William John Bura

William John Bura, 69, of Lester Road, Felts Mills, NY, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at the Samaritan Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 22 at the Bruce Funeral Home, 131 Maple St., Black River.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 23 at the funeral home. Following the funeral the family will have a Celebration of Life at the Black River American Legion.

 William will be cremated following the funeral service and a private burial will take place in the Felts Mills Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

He was born on November 4, 1948 in Watertown, NY, son of the late George and Violet Bura.

He was employed by Coca Cola for 35 years and retired in 2002.  He had 21 ½ years of military service.  He served with the US Army as a combat engineer in the Vietnam War and while serving with the National Guard, 145th Maintenance Company, he was called to active duty and served in Desert Storm.  He was honorably discharged in 2003.

He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1960 device, Army Commendation Medal, two overseas bars, sharpshooter (M-14), marksman (M-16) Kuwait Liberation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and South West Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Stars.

On June 23, 1973, William was united in marriage with Joanne Altmire, of Felts Mills, NY, at the Black River United Methodist Church.

Besides his wife Joanne, he is survived by his children Tobin Bura, Tupper Lake and his companion Lucretia Wren, Timothy Bura and his wife Natasha, Felts Mills, and William Bura and his wife Joanna, Alexandria Bay, five grandchildren, Jocelyn, Jaelyn, Natalie, Jeradyn and Kayleigh.  Also surviving are two brothers and a sister in law, George and Donna Bura, Alpine, CA, Richard Bura, Watertown, a sister and brother in law, Kim and Christopher Bennett, Dexter and his two fur babies, Smokey and Shadow.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Cortney, parents, George and Violet, sisters, Sandra Murray and Linda Bither.

William was a former member of the Felts Mills Fire Department, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, 4 wheeling, camping at Lake Bonaparte, taking photos and he was a computer enthusiast.  Most of all his family meant the world to him.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Children’s Miracle Network 830 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13602.

Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com.

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