Rochester - James Weisbeck, who served as executive director of Rochester's Holy Sepulchre Cemetery for 18 years, died suddenly on March 7, 2026. He was 88 years old.

Mr. Weisbeck was a native of Alden, N.Y., and a graduate of Cornell University.

Following a 30-year tenure working in finance for General Foods, he began his tenure at Holy Sepulchre in 1991, originally in finance. He was promoted to executive director in 1996 upon the retirement of the late Robert Vogt.

According to Cathy Vail, current executive director of Holy Sepulchre, highlights of Mr. Weisbeck's directorship included additions made to All Saints Mausoleum; establishment of an interactive information kiosk (1998); launching of a cemetery website (1999); an addition to the Family Services Center (2000); establishment of Christ Our Light Mausoleum (2008); opening of the Ascension Garden cemetery and mausoleum in Henrietta (2o11); and receiving national certification for green burials (2o13), which incorporate environmentally-conscious aspects into burials.

Vail also noted that Mr. Weisbeck oversaw many section renovations and statue installations, as well as the start of a Boy Scout Memorial Day flag program.

"He was very practical and well-received by staff and partners of Holy Sepulchre," Vail remarked.

Mr. Weisbeck retired from Holy Sepulchre in 2014. He belonged to St. Benedict Parish in Ontario County and was highly active there, according to Father Michael Costik, pastor.

"He was a great parishioner and the highest single donor annually to the parish and the Catholic Ministries Appeal," Father Costik noted.

He is survived by three children, Roger (Annemarie) Weisbeck, Chris Weisbeck (Carol Stratton) and Anne Weisbeck (Scot Makai); their mother, Kathy Weisbeck; three grandchildren, James, Sarah and Abby Weisbeck; sister-in-law, Joanne Kalisz; dear friend, Nancy Smart; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Weisbeck's memorial Mass will take place May 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 15 Church St., Bloomfield.

- Courier obituary by Mike Latona