William "Bill" Bakota Jr., 75, of Niagara Falls passed away on January 19, 2022 after a long illness.   Bill was born in Niagara Falls, NY.  He was the son of the late Stephanie (Karcz) and William B. Bakota, Sr.

Bill attended local schools and graduated from Lasalle Senior High School. He lived in the village of Lewiston for many years with his wife and daughters before settling in Wheatfield in 1994.  He owned and operated Bakota Construction Co. Inc. He took pride in building custom homes, townhomes and apartments throughout Western New York with great attention to detail in each of them. He developed Tall Oaks subdivision on Nicki's Lane in Wheatfield. Each of his homes, townhomes and apartments boast classic details and timeless curb appeal. He was a talented landscape designer. He left our community a more beautiful place with his meticulous workmanship and creative ability.

For 18 and 1/2 years, Bill's faithful dachshund Norm would accompany him to every job site, errand and vacation. You could always find Norm on the job with Bill.

He was an avid sports fan. Bill enjoyed skiing, golf and watching baseball, hockey and football. His favorite teams were the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Buffalo Sabres, the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills. He was a Bills season ticket holder dating back to the 1960s. Lot 3 at the Ralph was the place to be for his tailgating traditions that live on to this day. He also enjoyed watching his teams play at War Memorial and the Aud.

Bill was a strong supporter of the military, and donated to countless charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots, Disabled American Veterans, ASPCA, Joyful Rescues, to name a few. He loved animals and surprising his family. It wouldn't be unheard of for him to bring home a new puppy…a new car…jet ski…hot tub. Bill was a casino enthusiast and enjoyed treating his family for dinners at The Western Door. He liked listening to the oldies, especially The Beatles. He took his family to many shows at Melody Fair. He loved being outside, lived for summer, especially Fourth of July fireworks, taking Norm for walks and adding new flowers and landscaping to the neighborhood entrance and his own yard. Spending the day boating and jet skiing on the Niagara River with Navy or Sunken Island the destination was a perfect day.

Bill is survived by Phyllis Bakota; his daughters Khristen (Tom) Rodgers and Nicole (Bill) Kielbasa; his grandchildren, Jack Logan, Sophie Mae, Addisyn Grace and Kelsi Sue, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by his son Joseph; and his brother, Robert Bakota.

Private services and interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY, will be held at the convenience of the family.  If desired, memorial offerings may be made to Joyful Rescues, 1319 Turock Drive, Cuba, NY 14727 or to the Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls, NY, 14304.  Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.