William Derusha, Jr.

William W. DeRusha Jr., age 80 of Lewiston, died Tuesday February 7, 2017 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston. Bill was born November 17, 1936 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late William W. Sr. and Reta (Steigerwalt) DeRusha and was a lifelong resident of Lewiston. He graduated from Lew-Port High School in 1954 and served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959. Bill was employed by NY Telephone for 38 years retiring as a Security Manager in 1992. He was a member and past president of the Niagara Falls Jay Cees; a member of the Royal Astronomical Society; a member of the Niagara Frontier Ham Radio Operators (call sign N2AZW); a member of the Local Power Squadron and former member of the Tonawanda Launch Club and the LaSalle Yacht Club. Bill really enjoyed star gazing but his greatest pleasure was spending time with his children and grandchildren. Bill married Marie (Sobczyk) DeRusha on September 22, 1962 and they have enjoyed wintering in Florida the past 10 years. In addition to Marie he is survived by his children, Timothy (Dora) DeRusha of Lancaster, CA, Mark (Darlene) DeRusha of Plantation, FL, Todd (Amanda) DeRusha of Cumming, GA, and Kim Walker (Robert Duke) of Amherst, NY; his grandchildren, Paige, Chelsea, Andrew, Matthew, Megan, and Mallory; a sister, Patricia (John) Murray of Williamsville, NY and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Pamela E. Condren and a brother, James O. (Sharon) DeRusha. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Friday from 4 - 8 pm. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 11, at 12:00 Noon in the funeral home, with the Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating. Entombment with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lewiston Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Ambulance Fund, 145 N. 6th St. P.O. Box 748, Lewiston, NY 14092.