Frank Mocejunas

Frank Mocejunas Jr., of Rochester, passed away surrounded by family on March 18,

2026; he was 79. Son of Elinore Asay Mocejunas and Francis Mocejunas Sr., Frank

attended Brighton High school and received an associate’s degree in marketing from

Rochester Business Institute. Frank found his home in the floral industry under the

mentorship of the Slater and Harrington families; it was a perfect match. Frank’s

ebullience and sincerity made him a successful wholesale florist selling wicker baskets

throughout the state. He enjoyed seeing the country working trade shows with Keith

Avery. Frank was on the Board of Directors for the Rochester Floral Association for 15

years and was President for 8 years. He won two Florist of the Year awards and a

Lifetime Achievement Award.

Frank and Michele enjoyed vacationing and eating lobster in Bar Harbor Maine and

spending time watching the water at their cottage on Lake Ontario; they were best

friends. Each spring Frank delighted in reuniting with his friends at the Turtle Inn in

Daytona Beach. In retirement, Frank found great joy in thoroughbred horse racing and

owned shares of horses, thanks to his friend Arthur Roy. He especially loved watching

his horses run in Saratoga Springs.

Frank’s legacy is his great love of people. He loved spending time with his multitude of

friends, and he made new friends wherever he went. He fiercely loved his daughters

and guided them to be strong, independent people, often sharing his wisdom in

heartfelt conversations about life. He adored his grandchildren and took great pride in

who they are and took great pride in their character and accomplishments. Frank

laughed and hugged often and always told people he loved them.

Frank is survived by his wife of 38 years, Michele Bonyak; daughters, Jen Kondziela

(Jeff) and Michelle O’Connor (Tim); granddaughters, Caroline and Karlie Kondziela;

and grandsons, Colin O’Connor, Noah Mocejunas, and Jeremiah Otero (Peyton Capute); nieces and

nephews Lynn Varley, Kala Kardan and Matt Bonyak, Amanda, Nicole and Eric

Flemming and Dustin and Kara Kimmel; brother and sister in law Ron and Melanie

Bonyak.

A Celebration of Frank’s life will be held at the University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel

on Saturday April 4 th at 4pm; flowers for the service are welcome.

Frank’s life was a testament to kindness, connection, and wholehearted presence. His

warmth will continue to ripple through the many lives he touched. In lieu of a donation,

please choose an act of kindness to do in his honor to carry on his legacy of love.