Lucien “Jerry” Bardeen
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Lucien “Jerry” Bardeen (aka Papa and Big Ugly) passed away peacefully on Thursday, 9/11/2025, in Rochester NY, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 22, 1942, he led a remarkable life filled with dedication and service to his country, his community and his family.
He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army Reserve during his distinguished military career. He received numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, for his exceptional contributions to our nation’s defense. Jerry was a dedicated patriot who served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, displaying unwavering courage and commitment. He was deeply respected by his fellow service members and will be remembered for his unwavering dedication.
Jerry was also a retired City of Rochester Police Officer of 20 years where he served the members as Vice-President of the Locust Club. He was a retired youth officer where he dealt with at-risk juveniles in the City of Rochester. Upon retirement, he was employed by Visiting Nurse Service as security personnel.
He was a member of the Hamlin Fire Department, American Legion Post 120, Locust Club, Association of Rochester Police & Area Law Enforcement Retirees (ARPALER), soccer coach, Hamlin recreation director, foster parent, animal lover and music enthusiast.
Lastly, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His presence will be sadly missed from the wonderful family events and gatherings, but more importantly from everyday life.
Jerry was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Bardeen. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol (Zegarski), of 58 “glorious” years; their children, Kevin (Patty) Bardeen, Tina (Michael) Burrage, Melissa Melendez (Danny Mammarello), Marc (Patti) Bardeen and Michael (Terry) Crissman; his grandchildren, Katherine Dickerson (Phillip Luke) , Christopher (Justine) Dickerson , Brandon Dickerson (Amber Johnson), Michael (Alexandra) Burrage, Zachery (Jenna) Bardeen, Nathan Bardeen (Erin Giblin), Mercedes Melendez (Frankie Essom), Jennifer Melendez, Hannah Bardeen (Bradley Beckwith) and Hailey Bardeen; their great-grandchildren, Theo Dickerson, Violet Bardeen, Aston Essom, Barrett Burrage and Lylah Dickerson – who will forever cherish his memory. Extended family include David Borland, Arturo Melendez (Eileen Tipton) and Jimmie (Nancy) Larson.
Friends may call Thursday (Sept 18th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road. His Memorial Service will be held Friday (Sept 19th) 10:30 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research – Donate to Continue Supporting The Michael J. Fox Foundation in his memory.
Our thoughts are prayers are with the Bardeen family, I have many good childhood memories of growing up next to the Family on Presque St… Rest In Peace Jerry!!
Loved by so many. Beautiful tribute, he had an amazing life. Rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace knowing that his life impacted so many of us in a positive way. Someday a cure for Parkinsons will be found and it will have Jerry’s guiding hands on it. ❤️🙏
Will miss you Big Guy. Will always remember the fun times we had at Seniors on the Move and the Town parties and St Charles coffee hour. And how can I forget the early dinners we all had together. May you rest in the arms of the Lord now. My love and prayers to the Bardeen family.
Carol, my prayers are with you and family . May the Lord carry you thru this difficult time. Jerry was a man of integrity and humor. He always made me laugh when we worked together at SEAC. You both where great neighbors ♥️🙏
The Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees (ARPALER) sends condolences and prayers to the family of Officer Lucien “Jerry” Bardeen, and we salute him for his service to his country and community. Rest in peace Brother.
My condolences to Jerry’s family and friends. RIP brother.
I first met Jerry in 1965 at MCC, and we became fraternity brothers. Then we reunited in 1970, when I joined the RPD, and Jerry was already there. He was a wonderful brother to me and many more. Carol, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your entire family. RIP brother.
Great Guy, Good friend, RIP brother.
Beyond the badge, Jerry was a friend, a colleague, and a source of strength to those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Jerry’s legacy of integrity, service, and sacrifice will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow officers.
We honor his memory by carrying forward the values he embodied every day—duty, honor, and selfless service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.
Rest easy, Jerry. We’ll take it from here.
Carol and family, I am so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. He did so much in his life. He now is resting in the Lord’s loving arms. Prayers for the family. Know that you were all loved .
Condolences to your loss. I pray that God gives you all the strength you need to get through this challenge.
Carol, Kevin,Tina,Melissa,Marc and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Jerry and all of you have always held a special place in our hearts. Jerry’s love for his family will live on forever in all of you and the lives he has touched. May Gods peace be with you all as you grieve and celebrate Jerry’s life.
I am very sorry for your loss. Praying for you all during this difficult time. Tina, please know, my door is always open.
Keith Bennett
Praying for you and your family.
I knew Jerry from the Army Reserve, 401st Civil Affairs. He was a friend to all and was always there to assist. He will be greatly missed.
RIP, Jerry.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Lucien’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
My deepest sympathy to Jerry’s entire family.
I was shocked to receive a photo of Jerry’s obituary. I knew he had been sick but we were not in touch. Ironically, I sent a PKG of photos to Jerry without knowing. Carol, I f you are reading this, I am so sorry you have lost your wonderful husband. My condolences go out to your entire family. And, please do not even think of returning them to me. Just enjoy them and show them to family and friends if you’d like
I feel really bad about my timing, as I would have loved to have been at Jerry’s service.
May the Lord be with each of you and I know you would not have wished him back to suffer.
He was a good man and I am glad he and his Mom had been a part of my life. Bonnie