William E. Bush

August 14, 2001

William E. "Bill" Bush, 65, of Camillus, died Tuesday August 14, 2001 at Community General Hospital, Syracuse, NY. Born in Auburn, he was a native of Jordan. He graduated from Jordan Central High School and earned degrees from Colgate University, William and Mary College of Law and Simmons Institute of Mortuary Science. Mr. Bush was active in business, government and community. He was President of B.L. Bush and Sons, Inc. Funeral Homes in Camillus, Jordan, Elbridge and Skaneateles. He served as vice president of the Onondaga County Funeral Directors Association and was a member of the New York State and National Funeral Directors Associations serving on the government affairs committee. Mr. Bush also served over 20 years in local and state government having served on the Camillus Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Supervisor of Camillus and a member of the Onondaga County Board of Supervisors and then elected 7 terms to the New York State Assembly representing the towns of Camillus, Onondaga, Otisco, Elbridge, Skaneateles and a portion of the City of Syracuse. A key figure in the Republican leadership, his legislative responsibilities included Assistant Minority Leader as well as service on the Banks, Insurance, Rules and Ethics & Guidance Committees. Mr. Bush was honored by many organizations for his legislative accomplishments including the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, the New York State Retired Teacher's Association and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was a active supporter of Republican organizations and candidates as well a former fundraiser for the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee Mr. Bush was noted for his support of community concerns. He was active in the United Way of Central New York, Urban League, Old Newsboys Toy Fund Committee, Onondaga County Mental Health Association, Camillus Chamber of Commerce, Solvay-Geddes-Camillus Kiwanis Club, Camillus Elks, Jordan Lodge F&AM , Royal Order Jesters, Tigris Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite, and Fairmount Community Church. Survivors: His wife of 42 years, the former Dorothy Haynie; three daughters, Barbara Cooper of Washington, DC, Jane Scanlon of Cazenovia, NY, and Becky Merlino of Atlanta, GA.; two sons, Bart of Albany, NY, and Brian of Camillus; two brothers, Kenneth of Jordan and Frederick of Jordan; and 7 grandchildren. Services were 11 am Monday, August 20, 2001 at Fairmount Community Church. Calling hours 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday at B.L. Bush and Sons Funeral Home, 10 Genesee Street, Camillus. Contributions: in lieu of flowers, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Central New York , 401 N. Salina Street, Syracuse, 13203 or Fairmount Community Church, 4801 W. Genesee St, Syracuse 13219 Other Photos