Obituary of William Max Biggee

William Max Biggee, 79, of Wayland, NY died Saturday, May 14, 2022. He was born on March 7, 1943 at his home in Buffalo, NY, the son of Margaret Mary Hill and Anthony John Biggee. Bill married Mary Beth Wagner on June 19, 1971 at St. Mary Magdalene’s in Buffalo. He graduated from Lancaster High School, and then earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo. Bill went on to achieve a Master’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University, and became licensed as a certified social worker, CSW. Bill worked for over 35 years as a social worker and leader for the New York State DDSO, serving the critical needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities. He was a pioneer in helping those with developmental disabilities leave institutions and become established in the community in group homes of their own. Bill retired as the Regional Director of the Southern Tier DDSO. Bill enjoyed painting, traveling, baking birthday cakes for grandchildren, relaxing in the sun, maintaining the property at his home, and all animals, especially his faithful dogs. He was very active in the local communities and his church. Bill left a great legacy and will be missed by his wife, Mary Biggee; two sons, Michael Biggee and his wife, Bonnie, of Pleasanton, CA, and Fred Wood of Hornell, NY; two daughters, Beth Biggee and her husband, Andrew McQuide of Andover, MA, and Kristin Biggee and her husband, Joel Meyer of Portland, OR; seven grandchildren, Margaret, Elliot and Andrew McQuide, Ryan, Ethan and Paige Biggee, and Evelyn Meyer; his sister, Darleen Miller and her husband Richard; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Tony Biggee (Carol); and his sister, Sandra Evans (Paul). Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2022 at the St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St, Wayland, NY. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Bill at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Church, 206 Fremont St, Wayland, NY. Father Stephen N. Karani will be the celebrant. Committal prayers and interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Perkinsville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s honor to Gitare Kenya Outreach at PO Box 373, Wayland, NY 14572 or the Special Olympics at 1133 19th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20036.