Deacon Donald Eggleston Obituary, Rochester NY, Death: Diocese of Rochester Deacon Dies at 69

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Deacon Donald Eggleston, a longtime permanent deacon in the Diocese of Rochester, died on September 25, 2026, at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece following a long illness. He was 69 years old.

Eggleston served as a permanent deacon for 15 years, ministering in Rochester-area parishes and community settings while continuing to preach, write reflections and support those around him.

His death has left his wife, children, grandchildren, fellow deacons, priests, parishioners and friends mourning the loss of a man remembered for his faith, generosity and commitment to ministry.

Who Was Deacon Donald Eggleston?

Donald Eggleston was a native of Greece, New York, and a graduate of Arcadia High School, where he completed his studies in 1975.

He later earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Brockport and a master’s degree from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.

His education eventually became part of a life dedicated to serving others through Catholic ministry.

Before and during his years of ministry, Eggleston also built a professional career with Eastman Kodak Co., from which he later retired.

Donald Eggleston’s Calling to the Diaconate

Eggleston was ordained a permanent deacon on June 4, 2011, by Bishop Matthew H. Clark at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester.

His ordination began a 15-year period of service within the Diocese of Rochester.

From 2011 to 2016, he served as a deacon at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Rochester. He later served at Our Mother of Sorrows in Greece from 2016 to 2018.

Although health challenges eventually led to his being granted early senior status, Eggleston continued contributing to parish life and ministry.

Ministry Beyond the Parish

Eggleston’s diaconal field ministry included service at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, Rochester General Hospital and St. Paul’s Parish in Webster.

These assignments allowed him to minister in different settings and serve people beyond the traditional parish environment.

His ministry reflected a commitment to meeting people where they were and offering support through faith, service and personal connection.

Remembered as a Heartfelt Preacher

Father John Firpo, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, remembered Eggleston for the way he connected his preaching and faith with his own experiences.

Eggleston was remembered as someone who preached from the heart and had a strong capacity to welcome people into his life.

His preaching was not simply presented as an abstract expression of faith. Instead, he drew on experiences from his own journey, allowing his messages to connect with the people listening to him.

That personal approach became an important part of how fellow clergy and parishioners remembered his ministry.

Continuing to Serve After Senior Status

Eggleston was granted early senior status as a deacon in 2018 because of health reasons.

Despite moving into senior status, he continued assisting with parish ministry, including at his home parish, St. Charles Borromeo in Greece.

Deacon Edward Giblin, diocesan director of the permanent diaconate, also remembered Eggleston for continuing to serve generously.

Eggleston served on the diocesan Deacon Personnel Board and as treasurer of the St. Stephen’s Diaconal Community Association.

His continued involvement demonstrated that senior status did not end his desire to contribute to the life of the diocese and the people he served.

Determination Despite Health Challenges

Father Roman Caly of St. Stanislaus Kostka also remembered Eggleston’s determination to continue preaching despite mobility challenges.

His willingness to remain involved in ministry despite those difficulties became another part of his legacy.

Rather than allowing health-related limitations to completely remove him from parish life, Eggleston continued finding ways to participate, preach and support his fellow Catholics.

A Writer as Well as a Deacon

Eggleston’s ministry also included writing.

He continued contributing reflection articles to parish bulletins, sharing thoughts about faith and life with members of the communities he served.

One of his final contributions was a farewell column prepared for the September 26-27 bulletin at St. Charles Borromeo.

The continued publication of his reflections provided another way for Eggleston to connect with parishioners and share the experiences and faith that shaped his life.

Family and Loved Ones

Beyond his ministry, Eggleston was a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Mary.

His surviving children include Elizabeth and her husband, Matthew Helton, and Jeffrey and his wife, Allison Eggleston.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Wesley, Tristan and Rev, as well as his brother, Richard and his wife, Sandy Eggleston, along with many extended family members and friends.

For his family, his legacy extends beyond his years of Catholic ministry to the relationships and memories they shared at home.

Deacon Donald Eggleston Obituary Details

Funeral Mass and Burial Arrangements

The funeral Mass for Deacon Donald Eggleston is scheduled for September 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

The service will be held at:

St. Charles Borromeo Church
3003 Dewey Ave.
Greece, New York

A calling hour will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass.

Interment will take place afterward at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Family, friends, parishioners and fellow members of the Catholic community are expected to gather to honor Eggleston’s life and remember his years of service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Deacon Donald Eggleston?

Donald Eggleston was a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Rochester who served Catholic parishes and community organizations for 15 years.

When did Donald Eggleston die?

He died on September 25, 2026, at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece following a long illness.

How old was Deacon Eggleston?

He was 69 years old.

When was Donald Eggleston ordained?

He was ordained a permanent deacon on June 4, 2011, by Bishop Matthew H. Clark at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester.

Where did he serve as a deacon?

His ministry included service at St. Stanislaus Kostka, Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, Rochester General Hospital and St. Paul’s Parish in Webster. He also continued assisting at St. Charles Borromeo in Greece.

What did Donald Eggleston do before becoming a deacon?

Eggleston earned a political science degree from SUNY Brockport and later a master’s degree from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. He also worked for Eastman Kodak Co.

Who survives Donald Eggleston?

He is survived by his wife, Mary; children Elizabeth and Jeffrey; grandchildren Wesley, Tristan and Rev; brother Richard and many extended family members and friends.

When is his funeral Mass?

The funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. September 30, 2026, at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Greece. A calling hour begins at 9:30 a.m.

Where will Donald Eggleston be buried?

Interment is scheduled to take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery following the funeral Mass.

Remembering Deacon Donald Eggleston

Deacon Donald Eggleston leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, family and perseverance.

For 15 years, he served the Diocese of Rochester as a permanent deacon, preaching, assisting in parish ministry and supporting people in settings ranging from churches to hospitals and community organizations.

Even after health challenges led to early senior status, he continued serving where he could. His preaching, writing and involvement with diocesan organizations remained meaningful parts of his ministry.

His family will remember him as a husband, father, grandfather and brother, while parishioners and fellow Catholics will remember the deacon who shared his faith through both words and service.

As family, friends and members of the Rochester Catholic community gather for his funeral Mass, they will honor a life dedicated to faith and to the people he served.

May Deacon Donald Eggleston rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones find comfort in the faith, memories and legacy he leaves behind.

Obituary Information and Disclaimer

Information here is for general information purposes only.

This obituary is based on the information provided concerning Deacon Donald Eggleston’s life, ministry, family and funeral arrangements. Funeral and service details should be confirmed through the Diocese of Rochester, St. Charles Borromeo Parish or the family in case of changes.

The family and authorized church representatives remain the appropriate sources for official information concerning Deacon Donald Eggleston’s obituary, funeral Mass, interment and memorial arrangements.