Pinch, William

Pittsford: William Wallace Pinch was born in Hornell, NY on August 15th, 1940 and passed away in Tucson, AZ on April 1st, 2017 at the age of 76. He was a world renowned mineralogist, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by wife Jacquelyn, daughter Megan, son Michael (Karina), and granddaughter Elise.

Pinch was a larger than life collector of many of the earth's rarities including not only minerals but also gems, fossils, and shells, botanicals and rare books. He was a world renowned expert discovering new species and assisting with the description of heretofore unknown and rare minerals, a generous lecturer and teacher, a co-founder of the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium, and a prolific contributor to mineralogical literature. He was admired and respected by many professors, many curators worldwide, scores of internationally renowned collectors, and loved by hundreds of children who have received tours and starter mineral collections from him. He was self taught in his knowledge of minerals. His contributions to his field were so notable that a biannual medal was created in his honor - the "Pinch Medal" recognizing excellence by a non professional for contributions to mineralogical science.

His funeral will be held in the Christ Our Light Chapel in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (2461 Lake Ave.) on MONDAY (April 24, 2017 - Please note the date) at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow. A Celebration of his life will be held in the Rochester Academy of Medicine (1441 East Ave.) at 2:00 PM. on April 24, 2017. In lieu of flowers, the family asks instead for donations to be made to the Friends of Saguaro National Park at www.friendsofsaguaro.org or David and Ilene Flaum Eye Institute. For directions or to leave an email message of condolence please visit: www.miller1889.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Apr. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for William Pinch

Sponsored by Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. - Rochester.

13 Entries

Barbara Carlton

April 28, 2017

Bill, You have left too early for sure. I so enjoyed visiting you and your stone collection. You helped me on my crystal journey and I so appreciated your kindness.
The Springfield show in August will not be the same. Your advice so needed by many when we cannot identify the rock we are holding, where will we go now?
My sympathy for your family, Prayers and Blessings, Barbara Carlton

David Kords

April 24, 2017

Please except my deepest condolences for your loss of Bill he was a friend and a very knowledgeable and interesting person not only Minerals but stamps for me talking with him was always a joy and a learning experience he will be missed deeply by all
David Kords Walworth NY

Bob Hiler

April 23, 2017

Jacque, my deepest condolence to u for Bill. I knew Bill from high school and met him at Penfield quarry and Rochester Mineral cub. We talked about Fluorite form Penfield and around world and all other minerals that were so much apart of his life and still mine. I will miss Bill and cherish the memories we had together.

Bob Hiler

Nancy Braiman

April 20, 2017

Hi Jacquelyn,

This is Nancy Braiman. I want to express my sincere condolences for the passing of Bill. Although, it was a while since we saw him, I know my dad was so
fond of Bill and always spoke so highly of him. All the best to you and your family. Warm regards, Nancy Braiman

Lorraine Cerone

April 20, 2017

Bill, I met you 40 years ago and i will never forget you. My deepest Sympathy to your family.

Patricia Cerone

April 20, 2017

Bill, You were a good friend and i was always amazed at how you knew about so many gem stones. You taught me how to collect sea shells and start a stamp collection. Although I cut your hair I enjoyed just talking to you. And you started me realizing about certain gem stones that I purchased from you. I have them to remember you by. Love, Patti Cerone

Robert McCrory

April 19, 2017

I only knew Bill the last two years, but he was so impressive and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure to sit in his study and listen to him talk about his collection. A fine man, a renaissance man. Beautiful home and one of a kind treasures, tapestries, etc. It was my privilege to have known Bill

Paul Cassarino

April 17, 2017

I got to know Bill through his friendship with my father, Joe. I always enjoyed sharing our mutual love of gemology. Bill was admirably unique in his willingness to share his knowledge and collections with everyone who showed interest. The breadth and depth of his knowledge has not been equaled by anyone I have met in over 40 years of being in the jewelry business. I will never forget the time he handed me a copy of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia Mathematica, a 300 year old book! From books to bourbon, Bill's collections are some of the most well-rounded that any connoisseur would imagine. I am proud to count myself among the great many who feel the world is a little less brilliant and a bit less inspiring without Bill here to open our eyes to the beauty of rarity and uniqueness.

Kathy Gilchrist

April 17, 2017

I was one of those children Bill introduced to collecting minerals-a collection I still have today, 45 years later. A kind, generous man. I'll never forget walking into this big room with rows and rows of cabinets filled with minerals from around the world. He guided me to chose the best my small budget would allow. I am proud to have known him. Condolences to his family.

Sue Hyson

April 16, 2017

Bill was a special classmate at our last ( 50) BHS reunion he invited us to his home, shared his beautiful gem collection and lots of interesting stories. I will always think of him as a caring man, May your family dwell on the wonderful times you shared. God Bless.

Susan Heckel

April 16, 2017

I think Bill was in my homeroom at Brighton High School. I remember him as a tall and very interesting kid. I heard in later years about his interest in rocks and minerals and it reminded me of my brother, Phil, who is a geologist and was always collecting rocks. I think he was in my chemistry class, too. Those are memories that are always sustaining. Please accept condolences.

Barbara Bowie-Whitman

April 16, 2017

Bill has been such a friend to my family for years and has been so helpful and supportive to my parents and to me. His Brighton classmates always appreciated his generous hospitality. i am deeply saddened.
Barbara Bowie-Whitman

Andrea Schankin

April 16, 2017

I met Bill many years ago when I worked for Citibank in Pittsford. He became a friend and teacher I was proud to know. He was a fascinating person who always enthralled me with his stories. He was kind, generous and giving of himself. A true Renaissance man, I will always regret having lost touch with him and the wonder that was Bill. His greatest legacy is who he was as a person. Rest well in God's grace, Bill. You will be missed.

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