James T. Kridel

James T. Kridel of Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Friday afternoon, July 26, 2019. He was surrounded by loved ones encouraging him to leave this world for a much better one.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Kridel and Helen (Carrison) Kridel. He is survived by his five sisters: Mary Ann (Jim) Rose, Elizabeth Powell, Donna (Mike) Hauk, Cathy (Mike) Babowicz, Gracie (Tim) Keeling, several nieces and nephews, his daughter Alicia (Vincent) Valerie, grandsons Giovanni and Antonio Valerie, son Jeffrey Kridel, mother of his children Barbara Alberts, and dear friend Janet Murray. James was a loving son, brother, father, and friend to so many.

James (aka “Jimmy”) had a profound love for many things, including literature, old movies, music, writing, Formula One racing, hockey, and baseball. He attended Nazareth Hall as a young boy, earning Cadet of the Year, and then graduated from Pittsford High School. He received an associate degree from North Florida Junior College. James then became a truck dispatcher for Eastman Kodak, married, and had two children. He shared his love of sports with his children, especially when he coached his son, Jeffrey, for hockey. His passion for the Arts was passed down to his daughter, former English teacher, Alicia.

His need to help others and make people laugh made James happy. Unfortunately, lung cancer and other illnesses took him away too soon. His smile and beautiful blue eyes will be greatly missed.

A special thank you to all the caring Lifetime Care hospice workers and other volunteers who helped bring sunshine to James’s last days on earth.

There will be a memorial mass to honor James’s life on Friday, August 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester, N.Y. 14615. The family will hold a private interment afterward. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lifetime Care at 3111 S. Winton Rd., Rochester, N.Y. 14623.