William Henry Giles

William Henry Giles, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 90 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, William graduated from Lafayette High School with the class of 1951 before serving in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957 aboard the flagship of the Atlantic Fleet, The Northampton.

A gifted artist and educator, William graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College in 1955 and went on to inspire generations of students across his 37 years teaching art in the Kenmore School District.
His paintings won numerous awards across Western New York and are held in private collections throughout the United States and Canada. He served as director of the A.A.O. Gallery in Buffalo and as president of the Buffalo Society of Artists, leaving a lasting impression on the local arts community.

William's lifelong kindness, humor, and creativity will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Giles. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Mary Giles, his daughter, Susan Postal, his son-in-law Kevin Postal, and his grandchildren, Julia and Maria Ziaja, Timothy and Keri Postal, as well as by the many friends, extended family members, students and fellow artists whose lives he touched.