Richard Matthew Lenio passed peacefully on November 14, 2025. He is survived and loved by his wife of 61 years, Karen (Gemberling), by daughters Kasia and Jennifer and sons Eric and Adam, by daughters-in-law Ijlal and Beth, son-in-law John Montgomery, sister-in-law Sue Olszewski and brother-in-law Alan Olszewski, by grandsons Kamer, Quinton, Sam and Gus and by granddaughters Vivian, Ceyda and Dilara.
Dick was born on August 1, 1936 in Rome, NY. In high school at Rome Free Academy he excelled in baseball, hockey and football. He received a B.A. in Mathematics at Dartmouth College, where he played hockey, and an M.A. from Colgate University. He also served our country as a Marine. In 1964 Dick married Karen and began a lengthy career at Pittsford Sutherland High School first as a beloved math teacher and then as a well-respected Assistant Principal, positively affecting hundreds of Pittsford students over the decades.
After retiring from Sutherland, he volunteered with Pittsford’s Elderberry Express and St. Louis Church. His deep faith was well rewarded in the pride and joy he felt for his four children. The seven grandchildren also brought such pleasure into his life as he shared his love of the outdoors and gardening and sports. Most particularly he shared his love of camping, hiking and campfires in the Adirondacks with everyone. The family will always cherish the 18 summer vacations we spent together in various parts of the Adirondacks. Dick was a fervent fan of the Buffalo Bills (Go Bills!), the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team, the US women’s soccer team and more recently the Indiana Fever.
Dick also loved science fiction books and shows, with Star Trek being a particular favorite. Most of the kids and grandkids are also sci-fi fans because of him.
Calling Hours Monday November 24, 2025 4-6 PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass Tuesday November 25, 2025 1PM at St. Louis Church 64 South Main Street, Pittsford.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Adirondack Council, https://www.adirondackcouncil.org or to St. Louis Church,
https://stlouischurch.org/.
34 responses to “Lenio, Richard M.”
Our deepest condolences.
The Mike Healy family sends love and sincere condolences. Dick and Don H are no doubt together and debating the old days. Warm wishes to all the Lenio’s in this immensely difficult time.
My sincere condolences to the Lenio family. While I did not have the pleasure of meeting Dick personally, Eric and Beth have shared so many wonderful stories and memories that I feel like I’ve known him for years! He sounded like an amazing man! Sending all my love and prayers during this difficult time.
Your dad was the best second father I could’ve ever hoped for. I have so many wonderful memories growing up at your house through my high school years with Jennifer. I am heartbroken for your loss but the legacy he, and my second “Mom”, have left behind speaks volumes for the kind of an incredible person he was.
Mr Lenio was my Vice Principal and I remember him as a great guy. Very sorry to hear about his passing. Condolences to his family.
Mr. Lenio was a huge presence at Pittsford High School (only Sutherland when I was there). He was a great math teacher and was on his way to Assistant Principal.
My condolences to his family.
Condolences … Mr Lenio actually cared about us.
Sorry to hear the news of his passing, he was very influential to so many of his students, including me.Condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones.
Mr Lenio was a great teacher and person to me, although I did not make it easy on him. He called me the Red Flash because every time he tried to catch me for Skipping class or many of the wonderful things high school kids did, I would be running away from him and he would just see my long red hair flying down the hallway. But he never gave up on me, or anyone else, he always believed in me even when I didn’t. I was supposed to have graduated in 1978, which is my class, but I pushed him to the limits and he expelled me from school. I came back in 1979, and 1980 and failed both times to graduate. When I left for the last time, he told me “I have no doubt that you will have a good life and become successful” and many years later after struggles with addiction I did just that. All that time, I could still hear his voice. At our 30th class reunion, he was there and he remembered me and said ” I see you have a great life and are doing well” I have never been so humbled in my life to have seen him again and hear those words. May God Bless you always Mr Lenio, Thank you for all you did for me and countless others. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr Lenio and his family during this most difficult time, may their thoughts, Love and memories of him keep him alive always. Rest in Peace Sir, and I hope when I go to Heaven, where you are, you don’t have to chase me down the hallways. Thanks for everything. Mark Skipworth, class of 1978.
I am so saddened by Dick’s passing. My heart goes out to his wife Karen and children, Jennifer, Eric, Adam and Kasia and their families.
It was such a pleasure to work with Dick as a Health Education Teacher starting in 1974. His support and love for all the teachers, staff and students was incredible. As Vice- Principal he was a very strong advocate for all the students to reach their full potential. Dick made Pittsford Sutherland a special place to work and go to school.
I will always be thankful for Dick’s kindness and friendship to me!
Unfortunately I will not be able to attend next week’s services because I am in Michigan through Thanksgiving weekend.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Brenda Baroody
Our prayers are for you all with the loss of someone so dear.
We are sorry for the loss of such a beautiful man and are keeping the family in our prayers. He touched so many people’s lives in a positive way and we know he will be truely missed.
Mr.Lenio had the misfortune of trying to teach me Trigonometry in 11th grade, in 1967-68. I didn’t like Math, and I was a naughty student, but he never gave up on me. A few years ago I retired from a lifetime of teaching (not Math!), and I have often thought about the inspiration Mr. Lenio passed on to me. He was patient, encouraging, fun,and funny. I am so grateful that the person who “held my hand” through the tortures of Trig was the kindest teacher I ever could have hoped for. My thoughts are with his large and loving family.
Karen and Family,
We were sad to hear the passing of Dick. He was one of the best. Unfortunately we are in Florida and unable to attend the services but will be thinking of you.
RIP Dick
Colleen and Reno Lippa
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Your husband and your Dad was God’s faithful servant who led our St.Louis prayer group with quiet strength and loving devotion for many years. His prayers uplifted us, his steady presence guided us and his kindness left a lasting mark on our community. May God comfort all of you, grant you peace and hold his gentle spirit in everlasting light. Thank you, Dick, for all those great years leading our prayer group at St.Louis. Rest in peace! Carol Manzo
Mr. Lenio was the Assistant Swimming Coach, along with Coach Fred Rockow at Sutherland, during my time on the Swim Team from ‘66 to ‘70. Although, I wasn’t smart enough to be in his math class, (I have always hated math but have gotten better at arithmetic over the years!) he taught me some very important lessons, that I have never forgotten. One is that it is better to be a good winner than a good loser. Meaning: have humility and respect for worthy opponents. He was a great man and will be remembered. He had a life to be very proud of. My condolences to his family.
Sincere condolences,Karen, as you and your family cope with the pain of loss. It was a joy and always a time of grace to celebrate the liturgy with Dick during my happy years at St Louis Church. A more faithful and conscientious server than Dick one could not find.
Prayerfully,
Fr Al
A dear soul has passed out of our lives. Dick was a superb human being and a wonderful husband and father….and a true role model for all the many many students whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Dick. You will be missed by many.
Pat Hainen
Sorry to hear of his passing. Remember him well.
I have fond memories of Mr Lenio at Pittsford Sutherland (class of 1974). I’m happy to read about his rich life in retirement. Rest in peace.
Mr. Lenio was a kind and honorable man and great teacher. He found his calling as a compassionate mentor and role model for countless young children working their way to adulthood. His impact lives on in all of us. Thank you, Mr. Lenio. Sincerely, Ann Stevens, Class of ‘75.
It is so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Lenio. Dick was such a highly respected and well-liked teacher at Pittsford. i have such great memoires of Dick as my math teacher. God Bless Dick and his family.
He and his clipboard (with my name still on it) will be missed.
What a stellar man – SUCH fond memories! I used to give him a run for his money, but he took it in stride. He never gave up on me and always showed grace and patience. Sutherland was a time of total chaos in my life, and he knew that. He worked with both me and my mother to keep me on track – and now I am almost finished with my Doctorate in Education. I owe a debt of gratitude to him. He meant more than I can express.
I used to call Mr. Lenio “Superman.” He trusted me—perhaps more than he should have—and let me babysit two of his children. I shudder to think of it now, but his confidence wasn’t entirely misplaced. One of my strongest memories from high school is how hard I tried to stay out of trouble with Mr. Lenio. To me, he truly was Superman.
I imagine there are thousands of us whose choices were quietly guided in a better direction because of him. What a legacy.
With love to Karen and her family,
Pamela Frame, Class of ’71.
The Veterans Outreach Center extend our deepest sympathy in Richard’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
I have such wonderful memories of Mr Lenio! He taught me geometry and used to kid me all the time as I struggled with it! I knew he did it out of kindness. As a principal, I subbed as an art teacher and I remember he came by to “check on me”! He had a delightful spirit that made he loved by the students. I have thought of him many times as I taught 5th grade for 34 years, and always smiled. Just remembering dear Mr. LENIO!
Dick was a fellow classmate in the Dartmouth class of 1958. He had the granite of New Hampshire in his muscles and his brains! May he rest in God’s heavenly peace!
Wah!Hoo!Wah!
Dear Eric,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Father. The obituary is beautiful, your Father had a rich life and impacted so many.
Gods peace to you and your family.
Dion and Kathy Doucet
Kansas City, MO
Mr Lenio/Dick was a tremendous teacher, administrator and person He treated everyone with great respect and caring. Asa math teacher he could help and encourage every student, regardless of their math abilities. He offered humor and an inviting personality that connected with people, and especially students. I was fortunate to have him as my math teacher, and later know him as a fellow Pittsford village resident. His love for his church and community were similar to his love of his students. He was always humble and concerned for others. My class of’69 was proud to dedicate our yearbook to him. I trust his family will share stories and memories of how he dedicated his life to them and others.God bless Dick and his family.
Dick was a daily worshipper at daily Mass. He is missed!
Dick, you were a wonderful friend, classmate and guiding light for our family. Rest in peace.
Although I did not know Mr Lenio, my thoughts are with his family. I am writing from Canfield Ohio. Ny name is Allen T. Lenio. Originally from Greenpoint Bklyn ny. My Grandpa was Mike Lenio. He was from Slovenia and settled in the area of Little Falls, ny. Later moved to Greenpoint Bklyn NY. My Dad was Alexander (Walter). He moved to Deposit NY along w his wife and son, Richard. (My mother passed in 1962. He remarried and had a son,Richard). Richard still lives in that area I believe. We are not in touch. Small World.
Thoughts and prayers with your family.
I just found out on FB that Mr Lenio had passed away. My condolences to his family. Math was my favorite subject and his geometry class was my favorite of the math’s. In fact, he was my favorite teacher. He really looked at each student and cared. You never felt like just a number in the classroom. I’ll never forgot how he once said (with a smile and that gentle way about him) that the problem with me was that I couldn’t get under 100 on his tests. He was a great teacher and I got a 98 on the regents. I was disappointed that I didn’t get 100 lol. I never forgot him after all these years. May he rest in peace and joy in Christ. —Class of ‘73.