MEMORIAL FUNDS 

These memorial funds are dedicated to individuals who made an EPIC impact throughout their lives. We are honored to continue their legacy through these established memorial funds. To contribute to a memorial fund, please click here.


The William V. Gillmore Memorial Fund

An EPIC Supporter: Bill Gillmore


Former EPIC Board Chair and long-time supporter of EPIC, William Victor (Bill) Gillmore passed away on November 28, 2021 after a long bout with pancreatic cancer. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda (Lin) Gillmore and their children William (Ryan) Gillmore and Keri Vietti. Ryan and his wife Heidi have two children, Elizabeth (Ellie) and Grace. Keri and her husband Kevin Vietti have three children, Connor, William (Liam), and Emma.

 

Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 13, 1946. He was raised in Livonia, Michigan, a graduate of Bentley High School in 1964. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1968 with a BS in Packaging Engineering, before joining Quaker Oats. He served in Vietnam with the US Army’s 25th Infantry in 1970-71. He earned his MBA from Northern Illinois University. After leaving Quaker Oats in 1996, he worked for Field Container Company and the American Bottling Company, before joining Rich Products in Buffalo, NY, where he remained until his retirement in 2012. Over their 53 years together, Bill & Lin lived in Buffalo Grove, IL, Arlington Heights, IL, Naperville, IL, and Orchard Park, NY, before retiring to Saugatuck, MI.

 

Bill was a life-long music enthusiast, and was a terrific piano & organ player who would entertain family and friends for hours. He was a dedicated supporter of any activities of his kids and grandkids. He organized many Uncle Bill Outings (UBO’s) for his nieces, nephews, and great nieces. In his retirement, he assumed the role of “Chief Fun Officer” for his grandkids, who called him “Pop.”


Leave an EPIC Legacy: Announcing the William V. Gillmore Memorial Fund

 

Bill was a mentor to many. His encouragement & advice benefited colleagues, friends, and family members, both personally and professionally. He was an eloquent, thoughtful communicator, who instilled a strong appreciation for education in his kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews. Bill was deeply committed to EPIC’s vision and mission. Through program expansion, the sale of EPIC’s building, and a change in Executive leadership, EPIC benefited from Bill’s thoughtful and knowledgeable leadership as Vice Chair and Chair. He was a great supporter of EPIC because it aligned with his own personal beliefs.


The William V. Gillmore Memorial Fund will help provide programming and support for new parents. Donations to this fund will help families when it matters most – at the very beginning. From supporting Ready, Set Parent! a national award-winning program that focuses on a baby’s social-emotional health and development, to providing support packs, information and resources for parents in need, expectant and new parents will get the help they need when they begin their journey into parenthood. Bill’s legacy can live on through EPIC, in support of programming that helps children and families.


We are so grateful for Bill’s investment in EPIC and in our mission because his generosity over the years helped us maintain and expand our services to the families and communities that needed it most.



If you are interested in making a gift to the William V. Gillmore Memorial Fund, please enter your information below or send a check to William V. Gillmore c/o EPIC – Every Person Influences Children, 1021 Broadway Street, Buffalo, NY 14212.



The David B. Woodworth Memorial Fund

 

This fund was established in 2022 in memory of David B. Woodworth, or "Woody" as he was known to so many. He passed on September 24, 2022, and was the loving husband of Rebecca S. (Mainprize) Woodworth, beloved father of Tara N. (Terry) Burgess, Dawn (Bernie) Quiter, David Barry Woodworth II, and Jacy Woodworth; cherished grandfather and great-grandfather to 15. 

 

Woody retired from South Buffalo Railroad as a master mechanic, faithfully served as the 8th President of the Southtowns Walleye Association for 14 years and was the 22nd Harry A. Smith Award winner in 2008. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He was well known for his boisterous, fun personality and infectious laugh. He dearly loved his family. His favorite place was in ‘Dad’s spot’ at a family gathering, waiting for the right time to tell a joke or a story to one of his grandkids. He will be deeply missed. 

This fund was established in honor of Woody and his deep love of not just fishing, but teaching others. Proceeds from the fund will be used to purchase fishing equipment for children.



Thank you for your remembrance of Woody and support of his legacy. "As always, take a kid fishing." 


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