Eugene "Deke" Deacon Anderson

He was born on July 2, 1950 to the late Kathryn and Rev.Willie Lee Anderson in a household with a multitude of children. He attended Rochester City schools, including Ben Franklin High, where he participated in various activities including sports such as football and basketball, and enjoyed singing in several musical groups. His love of sports and music would continue throughout his life. He had a great singing voice and was a member of a few bands. He worked a variety of jobs, most recently as a medical patient transporter. Above all else, the most important thing in Deke’s life was his family, whom he cherished every moment with. He will be dearly missed.

Deke was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Willie Lee and Kathryn Anderson; brothers: Jake, Winthrop Wyatt, Benjamin Wyatt, Clifford, Neal, Ernest, Robert, and David Anderson, and sisters: Pat Anderson-Smith, Christine Jackson, Mildred Anderson, Ethel Whitaker, and Dorothy Mae Anderson. He was also predeceased by longtime caregiver, Doreen DeSantis, and stepson, Ricky DeSantis.

Deacon leaves behind his cherished daughter, Danielle Anderson, and grandchildren, Giovanni DeSantis, Antonio Rivera, Aniyalíse Sanchez, and Rickiya DeSantis; daughter, Sonia Tai Grothman, and grandchildren, Taliah Rodriguez, Tyler Hooker and Thomas Hooker; great-granddaughters, Aaliyah DeSantis and Eliana Rodriguez, and his remaining siblings, Mellantina Anderson, William Anderson, Jr., Rev. Richard (Brenda) Anderson, Bernice Washington, Benjamin Anderson and Charlene Anderson; childhood sweetheart and friend, Shirley King, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other family members, friends and loved ones.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, October 19th, from 4-8PM at the Funeral Home of Alvah Halloran & Son, 2125 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 20th, at 11:00AM at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Westside Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.alvahhalloranandson.com for the Anderson family.