William L.”Bill” Wells, 85, of 213 Jackson Ave., passed away, Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at his residence after a lengthy illness.
Born July 4, 1924, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Charles D. and Madeline B. (Burt) Wells. On June 2, 1954 at St. Raphel’s Church in Eldred, he married Anna H. (Hahn) Wells who survives.
Mr. Wells was a 1942 graduate of Bradford High School. On May 17, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army and served during WW II in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged on November 25, 1945.
After returning from the service Mr. Wells worked for Taylor Upholstering. On July 30, 1951 he began his employment as a professional Fire Fighter for the City of Bradford Fire Department. He was promoted on January 1, 1985, to Engineer, then on December 6, 1988, he was appointed Lieutenant, on July 4, 1989 he retired. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Union for 38 years, the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of the Odd Fellows and a member of First United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons Charles Wells of Brooklyn, NY, and Stephen (Lori) Wells of Winchester, VA, a sister, Doris Schelander, three grandchildren: Stephen John Wells, Natalie Janet Wells and Amber Lee Wells.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Harriet Brown.
Family will be receiving friends on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 10:00 to Noon at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. South Ave., at which time funeral and committal services will with Rev. Dennis Swineford pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church 23-25 Chambers Street, Bradford.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
