(This is the full obituary. An abbreviated version will appear in the Sunday, Sept 15th , D&C.) It will be helpful for planning if you would RSVP to the Rememberance Celebration.)
Richard L. DeSarra
ROCHESTER – Friday, September 6, 2019, at age 80, following a battle with cancer. He is survived by his brother, Donald, and a large community of friends he considered family.
Born and raised in Rochester, Richard attended Ben Franklin High School (’57) and graduated from RIT (’64). He worked at Burroughs, Marine Midland Bank, RG&E, and Wegmans, among others. His love of bicycling led him to open Freewheelers sporting goods shop (specializing in bicycles) on Culver Road, which he ran with his business partner from 1971 to 1987.
Richard passionately advocated for anything that encouraged bicycling for transportation or recreation. His advocacy led to significant changes to Monroe County’s bicycling environment including bike racks on all RTS buses, bike lanes, and so much more. He was a member of the Rochester Bicycling Club and served in various board positions. He co-founded the Rochester Cycling Alliance, served on the board of the New York Bicycle Coalition and the Advisory Council of Reconnect Rochester, and worked with town and city planners from around Monroe County.
Richard also volunteered for a battered women’s shelter, the American Red Cross disaster response team, and the MS Society, serving on the steering committee of the MS Finger Lakes Bike Tour from 1991 to 2014.
Richard loved books, movies, and music, especially jazz and opera. He joined RIT’s Osher Institute where he enjoyed many courses and led bike rides and some courses on the works of female movie directors.
During his final days, Richard expressed his heartfelt appreciation for all his friends.
Private burial. Friends are invited to attend a Remembrance Party at Lakefront Lodge, Webster Park, 1120 Lake Rd. (corner of Holt Rd.) on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Please consider bringing a snack or dessert to share. RSVPs helpful: RochesterBicyclingClub.org
Donations in his memory may be made to R Community Bikes (PO Box 26471, Rochester NY 14626) or the National MS Society (1000 Elmwood Ave., Suite 900, Rochester, NY 14620).
