William Present Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

William E. Present, 79, of 20 Lakeview Dr., Lakewood, died at 11:25 A.M. Saturday (Oct. 26,2002) in WCA Hospital. He was born April 20, 1923 in Jamestown, son of Abe and Frances Price Present. He was a 1941 graduate of Jamestown High School, and attended Allegheny College, where he was a stand-out varsity basketball player and a member of Delta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served with the "Red Ball Express" delivering fuel to the front lines in Europe. Prior to retiring in 1988, he had operated the former Present's Jewelry in Jamestown, which was founded by his father in 1909. In later years he owned and operated The Coin Shop. He was a member and Past Master of Mt. Moriah Lodge #145, Free and Accepted Masons, and was a member of Kharram Grotto, Jamestown Consistory, Jamestown Shrine Club, Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, The American Legion, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, where he served as co-historian, Christ First United Methodist Church, and participated in the YMCA Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, and various basketball and softball leagues. He will be remembered for his quiet, unassuming manner, his kind heart, and his loving spirit. He especially loved and was loved by children and young people, and gave full, open acceptance to everyone, never having an unkind word to say. Survivors: Daughters: Judith P. Swanson, Jane P. Masterson, Jacquelyn Rosenberg Grandchildren: Monica H. and Molly E. Swanson, Nicholas W., Michael P., and James T. Masterson, Barbara J. Samuelson, Cynthia A. Morris 4 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter. Sister: Anna Rae Present Brother: Leonard R. Present He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Elaine M. Shaffer, whom he married June 28, 1950, and who died June 11, 1977, and by a brother, Jess J. Present, who died August 8, 1998. Rev. Douglas M. Knopp will officiate at the service. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery. A Mt. Moriah Lodge Masonic Service will be conducted at 6:00 P.M. Monday in the funeral home. Memorials: Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame P.O. Box 1192 Jamestown, NY 14702-1192

William Present

April 20, 1923 - October 28, 2002