There never was a time when I would run into Bill but he was not warm and welcoming. We worked together when Aurora Players did”Arsenic and Old Lace”. Bill was outstanding in his role and was a supportive cast member. He showed at every instant that he was a great dad. I miss him.
Nancy Seel

Just noticed this obit on Chris.  I am from East Aurora and also served on the Santa Barbara. I left in 1973 about when Chris arrived.  He looks familiar. I have a Santa Barbara year book from later years he may be in.
If the family is interested I can bring it to Wallys later this March or reunion weekend.
Bill Person
248 930 6284

As a long time member of Aurora Players, Bill's loss has been deeply felt. He contributed so much over the years and volunteered countless hours to our organization. His roles, both on stage and off will never be forgotten. 
We will especially miss his friendship and laughter and  the ability to make you feel  you were special- as if you were the only person in the room.  
Bravo to you Bill for a life well lived. Our deepest sympathies to his family and many friends.

Dear Chris, John and Christine, 
I am so sorry for the loss of Bill. He was a stand up kinda guy and always had my admiration.  I'm so sorry I missed the service but please know that I send my love to you. 
Love, 
Rita McCutcheon Buckley

Bill (and Vera ♥️) and Aurora Players came along in my 20s,  just when I needed good friends and happy, fun, creative times. What an important friend Bill turned out to be.  So kind, so loyal. Quietly strong for others 1000% of the time. So incredibly witty and funny.  And of course, so talented. We all just gravitated to Bill's light and energy. Rest in peace, my friend. Thanks for being you.

God bless all the Estabrooks and especially Bill.
He was always a breath of fresh air. We were in the cast  of “Arsenic and Old Lace” together. A dear soul and loving Dad!
Nancy Seel

I have fond memories of Bill and our 12 children in Cheaper by the Dozen. He will be missed. 

Bill was a great friend and co-worker which I am grateful to have had in my life.  We worked together at the VAMC in Buffalo.  I thank God for placing him in my life.   Fairwinds and Following Seas Shipmate, You Stand Relieved, We have the Watch.  R.I.P. Charles "Bill" Estabrook, my brother.   To the family, Stay encouraged,  stay uplifted,  stay strong, I will continue to keep you in my prayers.   

I first met Bill in the cafeteria of what is now the middle school.  I was 16.   He walked over, sat beside me and began talking to me as though we'd known each other all our lives.  No introduction, no asking questions about who I was, or who he was, just an automatic entry in to friendship.  Later that day I actually had to ask others what his name was!  From that day we began hanging out together, and occasionally making music together.  If my father hadn't asked me not to, I would have gone in the Navy with him on the "buddy system"!  Since then, he has been the best friend one could ask for.  When I was going through tough patches in my 20's he went out of his way to include me in things he was doing.  After a divorce in my 30's he came to my house and got me out in to life again, and playing in a band together for the next 18 years.  And when I found love in my 40's, he encouraged me and was one of the "best men" at my wedding.  He was always there for me and I've tried to do the same for him.  I miss knowing he's there and will miss having the friendship I could count on for the last 52 years.  Thank you my friend, be in peace.  My sincerest condolences to Bill's loved ones.
Mark Lee

Such a great guy!  Wonderful man and father.   Affable, personable as well as talented in so many ways.  Bill, we will miss you!  


Just heard that Bill passed away. Will always remember his enthusiastic greetings when our paths crossed in EA.  An old East Main neighbor that I will not forget. 

Bruz Brown 

Once upon a time you were a dear friend. RIP Bill Estabrook. “Heaven’s Players” have a new leading man. R and B Labby

Deepest sympathy to Vera, Chris and Christine,  I worked with Bill at the VA and would occasionally run into him in East Aurora.   He was a great co-worker and a great guy... always ready with a smile a joke and a big hug!!   RIP Bill you will be missed by so many.  

My portrait of Bill, Fall of '19,  portrait group.
    Not my finest work, but all I have of that day he posed for us.  

Apparently you can only post one pic at a time. Here's number two.

In 1960, when I was eight years old, my family moved from Elma to a house on Kelver Court in East Aurora. Bill lived just around the corner, on E. Main St. Never known for being shy, Bill promptly came over,  said “Let’s go ride our bikes,” and off we went. In short order, we were best friends. Not long after, he introduced me to Bevo Bennett, and soon I had two best friends. During our formative years, we spent most of our time together. Despite that, we turned out OK. Mostly.

Music was always a big part of all of our lives. While I was never better than fair on the guitar, Bevo was good, and Bill had no competition for lead vocalist. I can still picture him belting out “Mustang Sally”, with a beer in one hand and the mike in the other.

In 1972, there was still this pesky thing called The Draft. Bill and I were both lucky winners;  Bill chose to join the Navy, while I ended up in the Army. For a time, I was stationed at Fort Gordon, GA, and Bill was in Florida. I went down to see him for a couple of days early in 1973, when some of these pictures were taken. Bill’s standard picture pose is Intense or Badass, but if you look closely, there’s a rare photo of him actually smiling. Although it’s sort of a Badass smile.

After serving our tours, we returned to E.A., and resumed our old routine. In 1978, I married and moved to Arizona, and later to Pittsburgh. After leaving, I only saw Bill occasionally, during visits to E.A. to see family. When we did get together, though, it was as though we’d barely been apart.

Since I moved away, I’ve had many friends, but none that equal the bond I shared with Bill and Bevo. I’ll miss Bill’s sarcastic sense of humor and warm personality, and it’s obvious that many others will as well. Sincere condolences to Chris, Christine and Vera, and all the rest of his extended family and friends. RIP, old friend, and save me a spot wherever you end up, cuz that's likely where I’m headed, too. Meanwhile, I’ll try to get better on the guitar.

This news is shocking, and so heartbreaking.  Bill, you are one of my first Aurora Players memories - being in "You Can't Take It With You" together (1991) was very special - and your Boris Kolenkhov was like none other (ref. pic) - and those memories went on for years.  You worked hard for AP, and contributed many memorable roles on-stage.  Always enjoyed our talks and laughter.  RIP, dear man - rocking and laughing always and forever.   Chris, Vera, Christine, and all your family - he brought joy to so many, you all surely enjoyed him up close and personal, what a guy!  Comfort prayers and hugs are with you all. oxo

This news is shocking, and so heartbreaking.  Bill, you are one of my first Aurora Players memories - being in "You Can't Take It With You" together (winter 1991) was very special  - and your Boris Kolenkhov was like none other (see pic) - and those memories went on for years.  Always enjoyed our talks and laughter.  RIP,  dear man - rocking and laughing always and forever.   Chris, Vera, Christine, and all your family - he brought joy to so many, you all surely enjoyed him up close and personal, what a guy!  Comfort prayers and hugs are with you all. oxo

Bill was such amazing person .  So talented with his band and a great co-worker.  Him and my father (my dad was veteran that came to Va). they would love to sit chat and argue with laughter over the funniest things.  Bill you will be truly missed . To Bills family I’m so sorry for your loss.  May you RIP

It was not very long ago that Bill posed for our EA portrait group. My sketches may not have been very accurate, but it was a pleasure to visit with him as we drew. It was my only opportunity to have extended time to talk with Bill, despite having known him for so many decades.     Always admired his singing and stage presence, he was a talented vocalist, and helped define many an entertaining evening at local concerts.  Happy to have had that opportunity to tell him so.

Always in our Hearts. Bidding one in your honor.  For truly those were the "best of times".    Peace my friend.

I'll always remember what my wonderful brother-in-law, Bill did for me after I lost my husband suddenly.  For Christmas, Bill bought me a Roycroft pendant. He told me that he felt my husband speaking to him and telling him to get it for me.  I'll always cherish that pendant from Bill.  It will always remind me of how special he was to our family and I.  Love you so much Bill and will miss you terribly.
Tina

rocking the pig roasts at the pond rip my friend till we meet again 

My Condolence's I worked with Bill he was a Good Man I am so sorry for your Loss

I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing.  I worked with him at the VA for a long time.  He always made work a little more fun - especially those endless staff meetings.  Always ready with a smile and a joke.

Sorry to hear about Bill. He was a good man. I remember all the times him and Vera would come to our Halloween parties and Bill would bring his band. I will always have those memories. Prayers to Chris, Vera and the rest of his family.

From the moment I moved to East Aurora 20 years ago and joined "The Elderly Brothers" some of my fondest memories are sharing the musical stage with Bill. He was the best singer in the business and the best singing partner a person could hope for. Hard to believe I'll  never have that privilege  again. He was a good friend and one of the "best men" at my wedding to one of his oldest friends. All our love and prayers go out to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Karen Lee

OBITUARY

Charles "Bill" Estabrook

February 14, 1952 – February 14, 2022

Wood Funeral Home

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