William “Bill” S. Dibrell, 72, of 96 South Main St., Alfred, NY, died Thursday afternoon (February 13,
2020) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a sudden worsening of
an illness.Born in Corpus Christi, TX on
September 17, 1947, he was the son of Aquilla Gibbs “A.G.” Dibrell II & Martha
(Crowley) Dibrell.
The son of a US Naval
officer, Bill grew up and lived in many locations throughout the United States
and Canada. He received his Bachelor’s
degree from San Diego State University and then went on to receive his PhD in
Philosophy from Michigan State University.
As a resident of Alfred since
1983, Bill taught in the Division of Human Studies, College of Liberal Arts
& Sciences at Alfred University.
Throughout the years, he helped shape the minds of countless young students. Community minded, he was a proud member of
the AE Crandall Hook & Ladder Company where he served as an Emergency
Medical Technician (EMT) and also served for a time as Fire Chief. Bill had a deep love of the Alfred community,
always looking for ways to serve others. This mindset was predominant in his
academic life as well; his “best day was a good teaching day.” He loved music and enjoyed playing guitar,
especially when simply sitting around with his family and friends.
Bill married Jeanette Oehler,
November 24, 1972. Together they raised their daughter, Andrea.
He was preceded in death by
his brother, Aquilla Gibbs Dibrell III.
Surviving are his significant
other, Beth Ann Dobie of Andover; his daughter, Andrea Martha Dunn and her
husband Richard Garner Dunn of Tucson, AZ; his sister, Ann Cecilia Dibrell
Petyak of Ventura, CA. He is also survived by a large and loving family,
including many nieces for whom he assumed a father-role and nephews with whom
he was close.
He was thrilled to meet his
granddaughter who is “on the way” and expected to make her appearance in July,
2020.
At Bill’s request there will
be no prior calling hours. A
“Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday (February 22, 2020) from 1:00 PM
until 3:00 PM at the Susan Howell Hall of the Alfred University Campus where
family & friends can share stories and remember the life of Bill Dibrell.
Funeral arrangements are in
care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38
Church St., Hornell, NY.
Bill’s family request that in
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the AE Crandall
Hook & Ladder Company, Main St., Alfred, NY 14802.
To leave an online condolence
or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
