William P. Clingersmith, 87, died peacefully on Friday April 24, 2015 at Buffalo Hospice. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late David W. and Anna (Barr) Clingersmith.

William attended local schools and graduated from Trott Vocation High School. He served in the United States Navy from October 12, 1945 until his honorable discharge on August 11, 1952, achieving the rank of pipefitter first class. During his naval service he was trained as a diving and salvage expert, and served aboard the USS Witek, USS Kitty Hawk, and USS Hamul. His skills as an underwater welder was vital in repairing damaged vessels in Europe, Asia, and United States. On June 12, 1954, he married Jean (Modica) Clingersmith at Holy Angels Church in Buffalo, NY and together they moved to Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. Clingersmith predeceased him on June 20, 2009. William began working at Olin-Mathieson in Niagara Falls and then joined the Niagara Falls Fire Department, where he worked for over 25 years. During that time he also worked at the former Diamond Reclamation Company. Following retirement from the fire department he worked as fire marshal and fire safety officer at the former Carborundum Corporation. In his leisure he enjoyed bowling, golf, and playing softball, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Clingersmith is survived by his seven children David Clingersmith of Niagara Falls, NY; Ann Louise (Louis) Ciminelli of Buffalo, NY, Mark (Marianne) Clingersmith, William (Anne) Clingersmith, both of Niagara Falls, NY, James (Lisa) Clingersmith of San Diego, CA, Christine (Jeffrey) Vahue of Boston, MA and Julie (Michael) Dearing of Pendleton, NY; eighteen grand children, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Leonard (late Isabel) Clingersmith and a sister Joyce Clingersmith.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 - 8 pm at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Wednesday April 29th at 10 AM at St. Leo's Church 2748 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY with Military Honors. Flowers are graciously declined, memorials may be made to Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Blvd. Cheektowaga, NY 14227 or the Niagara County SPCA 2100 Lockport Road Niagara Falls, NY 14304.