Obituary of Rene J. Kiefer

Rene J. Kiefer, age 91, of Irondequoit, NY, passed away on March 17, 2026, after a brief illness. 

Rene is survived by his loving daughters, Tracy Roberts, Colleen Smith and Susan (James) Reszetucha; six cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth Szklany, Sari (Dan Morell) Roberts, Lauren (Nicholas) Femia, Rachael Smith and Luke and Madison Reszetucha; great-grandchildren, Ezra Szklany and Charley Femia; and sister-in-law, Karen Hall. 

Along with his parents, Jeanette Kiggins and Clement Kiefer and aunt, Rita Kiefer, he was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Janice Hall Kiefer; son-in law, Leonard Roberts; brother-in-law, Thomas Hall; and half-sisters, Joyce Greek and Jean Kiggins.

Rene served with  the U.S. Army in Germany from 1956 through 1958. He had a long career with the family plumbing business where he worked closely with his aunt and uncles.

He will be most remembered for his dedication and generosity to those he loved and his unwavering patience and kindness for others.

Rene enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, both at home and at the family cottage. In his younger years he was passionate about short-wave radios, model race cars, boats and water skiing. Rene loved taking his daughters ice skating and enjoyed attending school events. He was an avid Buffalo Bills season ticket holder and fan who never missed a game. In retirement he loved traveling, especially to Denver, CO, to visit family.

Family and friends are welcome to join us for a celebration of Rene's life on Saturday April 11, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Paul W. Harris Funeral Home, 570 Kings Highway South, Rochester. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Veterans Association of America, Inc.