William A. Biata, Sr.

Lansing, NY

William A. Biata, Sr., age 70, died Thursday evening March 29, 2012, with his wife and his sons by his side, at Cayuga Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born September 14, 1941, in Auburn, NY, he was a son of the late Anthony and Lena (Adamo) Biata. Bill attended high school in Auburn, where he was an avid 3 sport athlete. He went on to Auburn Community College and his athletic ability afforded him an opportunity to play minor league baseball for a time with the Phillies. In 1964 he married Bonnie Isenbarger and they settled in Lansing and began raising their family. Bill remained involved with athletics throughout his life, from coaching his sons in various capacities throughout their childhood; following his grandchildren’s sports activities, and supporting our local youth sports programs. He enjoyed talking to many youth in Lansing and was always willing to lend his support. He was a former board member of the Lansing Recreation Program. A positive person who always had a good word, Bill made friends wherever he went. As a member of the original infamous “Over Forty” Lansing gang, he always looked forward to the many get-togethers. Bill’s passion for history was readily evident through the books he read, the movies he watched, and the animated conservations he had with others. Bill had a strong work ethic, which he passed on to his children, and was always quick to put others ahead of himself. He retired from Cornell University’s Computer Information Technology Department after 39 years of dedicated service. Bill’s life held many accomplishments, but by far the greatest was his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Bonnie Biata; their sons, William (Linda) Biata, Jr., and their children, Dana and Nicholas; Brian (Lisa) Biata and their children, Dori and Alanna; and Kevin (Marcie) Biata and their children, Taylor, Carter and Lincoln. Also surviving Bill are his brother Tony (Laurel) Biata, and nephew, Michael Biata.

For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Bills’ memory, please consider the Lansing Recreation Program: Youth Sports, PO Box 186, Lansing, NY 14882.

Family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, April 3rd from 5-7 pm at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY 14882. A funeral service, officiated by Father Leo Reinhardt, will begin at 9:30 am, Wednesday, April 4th at Lansing Funeral Home, followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery.