| Date of Birth | August 6, 1926 |
| Date Deceased | May 19, 2021 |
| Hometown | Arkport |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | July 19, 2021 |
| Service Time | 11 a.m. |
| Service Location | St. Mary's Cemetery Chapel, Town of Fremont |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery |
William F. Kimball
ARKPORT- William F. Kimball, 94, of Pine Knoll Park, passed away Wednesday morning (May 19, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, after a brief illness.
Born in Meadville, PA on Aug. 6, 1926, he was a son of the late Earl F. and Honor (Schmidt) Kimball. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his former wife, Eileen (Coogan) Benesch on Sept. 22, 2020 and his second wife, Diane Gratton Kimball on July 19, 2015; two sons, William “Billy” Kimball and Mark Kimball; two grandsons, Matthew Countryman and Christopher Boisvert; and two brothers, Richard Kimball and Robert Kimball.
Bill grew up in Erie, PA and came to Hornell at the age of 13. He attended school in Erie and Hornell and proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1944 to his honorable discharge in 1946 as a Seaman First Class and was a recipient of the American Theatre Medal, the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.
While an apprentice carpenter he was involved in the construction of the Almond Dam, the Mt. Morris Dam, the Messina Seaway and several buildings at Alfred University. In 1964 Bill became a resident of Naples FL where he retired at the age of 72 as a Master Carpenter. After his wife, Diane, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s he became her devoted caregiver for the next 10 years until she passed away in 2015. Shortly thereafter about four years ago he moved to Arkport, NY to be closer to his daughter.
Bill loved working with his hands and was extremely talented at wood carving, wood burning, making furniture and painting pictures; as an avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed hunting and archery. He was a member of the Hornell Amvets Post No. 245 in Hornell where he liked to play pool. Bill also had a daily routine of exercise and yoga.
His surviving loving family includes one daughter, Nancy Kimball Countryman of Hornell; three sons, Joseph Kimball of Bonita Springs, FL, Daniel Kimball of Bath, NY and Andrew (Susan) Kimball of Naples, FL; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
There will be an hour of calling from 10-11 a.m. Monday (JULY 19, 2021) at the Chapel of St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont, where a committal service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating; military honors and interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 (www.alz.org) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Bill’s family with the arrangements.
To my grandfather I always looked up to,
You were the truest of warriors in my eyes. You and grandma were two of my best friends throughout my childhood and beyond. Some of my fondest memories are with you, especially the times when you taught me how to wood burn and carve. Your talent impressed me beyond words. I was always showing my friends pieces of your artwork in astonishment. Although I am heartbroken about your leaving, I am at peace knowing that you & grams are together again for eternity. We will see each other again some day. Xoxo
Thoughts and prayers for you Nancy.
My Prayers are with the Kimball family at this time.RIP Bill.
Very sad about the passing of my “Uncle Bill”. I know it has been said one shouldn’t have favorites when it comes to children and relatives however I can unashamedly say he was “my favorite”. I have only fond memories when I think of him. He was exceptionally bright and extremely talented, a hard working, no nonsense man with a great deal of common sense, wisdom and a great sense of humor. I will always treasure the times I got to spend with him, whether it was archery hunting for deer or turkey or just having a cup of coffee and solving the world’s problems. My father passed away 20 years ago however Bill reminded me so much of him when I was with him I felt like my Dad was still with us. I was hoping to share at least one more summer with him but it was not to be. He will be truly, truly missed!
Rest in peace Bill Kimball! We love you and will miss you!