The Rochester, New York, Catholic community is mourning the death of Deacon Donald David Eggleston, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, longtime church servant, and retired Eastman Kodak employee.
Donald Eggleston died on September 25, 2026, at the age of 69.
His obituary remembers him as a man deeply devoted to his family and faith, whose service as a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Rochester became an important part of his life and legacy.
Who Was Donald David Eggleston?
Donald David Eggleston was born on March 27, 1957.
He built a life centered on family, work, faith, and service to others.
His obituary describes him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose family remained at the heart of his life.
He was married to his wife, Mary, and was the father of Elizabeth Helton and Jeffrey Eggleston.
He was also a grandfather and remained close to members of his extended family and circle of friends.
Donald Eggleston’s Service as a Permanent Deacon
Eggleston was an ordained Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Rochester.
The Diocese of Rochester’s pastoral directory lists him as a senior-status deacon associated with St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Rochester.
The permanent diaconate is a ministry within the Catholic Church in which ordained deacons assist priests, proclaim the Gospel, participate in liturgical services, perform baptisms and weddings where authorized, and serve parish communities through pastoral and charitable work.
For Eggleston, that ministry formed an important part of his commitment to his church and community.
A Life of Faith and Service
Eggleston’s role as a deacon reflected his commitment to helping others.
His religious service placed him within the wider Catholic community of Rochester, where permanent deacons support parishes through worship, pastoral care, outreach, and community service.
Official diocesan records continued to identify him in senior status at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish.
His ministry also connected him with other deacons and clergy across the Rochester Diocese.
Earlier Catholic reporting documented Eggleston speaking warmly about fellow deacons and their dedication to ministry, reflecting his close connection to the diaconate community.
Donald Eggleston’s Career at Eastman Kodak
Outside his church ministry, Eggleston spent many years working for Eastman Kodak Company.
His obituary states that he retired from Kodak after a long career.
The company has deep historical roots in Rochester, making Eggleston’s professional life another important connection to the community in which he lived and served.
Donald Eggleston’s Health Challenges
Eggleston’s obituary does not identify a specific cause of death.
However, his family expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals at the Freedom Center Dialysis Clinic, Wilmot Cancer Institute, and Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center for providing him with care, dignity, and support during his health journey.
Those acknowledgements show that Eggleston had been receiving significant medical care before his passing.
Because the obituary does not name a specific medical cause, it would be inaccurate to attribute his death to cancer, kidney disease, or another condition without additional confirmation from his family.
Donald Eggleston Cause of Death
A specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed in the official obituary.
While the family acknowledged several medical and hospice providers, those references alone do not establish the precise medical condition responsible for his death.
The most accurate description is that Eggleston died following a period of serious health challenges while receiving specialized and hospice care.
Family Remembering Donald Eggleston
Eggleston is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Elizabeth and Jeffrey; his grandchildren; his brother Richard Eggleston; and members of his extended family.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Maryjane Eggleston, and his brother, William C. Eggleston Jr.
His obituary places particular emphasis on his devotion to his family.
That family-centered legacy stands alongside his years of professional work and church ministry.
Funeral Mass for Donald Eggleston
Visitation for Donald Eggleston is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, located at 3003 Dewey Avenue in Rochester.
His Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the same church.
Interment will take place afterward at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Rochester Catholic Community Remembers Deacon Eggleston
Eggleston’s death marks the loss of a longtime member of Rochester’s Catholic community.
His ministry as a Permanent Deacon placed him in a role centered on service, faith, compassion, and support for others.
Over the years, he became part of the network of clergy and lay ministers serving Catholic families throughout the Diocese of Rochester.
His legacy will be remembered through the people he served, the relationships he formed, and the family members who were central to his life.
Remembering Donald David Eggleston
Donald David Eggleston leaves behind a legacy shaped by family, faith, professional dedication, and service.
From his years with Eastman Kodak to his ministry as a Permanent Deacon, he spent much of his life contributing to institutions deeply connected with Rochester.
For his wife, children, grandchildren, fellow clergy, parishioners, former colleagues, and friends, his passing represents the loss of a man whose life was rooted in commitment to those around him.
His Funeral Mass on September 30 will give family members, friends, and members of the Catholic community an opportunity to gather, pray, and honor his life.