Jon K. Willis

Obituary of Jon K. Willis

Jon Karl Willis was born May 3, 1954 in Rochester, NY. For a brief time as an adolescent, he and his family lived on Oak Island in North Carolina. At the age of 16, Jon hitch-hiked to NY where he met his future wife in less than 2 weeks. The rest, as they say, is history. Jon passed away on January 31, 2026, after a short and difficult battle with cancer, which he endured with strength, grace, and unwavering resolve. He was surrounded by loving family and friends as he stepped into the next phase of his journey where Patti and Caden stood waiting to welcome him.

Jon was a master carpenter who truly could do it all. Mostly self-employed, he worked tirelessly his entire life, doing whatever it took to support his family. With his hands and his heart, he built, fixed, and created - not just homes and projects, but stability, safety, and trust for everyone around him.

If you knew Jon, you knew he was as strong as they came. Need gas money? He was handing you the $20 from his pocket. Need a car while yours was in the shop? He had one to lend. Roof leaking? He was already on the ladder. Lawn need mowing? He was already there. That's who he was - the one everyone could count on.

Jon was a good listener. He never spoke just to fill space. When he did speak, it was with purpose, not volume. He was the kindest, most sincere, and wisest man - generous to a fault, quietly proud, and never one to ask for help, no matter the circumstance. He carried more than his share without complaint and always put others first. A few of his favorite things included building and creating with his bare hands, hunting, fishing, making jerky with his grandson, and hostess cupcakes. He loved spending time with his family above all else, watching everyone create their own lifestyles.

He was predeceased by his parents, Barb and Norm Willis; his beloved wife, Patti (Chapple) Willis; and his cherished grandson, Caden Willis.

Jon is survived by his children: Jon Willis (Elke Schmitt), Carrie Willis, and Taylor Miller (Mitchell); his siblings, in order of birth: Dana Willis (Gail), Jeff Willis (Toni), Donna (Willis) Payne (Kevin), Jan Willis Andrews (Kelly), and Joel Willis (Jennifer); his grandchildren Hailey (Willis) Picchi (Matt), Sean and Keara Kirkpatrick, and Isabelle and Evelyn Miller; his great-grandchildren, Luca and Carmen Picchi; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews across the country; and treasured friends Trish and Izzy Norton, who found a special kinship with Jon late in his life as their friendship helped guide one another through difficult times. He is also lovingly remembered by Patti's siblings, Susan Fraser (David), and Tom Chapple (Judy), and by the many nieces and nephews who were part of their shared life and family.

Jon's legacy lives on in the countless ways he showed up for others and in the things, he built that will stand long after him. Now, after a lifetime of giving, he deserves to finally be at peace.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 7th, at Merton H. Kays Funeral Home in Honeoye Falls, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Jon and Patti would ask that you pay-it-forward with a random act of kindness as you see fit.

These calling hours are being held in honor of both Jon and his wife, Patti, to celebrate their life together - their love and their legacy. Family and friends are warmly invited to come prepared to share a favorite story of one or both of these amazing humans.