Darick A. Diefendorf
Darick A. Diefendorf, 55, of Fredonia, NY, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 due to a medical emergency. Darick was born Feb. 28, 1970, in Carpentersville, IL., son Helen E. (Loveland) Diefendorf and the late Donald R. Diefendorf. He grew up in the Rochester, NY area. Darick graduated from Pittsford-Mendon High School and attended Oswego State College. He enjoyed vacationing with his brother, Dan, at their Marriott time share in Orlando, Florida. Darick enjoyed attending Buffalo Sabres games and spending time with his many friends in Fredonia.
He was a talented, self-taught chef. Darick worked at various high-end restaurants in the Rochester area where he honed his craft. When his cousin, Michael Doino opened his restaurant, Rocco’s, Darick came to Fredonia to be the chef. He also worked at the Fireside Restaurant, Shorewood Country Club, Brazil’s and Coughlan’s Pub.
Darick is survived by his brother, Daniel M. Diefendorf, of Rochester, NY; a niece, Jessica Diefendorf Ives (Adam), of Columbus, GA; great-nieces: Ava and Aniston Ives; his aunts, Carol (late Rocco) Doino, of Fredonia and Anne Jeanette, of Lake Champlain, NY; cousins: Michael Doino, of Fredonia, Karen (Bill) Cook, of Syracuse, NY, Alan (Kari) Doino, of Brocton, NY and Richard Jeanette, of St. Louis, MO.
Besides his father, Donald Diefendorf, Darick is predeceased by his cousin Robert Jeanette.
A Celebration of Life will be held and announced early in January 2026.
Online condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.