Obituary of William "Bill" Ross Wakeman

William “Bill” Ross Wakeman, age 91 of Ransomville, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 23, 2014 at the Northgate Manor Nursing Home in Wheatfield, NY under the care of Niagara Hospice. Bill was born June 23, 1923 in Rochester, NY, and grew up in Niagara Falls, NY. He was the son of the late William Ross and Cora (Briest) Wakeman and was a 1941 graduate of LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls, NY. During WW II he worked for Bell Aircraft, working in the Mojave Desert testing the first jet aircraft. In 1951 Bill received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He was an Engineer at Moore Business Forms on Grand Island, NY for over 40 years and retired in 1989. Bill was a great outdoorsman, and enjoyed sailing and gardening. An avid reader and story teller, he had a great sense of humor and a remarkable memory. Devoted husband of Agnes (Elliott) Wakeman; beloved father of Molly (Juan) Marietta of Youngstown, NY; Bill is also survived by his grandson, Ross Marietta; and a sister, June Winkler of Phoenix, AZ. He was predeceased by two sisters, Dorothy (late Frank) Dowd and Ruth (late Malcolm) True; and a brother, Donald (late Gertrude) Wakeman; also survived by several nieces, nephews and many extended family members. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 27, at 11:00 AM in the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 100 Church St., Youngstown, NY with the Rev. Charles Lamb officiating. There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown or to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville.