Royce John Racinowski

Royce John Racinowski, 78, passed away on October 19, 2026. Born in Canandaigua, New York, and raised in Victor, New York, Royce lived a life filled with adventure, creativity, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the natural world and the people who shared his journey.

Royce was a curious and thoughtful soul with a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. He loved recounting tales of his many adventures, bringing people along through his words and leaving them with a smile. Fun-loving and generous in spirit, Royce had an unwavering commitment to helping others. He encouraged people to pursue their passions, supported those around him, and found joy in sharing what he loved.

A proud Navy veteran, Royce formed lasting friendships during his service, including friends in Western Australia and Guam. Those connections remained a meaningful part of his life and reflected the many places and people that shaped his remarkable journey.

Nature held a special place in Royce's heart. He found beauty in the ocean, birds, and flowers, and took great pleasure in photography and all forms of art. He loved music, enjoyed playing the ukulele, and found quiet happiness in gardening. Whether capturing a beautiful scene through his camera, tending to his garden, sharing a story, or enjoying the world around him, Royce had an appreciation for life's many simple wonders.

Royce's passion for disc golf became one of the defining pursuits of his life. More than a player, he was a tireless advocate for the sport and dedicated himself to helping it grow. Through course design, sponsoring players, and encouraging fellow competitors, he helped foster a community built on friendship, sportsmanship, and a shared love of the game.

Over the course of his career, Royce competed in more than 200 Professional Disc Golf Association events and traveled throughout the United States and around the world, including Japan, Sweden, Denmark, and Canada. A multiple-time Masters and Grand Masters Champion, he also won the World Doubles Championship in 2000 alongside Tom Monroe. That same year, he was inducted into the Disc Golf Hall of Fame alongside Tom Schott, followed by his induction into the New York State Disc Golf Hall of Fame in 2016.

In August 2026, Royce received the Rochester Disc Golf Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Jim Palmeri, Doug Corea, and Doug Blighton. This recognition celebrated not only his accomplishments on the course, but also his enduring contributions to the sport and the community he helped build. His influence extended far beyond competition, leaving a lasting mark through his generosity, encouragement, and dedication to helping others discover and enjoy disc golf.

Royce also enjoyed 30 years as a Production Assistant for a variety of promoters working at venues in the area. Every type of music as well as World Wrestling, Skating productions, touring comedians. Cher, Bob Dylan, Bobby Weir, Luciano Pavarotti, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, Mumford & Sons, Jeff Beck, Levon Helm, Buddy Guy, Bruce Springsteen, Jim Gaffigan and many more. Royce loved being the “fly on the wall” giving rides to Bob Weir, hanging out with the artists and taking them wherever they and their families wanted to go. The stories he could and would tell!

Above all, Royce will be remembered for the way he lived and the connections he made. He shared 38 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mary, building a life enriched by companionship, laughter, and countless experiences. He is remembered with love by Mary, his sister Linda Racinowski, nephews Jeff Gordon (Berri) and Jeremiah Jones, his many beloved cousins, and all the members of Mary's Hackett family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Nelan Racinowski and John Andrew Racinowski, and his sister Velma.

Royce leaves behind a legacy of adventure, kindness, creativity, and generosity. He showed others the value of following their passions, appreciating the beauty of the world, and lending a helping hand along the way. His stories will continue to be told, his laughter will be remembered, and the friendships he nurtured will carry his spirit forward.

Food, has food been mentioned? Royce loved enjoying good food at home, with friends and family and out on the road. He had a voracious appetite for everything in life!

Fun First!

For 41 years, I was blessed to share my life with Royce — a man who never stopped being curious about the world, who found beauty in nature, joy in music and art, and endless possibilities in every new adventure. His love of life made our journey together uniquely ours. He supported my spiritual practices and travels to teachings locally and in India and joined me in repeating mantras for the benefit of all sentient beings. We practiced gratitude upon waking each day, listing 3 things each. Early mornings, watching the birds from our bed, we laughed over silly things and started the day filled with joy. He leaves behind so much more than a lifetime of accomplishments; he leaves a legacy of kindness, friendship, laughter, and a spirit that will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. I will carry the memories of our years together in my heart, grateful for the life we shared and for the extraordinary man who walked beside me. Royce, you will always be loved, always be missed, and never be forgotten.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Irondequoit Community Cupboard or the Cape May Birding Observatory, Cape May Point, NJ.

A celebration of Royce’s life will be held in Rochester, NY. The date and location to be determined.