Our Family Caring For Yours
Assistive Team
Get to Know Our Funeral Assistive Team

Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home employs many different people in positions that are vital for serving our families with the best care available. There are funeral assistants, limo drivers, hearse drivers, car washers, flower runners, food servers, cleaning & maintenance crew members. They all form a solid team that makes your loved one’s final life celebration seamless and as stress-free as possible.
Get to Know Our Team

John T. Auberger
Funeral Assistant, Driver
Over a span of 26 years, John served the residents of Monroe County as legislator and president, and then as supervisor for the Town of Greece.
John T. Auberger
Over a span of 26 years, John served the residents of Monroe County as legislator and president, and then as supervisor for the Town of Greece. After his supervisor term ended in 2013, he retired. When the opportunity to work at the funeral home came up, he was grateful to continue supporting his community. As a funeral assistant and driver, he could help families in their time of loss.
John has three grown children and several grandchildren with who he loves spending time with. He is an avid golfer, loves baseball and playing the guitar. It’s no surprise he enjoys following politics on all levels.
“While in my elected position, I got to know the Perottos and was impressed by their professionalism. Their attention to detail in all they do for their families made it an easy decision to join their team.”

Brenda Bauer Gotham
Funeral Assistant
Brenda came to Bartolomeo & Perotto with a background as a retired human resources professional.
Brenda Bauer Gotham
Brenda came to Bartolomeo & Perotto with a background as a retired human resources professional. She worked for corporations including, Wegmans Food Markets and Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Both positions required her attention to detail while assisting employees and their families, often with significant life transitions.
Both Brenda and her husband are lifetime Rochesterians. They have lived in the Town of Greece for over 20 years but enjoy the activities and entertainment that all of Rochester has to offer. Brenda is very interested in world, local and community news, specifically in respect to new business and product development, and employer announcements.
If you drop by the YMCA, you may see her taking advantage of her membership there. She also enjoys activities like tennis, skating, RPO concerts, outdoor music events and discovering new parks and trails to walk.
“Assisting families with difficult, life changing events was evident to me each time I attended a funeral service at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home. The staff are compassionate professionals who uphold a high standard of respect for the client. To assist with families and guests is a team effort. It’s great to feel like part of a team that helps to ease the grief and anxiety of people who are coping with their loss.”

Curtis Birthwright
Funeral Assistant, Driver
In 2016, Curtis’s mother-in-law’s funeral services were held at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home. At the request of his wife, Curtis spoke at the funeral.
Curtis Birthwright
In 2016, Curtis’s mother-in-law’s funeral services were held at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home. At the request of his wife, Curtis spoke at the funeral. It was then that Curtis realized he had a special gift that he wanted to continue sharing. He was compelled to bring comfort to those in their time of grief. He enjoys being a funeral assistant and driver at the funeral home in his spare time.
Curtis hands out smiles in healthy portions at a time when you may need some warmth. He takes his job as funeral assistant with great pride. This man is a born “people person,” working with young people every day. Curtis has been employed at Rochester City School District for over 20 years teaching grades 1-6 and coaching a multitude of athletes from Hilton to Greece. Curtis and his wife raised two great kids who are both athletes awarded with athletic scholarships in college.
“I have been told that my smile often brings joy to a room. If I can share my smile and a kind word of encouragement, then my role as a funeral assistant is complete.”

Michael J. DeToy
Funeral Assistant
As someone who enjoys helping and working with people, Mike came to work as a funeral assistant after serving 22 years as a police officer in the Brockport Police Department.
Michael J. DeToy
As someone who enjoys helping and working with people, Mike came to work as a funeral assistant after serving 22 years as a police officer in the Brockport Police Department. He also had an 11-year stint with the County Parks Department prior to becoming a police officer.
In addition to working at the funeral home he is the Court Clerk in Clarkson, New York. He volunteers as a coach for the LeRoy High School Trap Shooting Team and is a member of ARPALER and OATKA Fish & Game Club. After being an active firefighter for over fifteen years, he is a member of the Brockport Fire Department Exempt’s Club. He played and officiated hockey games in his younger years.
He and his wife Laurel and have two children, who are now young adults finding their way in the world. Laurel is retired after over 34 years in the Rochester City School District. Mike and his wife look forward to enjoying more camping, with their new motorhome. Being outdoors brings Mike great joy. He enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening and working in the yard, and let’s not forget grilling!

Paul Fuenfstueck
Driver
Paul is retired from a 30-year career in security. He has known the Perotto family for over a decade and decided to come on board as a limo and hearse driver.
Paul Fuenfstueck
Paul is retired from a 30-year career in security. He has known the Perotto family for over a decade and decided to come on board as a hearse driver. He enjoys working with all the staff at the funeral home, providing assistance and comfort to the families we serve.
He and his wife Karen have been married since 1972. Two children and five grandchildren later, they’ve been blessed and keep busy. Outside of their prized family time, Paul and Karen enjoy backyard pool time and traveling with friends.

John Harnischfeger
Funeral Assistant, Driver
The stories behind the people that come to work at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home are sometimes quite intriguing. Who knew we would have a State and National Federation Natural Powerlifter record holder working as a Funeral Assistant and Service Driver?
John Harnischfeger
The stories behind the people that come to work at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home are sometimes quite intriguing. Who knew we would have a State and National Federation Natural Powerlifter record holder working as a Funeral Assistant and Service Driver? You can’t miss John Harnischfeger’s powerlifter look, but don’t be fooled, he’s been working in funeral care for more than 23 years and is very approachable and friendly.
Though he recently retired as a career firefighter, he began his journey into firefighting as a volunteer with the Ridge Road Fire Department right out of high school. His father was also a volunteer, inspiring him to make firefighting a way of life. It wasn’t such a far stretch for John to continue serving his community in his off hours at the funeral home.
John married his high school sweetheart, Ellen. Their two adult children are Andrew and Brooke, who are now making their own way in the world. Like all proud parents, they relish seeing each new step taken. The family still manages to take a vacation here and there together when possible.

Ralph Palumbieri
Funeral Assistant
Ralph is a long-standing Greece resident, graduating from Greece Olympia High School in 1973. He attended Monroe Community College and received an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Ralph Palumbieri
Ralph is a long-standing Greece resident, graduating from Greece Olympia High School in 1973. He attended Monroe Community College and received an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. Ralph has an interesting work history ranging from Taylor Instrument, to Mercury Print, Spinergy, Johnson & Johnson and Harris Communications. In 2019 Ralph retired, but decided to fill some of his open time at the funeral home assisting families at a time when they need a helping hand.
In his youth, Ralph loved the competition of playing soccer, football, hockey and track. Staying active has stayed with him. He is a runner, loves to play golf and played softball for 20 years. He and his wife Margaret have two children, Adam and Cara.

Mark Polizzi
Funeral Assistant, Driver
Mark was a paralegal at a foreclosure firm for ten years. He holds a degree in physical education from MCC, a degree in business management from Empire State College, and graduated from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service.
Mark Polizzi
Mark was a paralegal at a foreclosure firm for ten years. He holds a degree in physical education from MCC, a degree in business management from Empire State College, and graduated from Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. He is a very caring person. Working at the funeral home, made sense to him.
He is very passionate about working out and staying fit. Not long ago he weighed 290lbs. It has been a life journey that he is very proud of.
Mark is also a huge fan of ice hockey. Not just watching it, but he’s a player who’s been on the ice since he was five years old. He still plays adult league hockey two nights a week. Mark’s daughter Mia also plays hockey. He enjoys watching her and being a coach on her team. He and his daughter spend a lot of time at Rochester Americans hockey games. At one time Mark was vice president of the Rochester Americans Booster Club.
“The Funeral Business has always been a very interesting profession in my opinion. I think it takes a special caring and compassionate person to work in the business.”

Christopher Ruggieri
Funeral Assistant
I’m used to providing guidance with students and this has helped me with my role here. It allows me to be there for so many people I know in the community and for some new acquaintances as well during a hard time in their life.
Christopher Ruggieri
Chris taught high school American History for many years and is now happily retired. When he began teaching at Greece Arcadia High School, he had the privilege of teaching alongside his father, Anthony before his own retirement. Countless boys (and at least one girl!) at Arcadia went through “Coach Rugg’s” baseball program over a span of nearly 30 years.
His relationship with Mike & Dave Perotto and Bill Padulo, goes back to Aquinas High School where they roamed its halls together back in the 1980s. He is also lucky to have more time with his wife at the funeral home, where Andrea is the Marketing Coordinator. They have two beautiful adult daughters, Alexandra & Erika, who are working hard on their own journeys to establish themselves.
It is an understatement to say that Chris is an outdoorsman. If he’s not in the woods hunting or on a lake fishing, he’s probably watching baseball! Above all, family is everything. He enjoys a multitude of gatherings with his large extended family… when he’s not in the woods.
“I’m used to providing guidance with students and this has helped me with my role here. It allows me to be there for so many people I know in the community and for some new acquaintances as well during a hard time in their life.”

Bob Scarciotta
Funeral Assistant, Driver
Working at the funeral home started out as something to fill time in retirement but turned into much more. He found it very rewarding to be able to help people at what is one of the hardest times in their lives.
Bob Scarciotta
Working at the funeral home started out as something to fill time in retirement but turned into much more. He found it very rewarding to be able to help people at what is one of the hardest times in their lives. Bob has known the Perotto family for many years. His family lived down the street from Phil & Dottie Perotto when they had an apartment above the funeral home, back in its Lexington Avenue days. His wife Nancy, was a teacher and taught two of our funeral directors, Mike Perotto and Bill Padulo while they were in grammar school.
Bob was a 35+ year career accountant, employed most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Catalyst, a direct marketing firm, where he retired in 2012. Bob and his wife Nancy have been married over 40 years and are now enjoying retirement together. They spend time with their two grown daughters, and their extended and growing family.
You might see Bob and his family, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. His love of the Finger Lakes region probably influenced his creation of “Bobinator Vineyards,” his own “brand” of wine. He also likes to fish in the Adirondacks, venturing up there 1 or 2 times a year.
“Just lending an ear to listen to someone about a loved one or being able to assist a family in some way is very satisfying. Seeing the look of ‘thanks’ in their eyes or hearing how we were able to help them through this difficult time makes it all worth it to me.”

Larry Thomas
Funeral Assistant, Engraver
Larry retired in 2004, after 30 years at the Veterans Administration Rochester Outreach Clinic where he worked as a mental health therapist and a vocational rehabilitation therapist.
Larry Thomas
Larry retired in 2004, after 30 years at the Veterans Administration Rochester Outreach Clinic where he worked as a mental health therapist and a vocational rehabilitation therapist. He now is a talented engraver at Bartolomeo & Perotto, who transfers the most amazing images and lettering on to urns for loved ones. This job satisfies his need to work with his hands and be creative. You may also see Larry regularly assisting with calling hours or funeral services.
He met and married Joanne Padulo (Funeral Director, Bill Padulo’s sister). They combined families, bringing together three children, and now there are five grandchildren who bring them great joy. Joanne and Larry have been fortunate to see their daughter and granddaughter perform in off-Broadway shows. They also enjoy watching all their grandchildren in school events and sports.
“I have always enjoyed “people-helping” jobs. Being a funeral assistant and helping families at a time when they may need extra help, brings me gratification.”

Debra Valle
Funeral Assistant
After years of working in retail, Debbie also became one of many Kodak retirees. After working at Kodak for 27 years, she teamed up and helped run her husband’s business, Valle Baseball, Inc.
Debra Valle
After years of working in retail, Debbie also became one of many Kodak retirees. After working at Kodak for 27 years, she teamed up and helped run her husband’s business, Valle Baseball, Inc.
She is still involved in the business, but happy to find her niche here at Bartolomeo’s where she can interact with people on a regular basis. She is always motivated and full of care in whatever she does here at the funeral home, including managing family dinners up on our Mezzanine.
Though Debbie is a twin, she truly is one of a kind. She is married to former Rochester Red Wing, John Valle. He & Debbie are proud of their two daughters and son. And of course, their brood of seven grandchildren! She enjoys her time with her family and with her friends, especially her gal pal gang who travel annually together and have loads of fun. Sometimes she even gets in a round of golf or two when the sun is shining!
“I hoped that by being present for families during this stressful time that I could be of help to them when they needed it.”

Tim O'Connor
Funeral Assistant
Tim is one of many retired Kodak employees in Rochester. He worked as an electrician for 41 years. Tim enjoys supplementing his retirement as a Funeral Assistant at the funeral home. He started out “filling in” for an employee on leave and it didn’t take long to realize that he was a permanent fixture with the organization.
Tim O'Conner
Tim is an avid hunter, which is a trait he also shares with Dave and Mike Perotto. In their off time, they are often heard “discussing” hunting strategies. Tim has three daughters and is married to Kim, who also worked in the funeral home business office until she decided on a full retirement! In fair weather it’s not uncommon to see the back end of Kim and Tim’s RV as they head off and enjoy camping together.

Jill Cordts
Funeral Assistant
Jill is an integral part of the Ogden/Spencerport Community. She is very involved with the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce, recently stepping down as president.
Jill Cordts
Jill is an integral part of the Ogden/Spencerport Community. She is very involved with the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce, recently stepping down as president. She got to know Funeral Director, Bill Padulo making another important connection with community service at Walker Brothers Funeral Home.
She was the daughter of missionaries and raised in the South Pacific, primarily on Guadalcanal. This experience sparked a deep intensity for veterans and the community. She is an active member in the American Legion Ferris Goodridge Post 330 and a volunteer with Honor Flight Rochester. She served on the Veterans Business Council for several years.
Jill is the owner of her own business, called Payment Processing by Jill. Her husband, Christian, is a volunteer firefighter in the Spencerport Fire Department and works as a field service engineer. She has a daughter and gained a stepson. Their two kids just happened to be the same age, now both are Spencerport High School graduates. Besides serving her community, Jill loves sewing, being creative, upcycling (creative use of unwanted materials), cooking, gardening, exploring, and spoiling her loved ones.
“Working at the funeral home, resonated with her passion for serving the community.”

Thomas Meier
Funeral Assistant
Tom is retired from a 27-year career in emergency services with Waterbury Fire Department in Waterbury, Connecticut. He held the title of Fire Captain for many years
Thomas Meier
Tom is retired from a 27-year career in emergency services with Waterbury Fire Department in Waterbury, Connecticut. He held the title of Fire Captain for many years and after committing much of his time to firefighting he decided it was time to spend more time with his wife and son. He now works as a volunteer for the Spencerport Volunteer Fire Department.
Retirement afforded him the ability to not only have more family time, but more time to serve his community.
“I felt inspired to be involved in something where I could help people. Being a funeral assistant gave me this opportunity.”

John Page
Funeral Assistant
Many people in the Spencerport area remember John as the previous co-owner of Page Appliances, Inc. For his entire career, he and his brother ran the store and sold home appliances in the Village of Spencerport. He is retired now and working as a funeral assistant for the funeral home.
John Page
Many people in the Spencerport area remember John as the previous co-owner of Page Appliances, Inc. For his entire career, he and his brother ran the store and sold home appliances in the Village of Spencerport. He is retired now and working as a funeral assistant for the funeral home.
He married Sandy, a Spencerport native. Together they have two adult children and are blessed with four grandchildren. No surprise, he loves following his grandkids activities and sports whenever possible. John is an eager gardener, loves to tinker in his shop and work around the house. The rest of his time is well spent with friends and family.
“I enjoy seeing familiar faces and visiting with people, and to help in any way.”