It is with hearts overflowing with love and grief that we announce the passing of Zachary Taylor Kirisits, known to all who cherished him simply as Zach, on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 30. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Zach lived his entire life with a quiet strength and genuine warmth that touched everyone around him.
Zach’s life was guided by purpose, loyalty, and deep love for those he held dear. A proud valedictorian at Bishop Kearney High School (class of 2012), he went on to earn his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Miami in 2015. Shortly thereafter, Zach embarked on a professional journey with General Mills in Denver before returning to Florida, where he joyfully spent years working alongside his father, Donald Kirisits, in their family mattress business. Eventually, his heart brought him home to Rochester, where he remained surrounded by the people he loved.
His kindness was far more than a trait—it was a way of living. Zach was intentionally thoughtful, determined, respectful, and gentle. He had the remarkable gift of making people—friends, family, even perfect strangers—feel full, safe, supported, heard, and understood. This was never performative; it was simply who he was at his core.
Zach treasured life’s simple joys. He prioritized time, conversation, and presence with the people he loved most: Saturdays spent with his grandfather, Joseph Ciufo, where their slow afternoons were sacred rituals. Weekly movie dates with his mother, Ellen Kirisits, each with ticket stubs saved as mementos of their shared moments. Daily check-ins with his best friend and little sister, Emily, from helping her buy a car to delivering cold medicine when she was unwell miles apart from one another in her home of Nashville, Tennessee.
These moments were where he felt most free—most himself. His greatest joy came from seeing others flourish. Whether lending encouragement, sharing laughter, or just being there, Zach’s love was expressed through action.
Music echoed the beat of his heart. Whether jamming in the car, attending Bruce Springsteen shows with his mom, or traveling with his father to see Paul McCartney perform in different cities, Zach came alive in melodies and connection. He wasn’t just a fan—he was a vessel for shared experience, pulling others into the joy of the moment.
Football, too, held a special place in his life. From peewee leagues to the final days of high school, he played with passion—and root-root-rooted for the Buffalo Bills. No game was ever missed, whether freezing in the stands of Ralph Wilson Stadium or cheering loudly in his father’s Bills room. It was more than sport—it was the bond that tied father and son in their own beautiful way.
While Zach’s academic and professional accolades—from leading his high school class to excelling in college and beyond—reflect his intelligence, what truly defined him was his humility. He never sought the spotlight, instead using his gifts to serve others. His emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion ran deeper than any degree or title.
Zach loved life—the unadorned, everyday beauty of it. His vision for each year included simple yet profound goals: journaling, staying hydrated, exploring the wild outdoors, saving for a new car, and embarking on hiking and camping adventures. He built a mood-board at the start of this year, brimming with hope for new experiences that would nurture his mind, body, and soul. That vision was a promise to himself and those he loved—an invitation to live fully in a world brimming with wonder.
We hope people will never forget: How he made each person feel like the most important person in the room, his persistent enthusiasm and the way he found joy in life’s small wonders, and the gift of his love— freely given and unwavering.
Zach was preceded in death by his father, Donald Kirisits; grandparents Joseph Ciufo, Marian Ciufo, and Carol Coniglio. He is survived and forever loved by his mother, Ellen Kirisits; sister, Emily Kirisits; grandfather, Donald Kirisits; grandparents Anthony Greco and Cindy Greco; stepmother Jennifer Kirisits; stepsister Jessica Kirisits; uncle David Ciufo (Pam); aunts Lisa Castro (Robert Castro) and Kim Goldbeck; and cousins Melanie Shay, Sarah Ciufo, Christopher Ciufo, Matthew Castro, and Michelle Grimes.
A Memorial Service to honor Zach’s life will be held at St. John of Rochester Church (8 Wickford Way, Fairport, New York 14450) on Friday, June 20th at 11:00 AM — where family and friends will gather to celebrate his warmth, spirit, and the legacy of love he leaves behind. The mass will also be livestreamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming. Interment will be private.
Though we ache with loss, we find solace in the gift of his life—a life lived with intention, joy, and boundless heart. In honoring Zach, we honor the power of kindness, the joy in simple moments, and the lasting impact one humble soul can have on the world. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Zach’s memory to: Catholic Charities (Diocese of Rochester), Address: 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, New York 14624. https://ccdor.org/donate/.
24 responses to “Kirisits, Zachary Taylor”
Sending your family love I love you all 🤍
ELLEN, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
I’m so sorry, Ellen. My heart goes out to you and your family during such a sad and difficult time. I hope that your beautiful memories of times spent together with Zach will comfort you and give you strength. Keeping you in my thoughts and in my heart until I see you next week. Love you!
Ellen,
I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory bring you comfort in these difficult times days.
Maureen Donnelly Gluckman
Ellen and family, may the memories continue to get you through this difficult time.
Our most heartfelt condolences. Love and prayers for you all.
Ellen, my heart is breaking for you and Emily and your family. This is beyond tragic. Zach was a wonderful young man. I can remember him from first grade through high school when he would come over to hang out with Will. He was so kind and polite. He would always stop to talk to Fred and me before he went off to play video games or whatever the boys were doing. I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through, but please know you are in my heart and prayers. Sending love and comfort.
I cannot express to you how sorry I am for your loss. I loved that we both had sons named Zachary. I am holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for you loss Ellen, Emily and your entire family. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
Ellen..I am so sorry to hear about Zach. I remember him from SJR and being in class with Ben. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Pam Ragus Chapman
Ellen and Emily: words cannot express my deep sorrow for the loss of my beloved Zach. I am more sorry than you know and I would love to be there for you. I love all of you so very much. Please reach out anytime.
Vicki and I had only had the chance to meet Zach a few times and our thoughts were what a wonderful young man Zach was and enjoyed our chance to share a little time with Zach and our hearts go out to you for this tragic loss for your family and anyone who ever had the chance to have Zach touch their lives. God must have needed a special Angel !
Ellen and Family,
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing young man. Our hearts are broken for you and we are praying your beautiful memories of your beautiful boy will strengthen you. Sending all our love.
Ellen~my heart has been literally aching for you since hearing this tragic news. I pray you can feel the love and comfort from so many of us who are mourning the loss of your beautiful Zach with you, Emily and the rest of the family.
Tony and Cindy my prayers are with you and your family. love the Martuscello’s
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Zach was always such a nice kid. My love and prayers go out to you all
Dearest Ellen and Cindy ,
Although I have not been around for years because of my divorce didn’t mean I never thought or asked about you both! Of you!
I never met Zach but he sounds amazing and I do feel his lost and of course that of Don Jr !
I send you both my deepest sympathies and a heart of love!
Some peace will come to you both but sorrow always remain and it’s that hurt I want to help erase with the knowledge you will Always be within me and wishing you are feeling my strength for your struggles!
Love you both ,
Betty Kirisits
Thank you Betty I appreciate your kind words ❤️it’s been tough but friends & family reaching out means the world to me …..love, Ellen
Ellen & Emily
You have been in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss. Beautiful tribute ❤️. Sending prayers to you & your family during this difficult time
We were so very sorry to hear about this. Our sincerest condolences to Ellen and her family and friends. Sending prayers and healing thoughts of peace to all. 🙏
Zachary lit up my office with his presence. I am saddened to hear of your loss. Its my loss as well. I worked with Zach and he would call me his angel and I would call him mine. I pray God fills the hearts that Zach had the opportunity to touch. My sympathy to the family. love
I met Zach through our Rotary Club in Cape Coral. The thing that pops into my mind when I think of him is his smile-he put his entire self into those smiles and we never saw him when he wasn’t wearing one. We just learned of his passing this week, and I know the entire club extends their prayers to Zach’s family. May your memories bring a smile to your face when you think of Zach.
Thank you very much, we appreciate your kind words.
He did talk to me about events that he participated in & the happiness that it brought him.