ROCHESTER, New York — Deacon Donald Eggleston, a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester for 15 years
ROCHESTER, New York — Deacon Donald Eggleston, a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester for 15 years, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece following a long illness. He was 69 years old.
Published by Global Report Center
ROCHESTER, New York — Deacon Donald Eggleston, a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester for 15 years, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Greece following a long illness. He was 69 years old.
A native of Greece, New York, Eggleston graduated from Arcadia High School in 1975 before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Brockport and a master’s degree from St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. Prior to entering full-time ministry, he was employed by Eastman Kodak Co., from which he retired. Ordained to the permanent diaconate on June 4, 2011, by Bishop Matthew H. Clark at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Deacon Eggleston served at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Rochester (2011–2016) and Our Mother of Sorrows in Greece (2016–2018). His diaconal work also included hospital chaplaincy and field ministry at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, Rochester General Hospital, and St. Paul’s Parish in Webster.
Official Status and Administrative Updates
Diocesan leaders and parish clergy confirmed Deacon Eggleston’s passing over the weekend.
Due to health challenges, Deacon Eggleston was granted early senior status in 2018. Despite mobility limitations, he remained actively engaged in pastoral service, assisting at his home parish of St. Charles Borromeo in Greece, serving on the diocesan Deacon Personnel Board, and acting as treasurer for the St. Stephen’s Diaconal Community Association. Clergy colleagues commended his heartfelt preaching and ongoing contributions, including reflection articles for parish bulletins up until his passing.
Community Tributes and Family Support
News of Deacon Eggleston’s passing has brought widespread expressions of gratitude and prayer from parishioners, clergy, and community members across the Diocese of Rochester.
Deacon Eggleston is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Elizabeth (Matthew) Helton and Jeffrey (Allison) Eggleston; three grandchildren, Wesley, Tristan, and Rev; his brother, Richard (Sandy) Eggleston; and extended family members. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church (3003 Dewey Ave., Greece), followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. and interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
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