William H. Cox Jr.

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University of Michigan

FUNERAL HOME

Rochester Cremation - Henrietta

4044 W. Henrietta Road

Rochester, New York

William Cox Obituary

Cox, William H. Jr.

Rochester: William H. Cox, Jr. passed away on January 19th after a 7 month courageous battle with cancer. Not so long ago he wrote:

"I was born in Cleveland, Ohio to wonderful, loving and caring parents, living with sweet adoring Grandparents and an Aunt and Uncle. I moved to Campbell, New York around 1932. Except for some challenging, encouraging teachers and a few good friends, small town life was not my cup of tea.

After working at Corning Glass Works laboratories and teaching in Painted Post High School, I went off to the University of Michigan for a wonderful education, Phi Beta Kappa, English Literature course and a Masters Degree in Library Science. Then a long fruitful career with the Rochester Public Library System as the Assistant Director Head of Rundel Building Public Services.

My Life has been a beautiful experience. Of course I had my sorrowful times, angry times, and fearful times, but one couldn't have asked for more beautiful experiences. I've had World wide travel, continual indulgences in literary and theatrical events, a lovely home and neighbors, and of course my 62 year relationship with my partner Alan Kusler who made life even more worthwhile. He made me laugh and taught me to enjoy nature.

I'm sorry life has to end. So goodbye dear Dickens, Marcel Proust, Debussy and Scott Joplin. Goodbye dear friends and relatives. I am fearful for the economic, political and spiritual future of our country and I weep for those who suffer deeply from poverty, disease and bigotry. But all in all I've been blessed with so many wonderful experiences. Mostly my life has been very joyful.

Please give generously to the educational, cultural and social welfare organizations."

A gathering of Bill's friends to remember him will be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Shepherd Home, 1959 Five Mile Line Rd., Penfield, NY 14526 or Visiting Nurse Service, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY 14580.

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

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Jan. 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Cox

6 Entries

Stacy Baier

February 11, 2016

I feel very lucky to have met Bill late in life at Wolk . He was a dining mate with my 94 year old father. We became friends. I loved his wit, travel stories, sharp mind and intelligent command on so many topics. Every moment we shared was wonderful. I made sure he had enough chocolate and peanut butter!
I know he was ready to leave us and find comfort in this. I really miss seeing the light on in his room. You touched my life. Thank you....

Frank Booke

January 26, 2016

Bill was my cousin. My memories of him and Alan go back more than 60 years. I still have a poem he wrote for my 4th birthday. Bill had the rare gift of always knowing the right thing to say under any circumstances. He was an inspiration to me all my life, and I miss him greatly.

Ray Buchanan

January 25, 2016

I walked into the personnel office off the street. NY unemployment suggested it. Lost a job a week before my wedding. I found out about the trainee program. Got by John Mack and Virginia Miller without a problem but Bill as Personnel Officer really made me work to convince him that this was a dream career when I had never given it a thought. I thanked him profusely for his approval the last time we talked. I hold him in great respect.

Susan Frost

January 24, 2016

I did not know William but his beautiful, heartfelt farewell message brought tears to my eyes. What an extraordinary man he obviously was. My sympathies to those who loved him.

Bob

January 24, 2016

Even after just a couple hours with Bill at Shepherd Home, it feels like this is a spirit that the world can't afford to lose. May the inspiration he spread over the course of his lifetime continue to blossom in his memory.

Jim Caffrey

January 24, 2016

Bill and Alan were my wonderful neighbors for 30 years. They were a joy to know and have amazing conversations with. Alan had recently passed away in 2014. They are already missed so very much in our neighborhood and our lives.

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