It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William J. Burns, Jr., 87, of Batavia. Bill passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 surrounded by his family at The Friendly Home, Rochester. He was born March 21, 1937, in Fairport, NY to the late William and Mary (Murphy) Burns, Sr. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joanne, and brother, Martin.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia (Williamee); daughter, Catherine of Chicago, IL; sons William (Melissa) of Greenlawn, NY; Thomas (Holly) of Chicago, IL; and beloved grandchildren, Riley, Liam, Thomas, and Violet; and siblings, Carol (George), Robert (Lorraine), Mary, and Thomas (Carol), and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was a graduate of SUNY Brockport, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. He was an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who spent 34 years at Oakfield-Alabama Middle-High School, first as a coach, then as athletic director, and then as principal. After retirement, he went on to serve in several educational roles at Batavia High School, Notre Dame High School, and Genesee Community College.
Community service was always important to Bill, and he held several roles in the Genesee Region Athletic Association; he was also an involved member of the Lion’s Club and the YMCA skills camps, and a devoted and faithful member of St. Joseph’s (Resurrection Parish) Catholic Church. Bill was an avid golfer and a long-time member of Stafford Country Club, where he served several terms as club president and in many other volunteer roles.
He was a loving husband, a dedicated father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, a devout Catholic, volunteer, and faithful friend who will be dearly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:30 am at Resurrection Parish 303 East Main St in Batavia, NY.
Flowers are gratefully declined, and we invite you to honor his passion for Oakfield-Alabama Athletics with a contribution in his name that can be mailed directly to the school: Oakfield-Alabama Athletic Department 7001 Lewiston Rd. Oakfield, NY 14125 or donations can also be made in Bill’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8693106&fr_id=154020&pg=personal To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020.
