Mehmet Seyrek

Mehmet Seyrek passed away unexpectedly at the age of 81 on Monday, December 5, 2022 while flying home to Rochester, NY from Istanbul, Turkey.  Born in Yeni Sehir Koy near the city of Bursa, Turkey he moved to Rochester, NY at a young age when he was given an opportunity to work in the United States as a tailor. A determined and successful family person, he moved his wife and baby daughter to Rochester, quickly established himself in the Turkish community, grew his family, and made lifelong friendships.  He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, and had a wonderful talent for gardening.  He came from a family of orchardists in Turkey, and was very proud of his heritage.  He brought his love of growing everything from grapes to fig trees right to his backyard.  Most of all, he enjoyed giving the fruits of his labor to others.  Fiercely loyal to family and friends, he would not hesitate to help anyone in a heartbeat.  His death reflected his life.  He greatly loved both Rochester and Turkey and passed away between the two places he called home.  He was married to his wife Gulsen Seyrek, who passed away two months before him.  They were married for 59.5 years.  He is survived by his children Ozlem “Sue” Seyrek, Ozden Mathews (David), John Seyrek (Laura), grandchildren Michael, John, Audrey, and Julia, and two sisters, many nieces, nephews, and relatives in Turkey.  His funeral service will be at Riverside Cemetary at 2pm on Friday, December 9th, 2022.  Prayer services at the Turkish Society will be held for friends and family.