Raymond Mayewski, MD
Raymond John Mayewski, MD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, unexpectedly passed away at his home in Rochester, NY, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He was 78.
Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Cheryl Mayewski; his brother, Thomas Mayewski; and his uncle, John Zidek with his spouse Shirley. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children, grandchildren, and their families: Sara Cox with her spouse Kevin and their family Ethan, Zoe, Ava, Grayson; Gavin with his spouse Caroline and Kylo; and Gage with his spouse Skylar; Anne Thorpe with her spouse Rick and their family Nicolas and Emma; Richard Mayewski with his spouse Jessica and their family Sebastian and Jorge with his partner Sophia and Alma Rose; Elizabeth Mayewski; Ashley Patterson with her spouse Christopher and their family Charlie and Harper; Jodi McNally with her spouse Gray and their family Teddy and Mackenzie.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on September 6, 1946, to Raymond Joseph Mayewski and Agnes Catherine Zidek (both deceased), Ray showed early signs of brilliance, wit, and a passion for teaching. He earned his undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 1968 and went on to graduate from Temple University School of Medicine in 1972. He completed his residency at the University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital, where he would go on to spend the majority of his distinguished career.
For over four decades, Dr. Mayewski served as a clinician, educator, philanthropist, and administrator. Ray was known by patients and colleagues for his exceptional bedside manner and steadfast commitment to patient-centered care. In the early 1980s, he was among the pioneering physicians to establish a clinic for patients living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). His approach was grounded in humanity—he saw individuals, not illnesses, and held no bias toward who they were or how they lived. He believed deeply in understanding not only the patient but also their family, and he brought compassion and clarity to every interaction. As a teacher, he had a gift for making complex concepts accessible, always taking the time to ensure others felt informed and empowered.
Outside of medicine, Ray thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, crosswords, puzzles, music, poetry, reading, golf, photography, and the winter escape to Naples, FL with Cheryl. With a refined palate, he took his martini up with tipsy olives & onions and loved to gather around the table. He was known for his fairness, humility, and quiet wisdom. Often the voice of reason, he was the consummate teacher, listening more than he spoke, and when he did offer advice, it was thoughtful and sincere. He would often say, “Help me understand what it is you’re asking” or “You will always have more money than time, so do what you love”.
Ray’s legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and a deep desire to do good. He hoped to be remembered simply as a virtuous person with the best of intentions. His warm smile, gentle eyes, and signature raised eyebrow—often paired with a dry, clever wit—will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His life will be celebrated and cherished by many, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.
A visitation and gathering to honor the life of Raymond John Mayewski, MD will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Avenue). A Catholic funeral mass will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at St. Louis Church, 64 South Main Street, Pittsford, NY. The service will begin at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ray’s memory to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), a cause close to Ray and Cheryl’s hearts. Contributions can be made online at Breakthrough T1D – Make a Donation.