Kenneth A. "Butch" Volkmar

Volkmar, Kenneth A. “Butch”

Passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 93. Butch was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Beverly.

He is survived by his children Susan Simeone, Pat (Raymond) Lanzafame, Bob (Sonja McCarthy) and his grandchildren Rich (Crystal), Mark (Christina), Renee (Ryan), and Karen.

Butch was a dedicated lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Church, in Greece. An avid golfer, he was self-employed in the family paving business while continuing the legacy of the Volkmar Cider Mill, in Greece. However, his lifelong passion was serving the community in the Greece Ridge Fire District.

In 1965, Chief Volkmar assumed the role of Fire Chief, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in April 1997 after 32 years of leadership. During his tenure, he guided the department through a period of significant growth and transformation. When he became Chief, the department responded to only a few hundred calls annually. By 1996, that number had increased to more than 4,000 incidents each year.

Under his leadership, the department expanded its role in emergency medical services and fire safety education—programs that remain essential to the organization's mission and continued success today. He was also a strong advocate for enhanced fire codes throughout the Town of Greece, helping to protect residents and visitors for decades.

Chief Volkmar was known for his hands-on leadership style. He was the kind of Chief who led from the front—whether making a hydrant, stretching a line, or driving apparatus before assuming command of an incident. Even while in command, he could often be seen with his cherished pipe, calmly surveying the scene and never missing a thing.

Even in retirement, Chief Volkmar remained a familiar and welcome presence. Until just a few years ago, he could often be found at Headquarters, sharing a cup of coffee at the kitchen table, staying connected with members, and mentoring the next generation of firefighters.

Chief Volkmar’s legacy of service, leadership, and dedication will have a lasting impact on the department and the community he so faithfully served.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 4:00-7:00pm at Farrell-Ryan Funeral and Cremation Services 777 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14612. A mass will be celebrated 10:00am on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at St. John the Evangeslist Church, (Greece). Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in his memory to the Ridge Road Fire District 1299 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626 or to St. Ann’s Foundation 1500 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621. Donations should be made in memory of Kenneth A. Volkmar and can also be made online, at https://rrfd.org/donations/ or www.stannscommunity.com.