By William J. Mende
INTERLOCHEN, MI. –William J. Mende (Billy) age 63, formerly of Gowanda, passed away Tuesday July 16, 2024 at the Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.
Born March 17, 1961 at the former Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Gowanda, one of five children born to Edmund Sr. and Judith (Gominiak) Mende.
Billy graduated from Gowanda Central, the Class of 1980. While in Gowanda he was a member of St. Joseph’s RC Church and was an altar server. His parents instilled a strong Catholic faith within the family. In 1989 he moved to Michigan, were his brother Eddie and sister-in-law reside,He worked for 11 years as a stamping press operator for the Trylon Corporation, an automotive parts manufacturer in Traverse City, Michigan , the company downsized in 2008-2009. A free spirit, Billy maintained friendships throughout his life, whether it was childhood friends in New York or friends in Michigan where he spent most of his adult life. He had a sense of humor and family was important to him. He was an avid sportsman, loving to hunt and fish. He was also an avid golfer, and enjoyed vegetable gardening.
Survivors include his siblings; Mary Anne (Gary) Nagle of Webster, NY, Edmund Jr. (Kim) Mende of Williamsburg, MI, Thomas (Gertie) Mende of Middletown MD. and Carolyn (Robert) Rebmann of Gowanda, NY. Billy is also survived by many nieces, nephews along with great nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his parents, his Mother Judith (Gominiak) Mende (Oct 20,2002) and his Father Edmund Mende, Sr. (Sept. 13, 2018).
Friends may call at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St., Gowanda, NY from 4:00-7:00pm Monday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday July 23, 2024 @ 11am from the St. Joseph’s RC Church, East Main St. Gowanda, NY (please assemble at church). Rev. John Kwiecien and Rev. Innocent Diala will co-celebrate the Mass. Interment to follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery Gowanda. A celebration of the life of Billy will be held at the Eagles Club in Interlochen, MI on the 10th of August, from 11:00AM till 4:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s, 26 Erie Ave. Gowanda, NY 14070 or to Community Meals, PO Box 102, Traverse City, MI. 49685.
