IN LOVING MEMORY OF

William I.

William I. "Bill" Barnes, Jr. Profile Photo

"Bill" Barnes, Jr.

November 7, 2025

Obituary

William I. "Bill" Barnes, 68, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 7, 2025. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late William I. and Ruth (London) Barnes.

Bill was a 1975 graduate of Niagara-Wheatfield High School and proudly served his country as a Field Radio Operator in the United States Marine Corps from 1975 until his honorable discharge in 1979. Following his military service, he attended Niagara County Community College and earned his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Niagara University in 1987.

In 1980, Bill married Gayle A. Barnes, at First Presbyterian Church in Niagara Falls. Their 45-year marriage was marked by devotion, laughter, and support—Gayle remains forever grateful for Bill's help in finding a brain surgeon who changed her life and help with her epilepsy.

Bill worked as a cab driver before spending the last 15 years as a truck driver for Relco Systems in Lockport, NY. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post #381 in Niagara Falls and an avid hunter who cherished time outdoors. Known for his vibrant personality, Bill was truly the life of the party—always polite, always willing to lend a hand, and always surrounded by family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle; his children, Alisa Ann Greene, Jackie (Bryan) Reed, William I. (April) Barnes, and Brian T. Barnes; and seven cherished grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his siblings, Sharon (late Hank) Lascelle, Ruth (Mitch) Thompson, and Jimmie (late Patti) Barnes, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was sadly predeceased by his infant son, Daniel C. Barnes, and siblings Homan (late Medi) Raire and Beth (late Donald) Lewis.

A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the American Legion Post #381, 923 Niagara Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14305.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.  Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William I. "Bill" Barnes, Jr., please visit our flower store.

Services

Celebration of Life

Calendar
November
10

6:00 - 10:00 pm

William I. "Bill" Barnes, Jr.'s Guestbook

Visits: 1

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors