Obituary of William J. Burch

William J. Burch

Hornell

Longtime Hornell businessman, William J. Burch, 88 formerly of Crosby Street, passed away Saturday (Aug13, 2022) at Updykes Willow Ridge Care Facility.

Born in Alma, New York, December 25, 1933 the son of John and Ruby Dickerson Burch, he was a graduate of Wellsville Central School in 1951, and began his auto sales career at Pfuntner’s in Wellsville. He then continued his sales career at Paul Brown’s Dodge in Olean for many years. Bill had a passion for automobiles and this led him to move to Hornell in 1970, where he owned and operated Maple City Dodge until his retirement. 

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Hornell, a member of the Hornell Kiwanis Club and was actively involved in the Hornell YMCA for several years. 

Bill was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Bonnie Burch in 1993, his second wife, Diane Burch in 2019, his son Kevin Burch and sisters, Marjorie Woodkirk and Bonnie Goodsell.

He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Gardner of Canisteo, his son, Gregory Burch of Lakeland, Florida as well as 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Bill spent many years at Updykes Willow Ridge Care Facility where he was treated with care and kindness, and shared many happy moments with his caregivers. For this, the family is very grateful. 

To send a remembrance to the family, please visit www.brownandpowers funeralhomes.com or on Facebook@brownpowersfh. The family is being assisted by Gerald R. Brown, Director.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation hours on Sunday (Aug. 21, 2022) from 1 PM until 3 PM at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell where a Memorial Service will follow at 3 PM. Burial will be in Shinglehouse, PA.

Friends wishing to remember Bill are asked to consider a memorial contribution to the Updykes Willow Ridge Care Facility, c/o Activity Department, 131 Hornell Street, Hornell, NY 14843, or to the Hornell Area Family YMCA, 18 Center Street, Hornell, NY 14843.