Gene E. DePrez

Gene Edward DePrez, Rochester Native, Loving Husband and Devoted Father, Brother, Uncle, and Friend to all, passed away from Interstitial Lung Disease, on Friday, January 24th, at the age of 84 within the embrace of Family. He is survived by his Wife of sixty-two years, Patricia Donahue DePrez; Son Michel “Mike” DePrez and Spouse Karon Aghotte; Sister Debbie DePrez-Campbell and Spouse Bruce Campbell; Brother Jim DePrez and Spouse Nancy DePrez; Sister-In-Law Ellen Donahue; Sister-In-Law Irene DePrez. He is predeceased by his Daughter, Therése DePrez; Brother Tom DePrez and Parents, Jean and Eleanor DePrez. He was a passionate lover of live theater, classical organ music and choral groups. Gene especially enjoyed ever-exploring his beloved city on his bicycle.

Recognized for his visionary accomplishments, Gene enjoyed a storied career beginning at Kodak and the Rochester Institute of Technology. As Founding Partner of Global Innovation Partners, he expanded worldwide as a Global Location and Economic Development Practice Leader. He advised more than four hundred Fortune 1000 companies and received the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Economic Development from the International Economic Development Association. Professional affiliations included the International Economic Development Council; Partners for Livable Communities; Rochester Institute of Technology’s Vignelli Center for Design Studies; The International Society for Strategic Management; and the American Society of Association Executives. He was recognized in the Who’s Who In The World, Who’s Who In America and with the President’s Award for Public and Private Partnerships.

A recognized keynote speaker around the world, Gene was often quoted in international media. Yet, for all his achievements, one of his favorite jobs was as Director of Communications for the Rochester Strasenburgh Planetarium. When asked why, he said simply, “it was fun playing among the stars.” He will be deeply missed. 

Calling Hours will take place Thursday, January 30th, 4PM – 7PM at the Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home. A Requiem Mass will be at St. Mary’s Church, 15 St. Mary’s Place, Friday, January 31st, 10AM, which would have been his 85th birthday. He will be interred at the Sepulchre Cemetery immediately after, followed by a celebration of life at the Rochester Yacht Club where, in typical Gene DePrez form, all will be welcomed. In lieu of flowers, it’s requested donations be made to the Rochester Area Community Foundation, 500 East Avenue or the Gene E. & Patricia D. DePrez Family Fund

To view a livestream of Gene's funeral mass please click here.