ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Steven Amenhauser, who passed away after police say he was set on fire, was laid to rest Wednesday following a funeral service.

The man described as loving, caring, and simple may have had few in his life when he passed away, but Amenhauser had no shortage of people paying their respects.

What You Need To Know

  • Steven Amenhauser, who passed away after police say he was set on fire was laid to rest following a funeral service

  • Holy Apostles Church was filled to capacity, by socially distanced standards, for the service organized by the Rochester Police Locust Club and the Catholic Diocese

  • Bishop Salvatore Matano spoke, saying, "In this tragic event, we must ask ourselves, how did we fail those who committed such an egregious act?"

“He was a kind, gentle and soft-spoken soul. He lived one block from here," said Father Anthony Mugavero of Holy Apostles Church, where the service was held.

The church was filled to capacity, by socially distanced standards, for the service organized by the Rochester Police Locust Club and the Catholic Diocese.  

“Our brother, Steven, was suddenly and violently taken from us," said Father Mugavero.

The 53-year-old Amenhauser died a horrific death after police say he was doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire in his Lyell Avenue apartment.  

“The manner of his death leaves us breathless, shaken, stunned," said Father Mugavero.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rochester addressed the church and the community about the death, violence in the city, and waning faith.

“More legislation is trying to have Jesus removed from the public sector. Oh keep Jesus in your churches, do not bring him out into the world. Leave him restricted in the walls of your church, but don't dare to preach His message to the world. Silence His voice, keep secret is Holy Gospel. And what is the result, my brothers and sisters, if we treat God as if we don't want him? Then the godless become God," said Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Diocese of Rochester.

(Steven Amenhauser)


The two teenagers are charged with murder.

"In this tragic whole event, we must ask ourselves, how did we fail those who committed such an egregious act. Who allowed them to understand the sanctity of human life, when they walked out the doors of their home and possibly heard gunfire day after day in our community. Another life has been lost through killings. What were they being taught by society, by our church, by all of us?" said Bishop Matano.

Three people who knew Amenhauser and came to say goodbye spoke with Spectrum News.

“In the eulogy, he was pretty much right on. When I first met Steve, I noticed right away he's one of those of meek people, kind gentlemen," said Glenn Ridley of Rochester.

“I believe we should all pray for the two boys and their families, their extended families because something went wrong. Something has been going wrong. And only through prayer and guidance, can we change this," said Christina Mullen of Rochester.

“I think when they reiterated that we have to pray for the whole city. And everything that we're going through. Truer words were never spoken… And the police, you know, made it a point to give this guy a funeral and the police are shepherds of the community they have to be," said Gerald Streb of Rochester.

Amenhauser’s final resting place is Riverside Cemetery. Father Mugavero says the community effort taking place on this day will allow him to rest in peace.