William H. "Buddy" Brydges, age 74, passed away at his home in Naples, Florida, on Tuesday, May 2, 2018, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born in Niagara Falls on Oct. 21, 1943, to Earl W. Brydges and Eleanor (Mahoney) Brydges.
He attended high school in Wilson. Upon graduation, he attended St. John Fisher College in Rochester.
Brydges was faithfully called to serve with the Edmundite Missions in Selma, Alabama. He proudly served in the Army National Guard; he received his degree from the State University of New York at Albany.
Brydges had a long and distinguished career as deputy chief clerk of the New York State Court of Claims.
On Oct. 11, 1968, he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Dumas. Together they have four daughters and one son.
Buddy lived life to its fullest. He loved the horses at Saratoga Racetrack, the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. He was an avid golfer and fisherman.
His greatest talent, however, was as a storyteller. His humor, wit and charm were undeniable. To his children's chagrin, he never missed an opportunity to grab a microphone, the center of the stage, and entertain the crowd. The only thing he loved more than sinking a putt to beat one of his brothers or his cousin in golf was to talk about it after.
He was incredibly generous to family, friends and strangers alike. Nothing gave him more joy than starting a day by getting his grandchildren dozens of Dunkin' Donuts and ending it by cooking family and friends his famed Seafood Pescatore.
A true family man, Uncle Bud was beloved by his nieces and nephews. He was a man of great faith and attended Mass regularly. He will be missed by all who had the great fortune to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Jerry. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Barbara; daughters, Jennifer Brydges, Kelly (Bob) Turner, Betty Jean (Jimmer) Szatkowski and Marcy (Matt) McNamara; son, Michael Francis; sisters, Marylynn (Bill) Barden, Margaret (Pat) Martin and Janet Brydges; brothers, Earl (Marty) Brydges, Dennis (Evelyn) Brydges and Thomas (Melissa) Brydges; and 11 loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 11, at St. Brendon, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 345 Lake St., Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lighthouse of Collier County, Center for the Blindness and Vision Loss.
