Rector, David J.

David J. Rector – Fairport, NY.  David passed away peacefully on a beautiful, sunny afternoon at home, surrounded by his family on May 23, 2024. Dave was born on March 19, 1937 on his family’s kitchen table in Buffalo, NY. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jane, of almost 65 years and his children, Mark Rector (Donna), Scott Rector (Inka), Paul Rector (Katie), Sheryl Czekanski (Eric) and Jill Parker (Jeff);  14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Tiel and Josephine Rector, and his brother Donald Rector.

As a child, Dave’s family moved from Buffalo to Naples, NY where he attended grammar school at Naples Central School. His family eventually moved to the Victor area where he attended Victor High School. It was here where he played and excelled at basketball and baseball. A cherished memory for Dave was of his varsity basketball team winning sectionals twice.

After graduating high school, Dave began an apprenticeship at Gleason Works. He spent the next 38 years working for Gleason as a mechanical engineer. The last few years of his career were spent working in sales, allowing him to travel throughout Europe where he had the privilege of making many long time friends.

Dave and Jane met at a sweet shop in 1959 through a mutual friend. Six months after meeting, they married on November 7, 1959. They built their first home in the hamlet of Egypt, a year after they married, with the help of Dave’s father. It was here where they lived for 20 years, raising five children in a country setting surrounded by nature. Their home was a gathering spot for their family and friends. Their almost 65 year marriage was built on love, mutual respect and lots of humor. Dave was a jokester and was always making those around him laugh. Dave’s 32 years of retirement were a happy time for him and Jane. They shared a love for dining out with friends and family, traveling, going to casinos or just watching a show on PBS together. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 30th, from 4pm – 7pm at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY; a funeral mass in celebration of Dave’s life will be held at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way Fairport, NY on Friday, May 31st at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s name to Lollipop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester.