Livonia: Peacefully at home on February 8, 2017, at age 78 years. Predeceased by his parents Clare & Aletha Race, his son Ronald J. Race, and his sisters, Genevieve and Patricia. Survived by his wife of 47 years Patricia Race and his daughter Aletha Cavalcante Bezerra; grandchildren, Ariane (Chris) Perry, Veronica Race, Kyler & Taila Cavalcante Bezerra, and several great-grandchildren. Also survived by several cousins, nieces & nephews, and many friends.
Bill was born on March 11, 1938 in Michigan. He attended Sarasota High School and graduated in 1956. He got a degree in mechanical engineering and worked on contract at many companies. He was very active in Rotary especially with the foreign exchange program. He was a lifelong member of the A-on-do-wan-da Sportsman’s Club in Cuylerville, New York. He loved traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He was beloved by his family and many friends and will be missed dearly. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Friends may call on Saturday, February 11th, from 2-4pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 20A, Livonia, NY, where a Celebration of Life Service will follow at 4pm. Private interment will be held at White Haven Memorial Park. As Bill was a dedicated member of Rotary and participated in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program for many years memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Livonia Rotary, PO Box 307, Livonia, NY 14487. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit:
www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Bill was a happy guy and a pleasure to know. Our thoughts are with Pat and the family. He will be missed.
Bill was my cousin, 2 years younger, so we shared many happy memories growing up in a large close and loving family in the Detroit MIchigan area. Bill was always happy, fun loving and on the move. Can’t remember him ever sitting except to eat. His parents had a home on a lake and all of the cousins would swim, boat, push each other in a huge canvass hammock hanging from a huge willow tree until you either fell into the lake or onto the sand below. We tramped tall rushes in a field next door to make rooms in an imaginary castle, ice skated, went on family outings to parks, spent holidays together at Grandma & Grandpa Tomlinson’s home and Christmas was the most wonderful time of the year. Those were the days! Love you Bill and look forward to seeing you again. You were a great cousin and left me with happy memories.
Bill was a great guy that ALWAYS had a big smile and a strong greeting when we crossed paths. He took me pheasant hunting when I was just a kid to a game club he belonged to. That trip was a real treat! He will be missed! My condolences to the family. Mike West