Heather M. Affronti

Heather Mary Affronti (Burnett), born May 29, 1944 in Rochester’s 19th Ward, passed away on April 10, 2026 after a short illness, at age 81, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Hon. Francis A. Affronti, her children Chris (Lorna), Daniel (Cynthia), Andrew (Jenny), and Leslie (Matthew Iacchetta), and her 10 cherished grandchildren who she adored and was so proud: Clarice (Edwin Lawson), Sebastian (Seika Dingel), Juliet, Benjamin, Evan, Emma, Rocco, Alexandra, Vincenzo, and Antonia. Her brothers, Leonard (Skip) Burnett and John Burnett, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Heather and Frank met on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were inseparable from the start. They raised four children on Seneca Parkway in the 10th Ward, and loved spending time in Fort Myers, Florida. The foundation of Heather’s life was her family and strong religious faith. She was a devout Catholic, daily communicant and Eucharist minister.

Starting in the early 1970’s, Heather was actively involved in the Rochester political and social community and chaired countless political campaigns. In 1985, she began a successful and rewarding 40-year career as a realtor, retiring in December, 2025.

Heather was a fixture at her children’s and grandchildren’s events, never missing her sons boxing in the Aquinas Mission Bouts or her daughter’s dance performances. When diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago, she was a fierce fighter and had a boundless can-do attitude. Heather continued the family tradition and began boxing herself (not surprisingly donning pink boxing gloves and Wonder Woman socks) with Frank holding the heavy bag.

Heather’s home was a welcoming gathering place, open to all that wished to come. There, she read books, orchestrated slumber parties with her grandchildren, played card games around the kitchen table, and stirred countless pots of her homemade sauce before hosting Sunday dinner.

No prior calling hours. A funeral mass will take place at Saint Thomas More Church, 2617 East Avenue, Rochester, New York on April 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Colorful dress or your favorite outfit encouraged. Lunch to follow at The Genessee Valley Club.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, 1127 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, New York 14613.