Shirley Rickard Muench

Long time Perinton resident, Shirley Muench, passed away on August 4, 2025 at the age of 93.

Shirley was born February 20, 1932 to Kenneth and Emily Rickard in Rochester, NY. Predeceased by her sisters, Joan R. Phelan and Patricia M. (Joseph) Petix. She is survived by her husband and best friend for 74 years, Walter Muench; several nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Our Lady of Mercy High School, Shirley was a woman of many talents and countless accomplishments. After retiring from Eastman Kodak corporate office as an interior designer, she started a new career in real estate with Nothnagle Realtors. As a resident of the town of Perinton, Shirley was the first woman elected as Perinton town Republican Executive Chairperson and leader. Shirley was a Republican state committee member and voting member of Monroe County Republican Executive Committee. In 1983 Governor Cuomo Sr. appointed Shirley a commissioner to the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, where she served for 13 years.

She was a wonderful hostess and outstanding cook who had a love for entertaining. She was dearly loved by her nieces and nephews. Shirley inspired them with confidence teaching them that every day is a special occasion and living by the empowering truth that faith, family and friends are the keys to happiness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Her family will receive friends at the funeral home (495 N. Winton Rd., Rochester) on Monday, August 11th from (5-7 pm). A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 7 pm at the funeral home. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Student Scholarship Fund or The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm in her memory.

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