Frederick Denning; siblings, Andy (Chris) Denning, and Drusilla (Martha) Denning-Corley.

Rodger’s life story will be shared during his visitation on Thursday, August 7, from 5-7 pm at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, 14626. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, August 8, 10 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 3003 Dewey Ave., 14616. Immediately following Rodger’s Mass he will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Remembering Rodger~

Rodger was truly one of the most selfless people anyone could ever meet. He never placed his own needs above those of others — not even during his most difficult times. Always the first to lend a hand, he went out of his way to help anyone in need, time and time again.

Rodger’s life wasn’t easy. He endured great hardship and suffering, yet he faced it all with quiet strength and perseverance. Through it all, he leaned on the greatest blessings in his life: his beloved wife Elisabeth, and their children — Scott, Jake, and Autumn.

An accident while working as a Registered Nurse at Rochester General Hospital left Rodger permanently disabled and wheelchair-bound, changing the course of his life. But if you ask his children, they’ll tell you: it never once changed his ability to be an incredible father. He remained present, loving, and deeply involved, ensuring his kids never missed out on the joys of childhood — or the guidance they needed into adulthood. Though many things were more difficult for him, he never let it show. He always found a way. Rodger carried his sense of humor and spirit of adventure through every storm, even on the hardest days. He was also a proud veteran, having served his country in the United States Navy in his earlier years — a time that shaped much of the strength and discipline he would later lean on.

He was a man full of stories — rich with life experience, wisdom, and humor. He shared them with joy, often accompanied by the many sayings he made up over the years. One of his favorites, which he often told his kids, was “BS x2. Be Smart and Be Safe”. Rodger’s passions were many and ever-changing. In recent years, he found joy in wood carving, crafting intricate designs and heartfelt messages into long wooden sticks, which he’d give as gifts. Each one was beautifully done — a reflection of the care and love he put into everything. His creations live on as cherished reminders of his thoughtfulness. There are countless stories that could be told about Rodger — more than can ever fit in one place.

But his legacy lives on in his father, his siblings, his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and two more grandchildren on the way. Rodger was deeply loved by all who knew him.

Please join us in celebrating that love, in sharing the many stories of his remarkable life, and please continue to keep him in your prayers.