Orville M. Bilby

Orville M. Bilby, 86, formerly of Black River, NY, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024 at his home in Zephyrhills, Florida.  Our Dad and Grandpa is now reunited with his wife, our mom and grandma. 

He was born on November 17, 1937, in Batavia, Ohio, son of Orville and Mildred (Shannon) Bilby.

A dedicated individual, Orville entered the United States Army Reserves at 17, completing his high school education while in service. His commitment extended to 32 years as an Army engineer, multiple tours in Vietnam earning him The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, The Bronze Star, among other awards leading him to an honorable discharge. Once out of the military he would continue his service working for the government on Fort Drum until 1997.

On September 2, 1980, he married the love of his life Grace Kelley, and together they navigated life until her passing on October 15, 2006. 

He was a life member and past commander of the Philadelphia American Legion and of the VFW. Orville and Grace enjoyed bingo and square dancing, with Orville leading the Saturday night square dances at the Legion.  The two of them would help out at school fundraisers and dad would even play Santa. He loved his daughters and grandchildren so very much. He left Black River in 2006 and started traveling with his daughter Tanya. He lived with Clark and Tanya until his passing.

Orville is survived by four stepdaughters, Kelly Toutant and her companion Frank Moskel Gouverneur, NY, Robin DeVito and her fiance Mike Robertson, Fl , Susan Walters, Fl and Tanya (Clark) Bartholomew, Fl; seven grandchildren Mandy, AJ, Krista, Tommy, Justin, Michael and Aric, 10 great-grandchildren, his sister Ann Gentry, Batavia, OH; sister-in-law, Rosemary Houghtaling, Evans Mills, NY, Brother-in-law Leonard Kelley Marion Station, MD, and many nieces and nephews.

Orville was known as Papa Bull, or Pops in his Florida Community.  There will be a memorial service in Tampa Florida at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, Wednesday, March 13th @ 10am.

Besides his parents, beloved wife Grace, and Brother-in-law Robert Houghtaling he is predeceased by five siblings, Leroy, Rich, George, and Edward Bilby, and Billy Alexander.  

 Arrangements are with the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on April 20th,  at the funeral home, followed by burial with military honors at Black River Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Philadelphia American Legion in Philadelphia NY, or St. Marks the Evangelist Catholic Church ST Vincent DePaul Tampa, Fl.

Online condolences can be shared at www.Brucefh.com.

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