William Francis Lee

Our family is sad to announce that William (“Bill”) F. Lee passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, with his loved ones by his side.

Family and friends are invited to attend Bill’s memorial service on Friday, August 14, 2026, with visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Hoy Funeral Home, 3855 Seneca Street, West Seneca, NY 14224. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 22, at St. Stephens Church, 48 Pulteney Street, Geneva, NY at 11:30 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Nester Hose Company No. 1, 207 Genesee Street, Geneva, NY 14456, or Our Lady of Peace Parish (formerly known as St. Stephens Parish), 48 Pulteney Street, Geneva, NY 14556.

Bill was born on July 17, 1939, to Francis (“Frank”) Lee and Mildred (“Lasher”) Lee. He was raised in Geneva, NY, where he attended DeSales and Geneva High School.

In 1958, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After returning home from his military service, he married the love of his life, Sandra Wheeler, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span 65 years. Together they built a loving family and a wonderful life.

Throughout his life, Bill was an active member of the community. He was especially proud of serving as drum major for the Geneva Apple Knockers, earning the Best Drum Major Award for New York and Canada in 1962.

Bill was also a lifetime member of Nestor Hose Company No. 1, where he was very active during the 1960s, eventually attaining the rank of Captain. He treasured the friendships and experiences he shared there, especially with Carl Wright and Kevin Powers.

Bill began his career with United Parcel Service (UPS) on April 5, 1962, as a driver in Geneva, New York. In January 1966, he was promoted to manager of the UPS Buffalo operation. Bill continued to advance in UPS throughout his distinguished 33-year career. He worked on several national projects, including serving as an instructor for UPS Supervisor School. The final years of his career were spent in North Atlanta, Georgia, working as a National Operations Manager.

After retiring from UPS, Bill and Sandy enjoyed life in Florida. Golf became one of Bill’s greatest passions. He was a member of the Isla Del Sol Country Club, where he proudly served two years as club president. He also enjoyed memberships at Fiddlesticks Country Club and Plantation Country Club in Fort Myers, where he cherished spending time with lifelong friends from Geneva and DeSales High School.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his daughter, Kathryn (Lee) Tyrrell, and his son, William (“Billy”) Lee.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sandra Lee, of Hamburg, New York; daughters Kelly Lee and Kerry Herr (Carol Greis, deceased); his daughter-in-law, Debbie Lee (Billy Lee, deceased); grandchildren John Kramer, Sarah Kramer, Jessica Herr, Hannah Pozek, Robert Tyrell, Tyler Herr, Mia Lee, Hunter Lee and Ella Lee; 10 great grandchildren; and his sisters Nancy Nachtwey and Marjorie Sundlun.

Bill’s life was defined by his devotion to his family, his service to his community, his long and successful career, and the friendships he built throughout his life. Above all, he was deeply loved by Sandy, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.