William "Bill" MCClune

William "Bill" A. MCClune, age 47, of Kent Blvd., Salamanca, NY passed away Thursday morning (July 19, 2007) at his home surrounded by his family following a short illness.

Born November 4, 1959 he was the son of the late William A. MCClune. Bill was raised from a child his paternal grandparents the late DEForrest and Caroline MCClune. He was married to his wife Rosemary on November 23, 2001, after having been together for 7 years.

Bill was a 1978 graduate of Salamanca Central School. He had been employed as a Groundskeeper for 29 years with the Salamanca Central School District. In 1986 Bill took a 4 year leave to join the United States Navy serving at Sima Philadelphia, PA as a Boiler Technician. Bill continued as a Naval Reservist serving a total of 22 years, retiring on July 1, 2007. Bill received Presidential orders after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, for Operation Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle for Homeland Security at Groton, Connecticut, protecting the New London Nuclear Sub Base, he was called to Active Duty for 2 years on November 2, 2001. During his US Navy career he was awarded: Good Conduct, Meritorious Service, National Defense Service, 2 Navy and Marine Achievement Awards, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service, Unit Commendation, 2 Meritorious Unit Commendations, Armed Forces Reserve, Bronze M, Hourglass, Markmanship, Pistol Markmanship, 2 Gold Stars, National Defense and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Bill was a Volunteer Interior Firefighter for the Kill Buck Volunteer Fire Department for 27 years serving positions as Captain, Forman, 3rd Assistant Fire Chief and current president for 19 years. He was a past member of the Salamanca Auxiliary Police for 6 years prior to joining the Navy; he was the current president for many years and past vice president of the Consolidated Services Unit Union at the Salamanca School District. Bill also volunteered much of his time preparing sport's fields for local Salamanca youth organizations and the Seneca Nation, he also helped prepare the current playgrounds located at Prospect and Seneca Schools. He was an avid blood donor to the American Red Cross; he was recognized for his donating during a ceremony in 2001 at the Buffalo Naval and Marine Reserve Center. He was a member of the American Legion Post 535, the Square Circle Rod and Gun Club in Kill Buck for 9 years and he also served on the Board of Salamanca Fire Commissions for 2 1/2 years. Bill was a loving, caring and supportive husband and father. He loved to hunt, fish, travel, and work around the house.

Surviving besides his wife are 2 daughters, Melinda McClune, Ulysses, PA; Christina (Adam) Haseley, Salamanca, NY; 2 sons, Bryan Terhune, West Valley, NY; Robert Terhune, Salamanca, NY; 3 grandchildren, Cameron Terhune, Deven McClune, and Zander Terhune; one brother, Richard (Ruth) McClune, VA; i uncle, Jack McClune, Salamanca, NY; 1 aunt, Lucille Carley, Salamanaca, NY; many special nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Friday (July 20k, 2007) at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY from 2-4 P.M. and 7-9 P.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday morning at 11:00 A.M. in St. Patrick's Church with Rev. Piotr Zaczynski of St. Patrick's/ Holy Cross Church as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Graveside military services will be conducted by the U.S. Navy.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Local Fire Dept. or Home Care and Hospice.