William A. Wehmeyer

William A. Wehmeyer, Ph.D. (Nov 24, 1930- July 29, 2026)

Dr. William A. Wehmeyer (“Bill”) was born in Yonkers, NY. Early in his childhood, Bill moved with his family to a farm in rural Ticonderoga, NY, and spent much of his young life surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks. After graduating from Ticonderoga High School, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in 1952 from Hamilton College, and in 1954, a Master’s Degree from Catholic University. Bill served in the Army in the late ‘50s, and later taught High School French in Lake Placid, NY. He returned to the halls of academia, earning a Ph.D. in English from the University of Notre Dame in 1962.

Bill moved to Olean and joined the faculty of St. Bonaventure University as Professor of English in 1964. There he met JoAnn Marra, who became his beloved wife in 1967.

Bill served St. Bonaventure University for a staggering 42 years, both in the classroom and in administration (as Dean of Arts and Sciences). He’s fondly remembered by generations of students, whose path to graduation he guided with a loving but very firm hand. During his tenure at SBU, Bill founded the Northeast Modern Language Association (still active to this day), and co-founded (with colleagues Jeff White and Tony Farrow) St. Bonaventure’s Irish Studies Program. His passion for all things Irish was well known. He took great pride in his son’s Irish band, and in his daughter’s - and later granddaughter’s - accomplishments in competitive Irish Dance. A member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Bill worked hard to promote Irish culture locally through programs like Because of the Children, which gave the children of Irish political prisoners a summer respite in Olean and Allegany.

Bill is perhaps most lovingly remembered by close friends and family as an avid gardener, and in his later years, as a generous chef and baker. Few who received them can forget his delicious soups, robust Irish soda breads, or decadent cookies - often delivered to the doorsteps of friends and family in the dead of night.

Bill is survived by two children and their partners - Stephen (Kerry) and Anne (Dominic), and one granddaughter - Daria Noonan-Wehmeyer, along with sister-in-law Felicia, and countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews from New York, Vermont, and around the world - a thriving family who he loved fiercely and who loved him very much.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Bill on Saturday, August 15th, 10:00am, at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, with graveside burial service to follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery where the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 Ritual Team will conduct full military honors. A light repast for guests who attend the burial will follow at the Fairway View restaurant adjacent to the cemetery. For those hearty souls who want to pay respects to Bill in true Irish style - in lieu of a traditional viewing - there will be a proper Irish Wake at Gaynor’s Pub in Olean (535 North Union). Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, Bill and his Family request that those who wish direct donations in his memory to either:

The JoAnn Wehmeyer English Scholarship c/o the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, 301 N. Union St., Olean, NY 14760

The Franciscan Center for Social Concern (payable to St. Bonaventure University- memo: The Warming House Soup Kitchen), PO Box AR, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778.

Slan Abhaile - Safe home, Da.