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- Lee Wadsworth Bickford, age 98, formerly of Niagara Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday September 10, 2016 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, after a lengthy illness. Born in Wilson, NY, on August 31, 1918, Lee was the son of the late Evelyn (Carrigan) and Frank Bickford and was a 1937 graduate of Wilson High School. On October 31, 1940, he married Lucille Jane Buck and they enjoyed 40 years together until her death in June, 1980. He was drafted in the Army during World War II and spent the majority of his time working at Muroc Army Air Base, where he worked at a secret testing facility near Muroc Dry Lake, working on the XP-59A, the first American jet aircraft. After working for Bell Aerospace and Cataract Ice, he became the sole proprietor of Bickford's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service in September 1950. He then worked for Edwards High Vacuum on Grand Island. As a handyman at heart, he was always tinkering and enjoyed remodeling his home. He is survived by three daughters, Nancy J. (Angel) Martinez of Niagara Falls, Patricia A. Bickford of Richmond, VA, and Kathy M. (Christopher) Cosgrove of New Milford, CT; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sons, Lee W. (Susan) Bickford on April 5, 2016 and Gary P. Bickford on August 22, 2016; and a brother, Franklin Bickford. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held Friday, October 14, 2016, at 12:30 PM in North Ridge Cemetery, Church Rd., Town of Cambria. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or to the Wilson Historical Society, 645 Lake St. Wilson, NY 14172.
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