William Michael McBride

William (Bill) Michael McBride, retired Navy Lieutenant and Vietnam war veteran, passed away on February 27th 2025, at his home in Pittsford NY, at the age of 81, after a long fight with pulmonary fibrosis.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Sean, and children Maggie Nearing (Ryan), Patrick (Jackie), Matt (Kinsley) and Will (Hannah), along with 7 grandchildren Maeve, Wyatt, Ella, Bridgette, Griffin, Brett, Charlotte, along with his sister Molly Weaver (Jim). Bill was predeceased by his parents Dr. David and Anne McBride and his brother Dick.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he was the son of the rural community’s veterinarian, therefore it was only fitting that he developed a love for four-legged friends and riding horses. He fondly recalled assisting his father in healing animals, including helping to deliver calves and foals and even tending to an injured lion (Yes a Lion!). He attended Linsly Military Institute during his formative years and received his Bachelors degree from West Liberty University.

He proudly enlisted in the Navy and completed officer training school in 1968. He served as an officer aboard the USS Monticello in the Vietnam War and was later given the great responsibility of commanding the USS Cormorant at age 25, an honor typically given to more experienced officers. He loved the years he spent patrolling the coastal waters of the pacific northwest and often remarked that this time was one of the greatest experiences of his life. These adventures instilled within him a lifelong passion for sailing, working hard, and swabbing the decks of his patio with a garden hose. To hear his own account, from the man himself, you may listen to his interview available on the Library of Congress website at https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.93855/.

After the Navy, he embarked on his long colorful career in advertising, starting at the storied Leo Burnett in Chicago. As the account executive for Kellogg, he played a role in bringing to life some of the world’s most iconic brands and mascots, including Frosted Flake’s Tony the Tiger (Yes, we have him to partially thank for making breakfast Grrrrrrrreat!). In 1983 Bill’s job took him and his family to Paris, a move to expand his professional horizons and his appreciation for wine, French cheeses, and the art of fine dining. After moving to Rochester he purchased Harvey Research, an advertising research firm, which he ran with unwavering dedication until his very last day, because the idea of retirement never quite suited him.

Bill met his wife, Sean in Chicago and they were married at the 4th Presbyterian Church, on Michigan Avenue, in 1978. Together they raised four wonderful children and made homes in Paris, Atlanta, and the suburbs of Chicago, before ultimately finding their community in the Village of Pittsford. He loved his family dearly and was a selfless father and grandfather. He considered his family his greatest achievement and spoke of his children with great pride. He had a knack for maintaining his historic home, a green thumb for gardening, and an unshakable passion for sharing gourmet foods and wine, whether his friends were hungry or not. He fully embraced his Irish roots and was delighted to make a pilgrimage to Ireland during his latter years. He was honored to serve and chair the Village of Pittsford’s Historic Preservation Board for many years. A playful prankster with a flair for bold fashion choices, Bill was never one to shy away from a colorful outfit or an even more colorful story from his past. He could be a bit stubborn but was honest, steadfast, and guided by the strongest of values. His legacy lives on through his family.

Friends and family are invited to drop in between 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 8th, to celebrate his life, at 187 Mendon Ionia Rd, in Honeoye Falls. Dress code is Bill McBride cocktail attire, if you knew him, you know what that means. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.