Conesus, NY: At age 80, Bill passed peacefully at his home on March 16, 2024. He was born on January 3, 1944 in Rochester, NY to the late Francis “Red” and Rosemary (Schmuck) Fugle. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by infant sons; William Francis Fugle Jr. and Randolph Scott Fugle. Survived by his wife of 61 and a half years, Leila (Curtis) Fugle and children; Donna (Tim) Lockwood of Conesus, Bill (Lynnea) Fugle of Livonia, and Jason (Julie) Fugle of Livonia; grandchildren, Andrew (Stephanie) Fugle of West Virginia, Austyn Fugle, and Logan Fugle both of Livonia; great-granddaughter Amelia Tehoke. Also survived by his twelve siblings: Gloria Herring, Gail White, Roger (Norma) Fugle, Gary (John) Fugle, Roxanne (John) Johnston, Kirk (Theresa) Fugle, Larry (Karin) Fugle, Christine (Anthony) Coniglio, Jean (Fred) Yates, Judith (Jack) Benedict, Jeffery (Eileen) Fugle. He was predeceased by his brothers Ron and Steve Fugle. Also survived by sisters-in-law Tracey Fugle and Betty (Ron) Sawdey; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Bill was likely the first person you’d see as you walked through the door at Fugle’s Auto Parts. You’d find him at his usual spot at the front counter, greeting you with his warm, genuine smile that would light up a room. He enjoyed meeting and talking with customers, friends and acquaintances, often sharing a joke and trading laughter which came so easily to him. Fugle’s was established in 1958. Bill worked at the family business for the past 66 years as a co-owner. At 80 years old he still looked forward to getting up and going to work each day, continuing to work 4 days a week. He was proud to have his two sons Bill and Jason work side by side with him every day.
Working in the auto parts industry only fueled his passion for cars and trucks. Some of his all-time favorites included his ‘55 Mustang, a ‘64 Ford Fairlane, his yellow Ford wrecker and his plum purple hearse with the 8 track tape deck. He loved listening to the good old country music of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams and many more.
Bill worked hard and played hard, enjoying working at his home property with tractors, backhoes, bulldozers and 4 wheelers. He appreciated the sounds of powerful engines and the rumble of horsepower beneath his feet. Watching his grandson, Austyn, race at both Perry and Canandaigua was a favorite past-time for many years. He enjoyed buying and selling junked cars, using his saw mill, cutting up fire-wood, mowing his property and being out in the great outdoors. He took pride in building his home on property previously owned by his grandfather.
He volunteered for 40 years with the Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Livonia NY. He cared for others in life as well as in death. He provided comfort and compassion to others during times of loss. He had such a giving heart, always willing to help others in any way he could.
Bill more than anything cherished home and family. His wife, children, their spouses, grandchildren and a great grandchild. He was always ready with words of wisdom, encouragement, and humor to help his family achieve their goals and dreams and to live their best lives. He loved deeply and had a heart of gold.
He enjoyed the love of faithful pets in his lifetime and had an especially soft spot for dogs and cats, they brought him comfort and joy and always gave him a reason to laugh and smile even while hospitalized.
He made friends wherever he went. He would strike up a conversation with you, friend or stranger and before you knew it you would be sharing a laugh, trading a joke or story. He had the biggest belly laugh and would literally laugh out loud with pure happiness. It was an amazing sound that will be cherished by those lucky enough to have experienced it. Smiles and laughter just came so easily for him and he loved to make others laugh along with him. He never wanted tears or sadness especially in his final days, he wanted his life to be celebrated. And so we shall.
Family and friends may call on Friday, March 22nd , from 6-8pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Livonia Ambulance, PO Box 8, Livonia, NY 14487 or Hearthside Cats, PO Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com