William F. Favero, 85, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Tuesday April 5, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Victor and Mary (Furlan) Favero.

Willie as he was known was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. He attended local schools, graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School and attended Erie County Community College in Buffalo, NY where he earned an Associate's Degree in Metallurgy. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army from January 22, 1944 until his honorable discharge on May 18, 1946. He received the Distinguished Unit Badge, the EAME Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation and the World War 2 Victory Medal. On September 3, 1949 he married Rita (Yorio) Favero at Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls, NY.

William was employed at SKW Metals and Alloys, Inc. in Niagara Falls, NY until retiring as a foreman after more than forty years of service in 1990. He was an active parishioner and served as a Eucharistic minister and lector of the former St. Charles Borromeo Church in Niagara Falls as well as a member and former president of their parish council. He served on several of their committees including building and grounds, finance, Catholic Charities appeal which he chaired and was honored to receive the St. Joseph Worker Lay Award.

Willie was also a member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society and had a passion for helping those in need not only throughout his community but was instrumental in bringing the needs of Nicaragua to the parishioners of St. Charles who furnished supplies to help feed and clothe the poor there. Through his kindness and generosity a campaign was organized to aid mentally challenged patients at N.F. Memorial Medical Center with hospital calls as well as setting up a food pantry and providing aid to nursing home patients and shut-ins. He also worked in conjunction with the Niagara County Sheriff's Department in setting up a voucher program to help the needy. Willie had a love for all people and a willingness to help anyone. In 2007 he was the recipient of the Harold des Pres Award for his unselfish works of kindness and he was also awarded the Ozaham Medal for his Vincentian lifestyle.
Mr. & Mrs. Favero received numerous awards of appreciation from the Niagara Falls City School District for their involvement and commitement to city schools and for their dedicated service to the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights. Willie was also a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Colombus Council #247, The American Legion both in Niagara Falls. In his spare time he enjoyed water color painting but most of all his life centered around his love and dedication to his family.
William is survived by his wife of sixty one years Rita (Yorio) Favero, Mr. Favero is survived by six children William J. (Karen) Favero of Kingwood, Texas, Vickie (Mickey) Suitor of Youngstown, NY; Barbara (Joseph) Fricano of East Amherst, NY; Gail (Bryan) Smith of North Tonawanda, NY; Gary Favero and Lorna Veltri both of Niagara Falls, NY; thirteen grandchildren Sabrina, Victor (Melissa), Steven, Lauren (Ben), Timothy, Joey, Gary Jr., Alissa, Jimmy, Chris, Catherine, William and Ryan; seven great grandchildren Gianna, Faith, Trista, Anthony, Emma, Colton and Annabelle Lee, two brothers Gene (Mickey) Favero of Largo, Florida and Robert Favero of Sanborn, NY and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother Joseph (late Phyllis) Favero.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 – 8 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where services will begin on Friday April 8th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.
in St. Vincent De Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 North Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. The Knights of Colombus will conduct a prayer service on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and the St. Vincent De Paul Society will conduct a service at 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Catholic Charities or Niagara Hospice.