A loyal resident of Batavia, N.Y, Bill graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1962. Following graduation, he went on to serve his country as a Medic in the US Navy where he was stationed in Portsmouth, Va. Upon his return to Batavia after completing his military commitment, he served the Batavia community as an orderly at the former St. Jerome’s hospital. He then initiated his civil service career at the Batavia City Fire and Police Departments. As a Patrolman, Detective, Youth Officer and Lieutenant, Bill’s heroic nature was best recognized on October of 1975 during the tragedy of the MacFarlane Manor Fire on Main St. He was the first officer on the scene and was recognized for saving lives of 16 people who lived there.
After his retirement from the police force, Bill remained active and spent many years painting and wallpapering for Chmielowiec Painting and United Memorial Medical Center. In retirement Bill did what he did best….enjoying his family, following the NY Yankees and catching up on the latest news at the Polka Dot or as he affectionately called it the “office”.
Bill leaves behind his daughters and son in-laws Kellie and David DiVincenzo, Karin and Brett Wormley, his brother Kenneth J. Lewis, brother-in-law James (Joan) Adams, sister-in-law Sue Lewis, his grandchildren who are his pride and joy, Hailey Paige, Brooke, Chloe & Drew Wormley, Mary and Leigh DiVincenzo, great grandson William Fountain IV, mother of his daughters Diane Smith Lewis, his favorite four legged grand-pups Sammy and Luke, special nieces and nephews Susan, Michael, Shelley, Kathy, Kim, Danny, Marie, Patty and Neil, as well as their spouses and many great nieces and nephew.
Friends and Family are invited to celebrate Bill’s life at a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday May 4th 11:00am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020. He will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia.
In lieu of flowers the family gratefully suggests memorials be made to the City of Batavia Youth Bureau, 12 MacArthur Drive, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc., 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.
