James T. Lechner

James T. Lechner, of Chili NY, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025. He was born 86 years ago in Rochester, NY at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. Jim is survived by his loving wife Sally of 62 years, his children Jim (Beth) and Amy Tausch (Steve) ,his grandchildren, Carolina, Catey, Sarah, Justin, Melissa, and his great grandchildren Storey and Bowden. He is pre-deceased by his parents James and Elizabeth Lechner, brothers John, Dan, and Peter Lechner. He is survived by his brothers; Joseph, Richard, and sister Kitty Conroy, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He grew up in Rochester, NY graduating from Aquinas Institute. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served from 1956 – 1960. He relocated to Oakland, CA, where he met the love of his life, Sally. They married in 1963 and moved to Rochester, NY, where he began his career at Eastman Kodak. After he retired from Kodak, he dedicated the rest of his life to volunteering and serving his community. He served many decades as a volunteer firefighter with the Chili Fire Department including time as a Battalion Chief and President. He also served as a member of the Chili Library Board for over 27 years. He was dedicated to military veterans and spent 18 years serving with the New York Warrior Alliance in support of wounded troops and Gold Star families, His service to veterans also included weekly visits to the Canandaigua VA Hospital. He served as an advisor and supervisor of numerous constructions projects for the community to include the Chili Public Library and Northfield Church. He shared 62 years of marriage with his beloved wife. He adored his children and grandchildren. Calling hours are at Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home at 2771 Chili Ave., Rochester NY 14624 on Tuesday May 6, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Funeral services will be held at Open Door Baptist Church at 350 Chili Scottsville Rd., Churchville NY 14428 on Wednesday May 7 at12:00 PM followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Aquinas Institute of Rochester 1127 Dewey Ave, Rochester, NY 14613 - https://www.aquinasinstitute.com/apps/pages/give-now Or Stay In Step Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center 13085 Telecom Pkwy N, Temple Terrace, FL 33637 - https://stayinstep.org/make-a-donation/