William J. “Bill” Raish SR – 82 – of 3351 Pierce Rd., Canisteo, died Sunday evening (December 5, 2010) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on October 11, 1928, he was the son of Jesse & Helen (Clancy) Raish.

A lifelong resident of the Hornell / Canisteo area, Bill was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1947).  Following high school, he worked for his father at J.H. Raish Plumbing & Heating for several years.

Bill was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  After being honorably discharged from the military, he joined Local Union #13 (Plumbers Union).  He worked for several contractors throughout the southern tier, often in the capacity of superintendent or foreman.  In 1968 he purchased J.H. Raish Plumbing & Heating from his father and in 1970 changed the name to Main Plumbing & Heating which he has owned & operated for the past 40 years.

He enjoyed model railroading and was proud of his collection of model railroad trains, especially his steam engines.  Bill also took great pride in owning & working with his beautiful draft horses.  He was and avid Boston Red Sox fan and would not waste his valuable time rooting for the New York Yankees or Buffalo Bills.  Bill thoroughly enjoyed this time spent with his many friends while meeting daily at the Texas Café.  He also looked forward to his many friends stopping at the store where he would often offer “free advice” to those working on their own plumbing & heating projects.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Andy who died September 21, 1996; 4 brothers, Jackie, Gary & Larry who died as infants and Thomas Raish; his nephew, Larry Raish; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Raish.

He was married on March 3, 1956 to the former Lois Pierce who survives.  Also surviving are 1 daughter, Marcie (Mike) Jackson of Canisteo; 1 son, Bill Raish of Canisteo; 1 brother, Robert Raish of Hornell; his sister-in-law, Mary Raish of Hornell; 3 grandchildren, Emily (Curtis) George, Michael Jackson and Rachel Raish; 3 great-grandchildren, Ryan George, Kaleb George & Ethan George; several nieces & nephews.

Bill had a unique way of getting his point across.  One of his favorites was using the phrase “Bill says…….”   Therefore, Bill says that the family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM   –   8:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM with Pastor Donald Mosley and Pastor Philip Casterline officiating.  Burial will be in the Raish Family Cemetery in Canisteo.

Bills family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Open Door Baptist Church, 2585 Route 417, Greenwood, NY 14839 or to the Living Waters Church, Southyard Road, Hornell, NY 14843.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.