Mitchell P. Reff

February 17, 2025, Suddenly at age 65. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Margaret M. Reff and his family. Daughters, Danielle (Tom) Sedor, Haley (Nick) Griffith, Rachel (Calvin) Lin, his grandchildren; Sebastian, Evie, Forrest, Finnegan and Knox. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael (Diane) Reff, Martin, and many nieces and nephews. As well as his Aunt Betsy Beckman, Aunt Ginny Beckman, and his Uncle Mark (Pam) Beckman.On February 17, 2025, Mitchell Paul Reff passed from this world onto heaven. He leaves behind a legacy to his family,& friends and will be forever remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his love for the outdoors, passion for cooking, and his endless hobbies. Mitch was born in the small town of Sunbury, PA, and grew up next to the Priestly house. He loved visiting the priestly house and was fascinated by the laboratory where he first created oxygen. In those early years living at his grandmother’s home, his fond memories were times he spent with his Uncle Mark. The house on Water Street had many nooks and crannies where Mark would either hide him in a small cubby, play games or he just let Mitch tag along with him. Mark was the older brother Mitch never had; he held a special place in his heart for him. Then his family moved to Carthage where he was able to spend more time with his father’s family and to spend more time outside or hang at his Uncle Bob’s farm. His father was offered a position with Eastman Kodak, and the family moved to Rochester thereafter. Mitch attended Gates Chili High School, where he graduated with honors (Salutatorian), and held several records in track and field. He attended Clarkson University, where he joined Delta Upsilon and became the President of the Fraternity for his last year. During this time, he also climbed Mt. Marcy with some of his college friends. Later he pursued a career in the auto industry where he turned his passion for cars into a lifelong career where he achieved a Master Technician Status. In the last twenty years of his career, he worked for Chrysler as an Instructor. The passion for cars led him to build several engines for family and friends and allowed him to rebuild a 65 Mustang and his last vehicle was his 1972 Chevy truck that he cherished. He would take the time to make that truck shine! In his early years, Mitch found a passion for the great outdoors. His fond memories were hunting and fishing all around the greater New York area. Each season held different opportunities not only for the sport itself, but he learned to call Turkeys, Ducks, Owls, and much more. He went on to win several Duck Calling contests, and belonged to several clubs along the way, always perfecting his craft, and bringing others along the way. Each of his children and grandchildren learned the Duck, Turkey, and Owl calls at an early age. Everyone had to know how to call those birds in! With each season, Mitch and his buddies would gear up. Fall was Duck season, as well as dear. Pheasants were spring and fall, along with Turkeys. Winter brought the ice-fishing experience, tents, auger, and tip-ups! Spring brought trout fishing at Oatka Creek, and you never missed opening day. Summer started with Bass, Croppies and so much more. He joined the Flower City Fisherman Club and spent many years traipsing around NY for the tournaments. Mitch viewed every tournament as an adventure, he would plan, overpack, and bring everything he could think of to make sure the adventure was awesome. One event Mitch particularly enjoyed was hosting the Veterans from the Canandaigua VA for a day of fishing. They would make an entire day for these retired veterans, and not only did they take them fishing, but they hosted a huge picnic event. Beyond Bass fishing, he spent many years with his brother Mike heading to Boca Grande to fish for Tarpon, and his last fishing adventure took him south for RedFish with his best buddy, Jim Mason. His love of the water moved us to purchase our dream Lake House on Honeoye Lake. In this venue, Mitch would watch the beautiful sunsets, toss a line from the shore, or hop on the boat for that last-minute topwater fishing. He was happy to share his love for fishing with family, friends, and any visitor who visited the lake. Mitch would share the little tips and tricks, good places to fish, and those to stay away from. This past Christmas we spent New Year’s at the lake and watched all the ice fishermen from the house. His greatest joy was seeing his grandchildren fish from the docks. The excitement on their face when they caught a fish gave him such joy. This past summer he was so happy to teach his oldest grandson, Sebastian to Topwater fish. Since his retirement, Mitch expanded his many interests beyond the great outdoors. He was always experimenting and learning something new. He continued to make his wood carvings, and this past Christmas he made three little chickadees for our Christmas tree. His love for cooking expanded over his lifetime to every type of cuisine. There was always a new cooking gadget, spices, recipe that had to be tried. From picking wild ramps, to using his Sous Vide, or his Blackstone there was always a delicious meal. Every holiday was a new adventure, from his cookie trays to homemade maple syrup, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t master. In recent years, he began making soap, beeswax candles, and revived his knife-making skills. His soap making and candles became a passion that he shared with others. He would make his own molds and pour the soaps to make the most unique creations. He even made molds of seashells. His favorite candles were the Bayberry as it reminded him of his mother and the tradition of burning those at Christmas time. His last two knives were finished right before passing. The one knife he dedicated to his brother Mike, as it was to be his Christmas gift. He and his brothers share a passion for cooking, and all have excellent culinary skills and tools. Mitch’s passing leaves a large hole in our family, and he brought so much life to every holiday, and every event. Mitch’s family came first, and he loved to share his culinary prowess, successes, and challenges with us. A day didn’t go by where you didn’t receive a photo of his current project, his newest culinary dish, or his determination to make a good loaf of bread. From his pickles, sauerkraut, jams, and meats, he was always up to something. His thirst for knowledge and to become a better person is what he strived for every day. He had a strong faith and believed in the phrase “you reap what you sow.” In all his actions he thought of others and would want to be remembered for the things he shared with each person while he was here. His gift to make everyone laugh is one that we will all cherish. Each story, whether it was about his jokes, “whities” or those that belonged to the “Mel” club hold a special place in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Flower City Sportsmen; 35 Wood Lawn Street, Rochester, New York 14607, or Rochester Ecology Partners, 224 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. Family and friends may call at Leo M. Bean and sons Funeral Home on Sunday, March 2nd from 12-3, with a funeral mass on Monday, March 3rd at 10 a.m. at Saint Pius Tenth Church, 3000 Chili Avenue