Jeffrey L. Renner of East Rochester, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, at the age of 63, surrounded by his loving family. Jeffrey was predeceased by his mother, Catharine A. Thaxter, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Marlene Donovan, and brothers-in-law, Gordon Thiel and Steven Donovan. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Mary (Donovan) Renner, his five cherished daughters, Shelly (David) Shaeffer, Stacy (Khang) Thai, Hannah Renner, Kristina (Michael) Yacuzzo, and Olivia (Justin) Reho, and his grandchildren, Renner and Sheldon Shaeffer, Isabella Thai, Jack Yacuzzo and baby girl Reho, due in October. In addition, he is survived by his father, Edward A. Renner, beloved sisters, Ellen Thiel and Amy (Jerry) Esch, sisters-in-law, Maureen Nix and Terri Donovan, brother-in-law, Michael Donovan and by many dear aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends.
Jeff was a sports fanatic, a lifelong Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Cincinnati Reds fan. He instilled a deep passion for the Buffalo Bills within his family and spent every football Sunday watching and rooting for the Bills. He also loved watching his daughters and grandchildren participate in their many sports, concerts, musicals and other activities. He never missed an event and always supported his family with pride. Jeff had many hobbies such as gardening, studying history, researching family genealogy, playing and listening to music, taking road trips, reading, fishing, canoeing, and hiking, but especially cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. Jeff was known for “Renner- Rigging” anything that needed repairing and could fix absolutely anything. He had many stories that he loved to share with friends and family. He would brighten family occasions with his ukulele and lead everyone in family favorite songs.
Jeff spent many hours volunteering for the community that he took tremendous pride in. He worked to preserve local history, coached CYO basketball for many years, ran the scoreboard and announcements for East Rochester Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosse games, (known as ‘DJ Jazzy Jeff’,) and did broadcasting for East Rochester Varsity Football, Soccer and Basketball.
Growing up in Middleport, NY, Jeff enjoyed playing sports and participating in many neighborhood shenanigans, (which he was very proud of,) with his friends. He participated in baseball, wrestling, golf and ski club. After high school, he played semi-professional baseball and continued to play in baseball and softball rec leagues.
Jeff will be remembered for his easygoing, positive and happy temperament and for his love for his family. When asked by his children before he passed, his last words of advice were “Try to be happy every day.”
Calling Hours will be 4-7pm on Tuesday, August 6, at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt location.) A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, at 10:00 am at All Season’s Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Jeffrey’s honor and root for the Buffalo Bills this season.
Comments
11 responses to “Renner, Jeffrey L.”
To the family I offer my sincerest condolences
From visiting with Jeff It was apparent he was a true “family man” and one could clearly see his love and dedication to them. Within my family I have always been appreciative of all the help, guidance and knowledge he extended to my son/his son in law. When I moved out of state it was a comfort to me knowing he was well as the rest of Jeffs family was in my son’s life, the last visit I had with Jeff I made the comment to him that he and Mary had raised a wonderful family and I am so glad I made that comment to him when I did.
Jeff you were an angel on earth and now it’s time to spread your wings of protection and guidance over all of your loved ones from above.
You will be missed by all who knew and loved you and that was oh so many.
Growing up with Jeff, I’m happy to say I was part of many of his shenanigans. They were always harmless and he was one of the kindest and most gentle young men and the neighborhood. Not having a birth brother, I looked up to him tremendously for the way that he treated everybody. I’m so very sorry for this huge loss. ❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️
Mary & girls and extended Renner family, we are so very saddened to read of the passing of your dear husband, dad & grandpa. We will forever recall our lady roc summer lax travels & tent city as we toured around the states! After that it was college lax & the travels that went w that and his lax girls. May these & so many other loving memories bring you all comfort of loving times w a loving Man who was all family – all ways! Our hearts are with you & know he has a front row seat cheering his Bills.
Sorry for your loss!! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Becky Craig
Our children attended the East Rochester School district together. I remember seeing Mr. Renner at so many different school activities. My family and I extend our deepest condolences.
The Nugent/Burkhart Family
I’m so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Only recently have had a chance to catch up with him at a couple outings with his extended family. He always had his grandson on his lap and a smile on his face. That’s going to be the way I’ll remember him. My sympathy to all of you who have had him in your lives.
So sorry to all of you…..hugs
I grew up in same neighborhood and graduated high school with Jeff. We had a lot of harmless fun together as kids. Recently we were at our 45th class reunion. First time I saw Jeff in 25 years. So glad we were there. He was still the great guy that I remembered. He will surely be missed.
Jeff was a wonderful guy and will be greatly missed. He volunteered for the local cable access station covering East Rochester High School sports for many, many years. His humor was infectious. Jeff kept both our sports coverage crew and our viewership entertained through every broadcast. It was an honor knowing him and I will always smile looking back at all the happy memories Jeff helped to create in front of the camera for our TV station. God’s speed my friend.
Mary and Girl’s, my sincere condolences at this difficult time. Jeff was truly a talented and wonderful man. I always enjoyed our conversations on sports especially basketball at ER and he introduced me to field hockey watching both Kristina and Olivia play. All of us who new him were better for it.
Mary and family- my thoughts and prayers to you in this time. Jeff will be missed by all he has touched.