William (Bill) Budenhagen

On August 28, 2025, William (Bill) passed away with his beloved wife, Chloe, by his side in the comfort of their home.

Bill was born on March 4, 1936 to the late Frederick and Helen (Evans) Budenhagen. He grew up in Oakfield, NY and was a 1954 graduate of Oakfield Alabama High School.

He was predeceased by his younger sister, Suzanne Budenhagen D’Alba, his step daughter, Taryn Zigrossi Hilleges, and his step brother in law and sister in law, Charlie and Joan Mouquin.

Bill is primarily remembered as “The Pool Man” who owned and operated the successful Albion Pool Company for over fifty years. In his earlier days of employment, some Genesee County octogenarians may also remember him as the smiling young man in the red vest serving drinks behind the bar at the well know Steak House restaurant on West Main Street in Batavia, NY. At the same time he was also selling insurance for the Penn Mutual Company and working for a small Swimming Pool business in Rochester. It was at that time he decided to start his own company for which he designed and created his own version of a “well-built pool.” During the 1950’s and continuing throughout his retirement, Bill sold and built over 500 pools in the GLOW region and as far north as Massachusetts and as far south as Tennessee.

As pool construction was seasonal, Bill found a satisfying, successful pursuit during the winter months. He owned and trained Standardbred horses for harness racing for nearly a decade. The consummate “rescuer, make better-fixer,” he devoted time and attention and brought suspected “losers” to a winning status!

Over the years, Bill satisfied his need to design, create, construct, and refurbish, with purchases of local buildings, as well as his treasured three story barn in Albion. In the early 1980’s, he purchased the then empty Alex’s Tijuana Lounge and enjoyed converting it into the Batavia Pool and Spa Center. His next project venture was the purchase of the Oakfield Pharmacy. This had a special connection for him as it was his first job where he received his first paycheck. He was 14 years old. He enjoyed converting the upstairs dental offices into a rental apartment and office space. Bill’s third acquisition and the most dear to his heart was his beautiful barn on an acre of land. While maintaining its charm and historical value, he spent time upgrading the interior and it actually became Bill’s Giant “Man Cave!” He enjoyed mowing the lawn there and maintaining and caring for his prolific producing asparagus and garlic crops which he happily shared with friends and family. Bill found pleasure in finding and refinishing many antique furniture pieces and almost annually he and Chloe would host busy, successful three day barn sales there.

In the late 90’s Bill and Chloe enjoyed extensive travel in and out of the country, many of which were shared with Chloe’s brother and sister in law. Most of the trips included numerous rounds of golf with attempts to play in as many states as possible. They were married on Captiva Island in the historic 100 year old Chapel by the Sea in 2001 and have been able to spend many fall months there which they referred to as their “Heaven on Earth.” In the winter, they spent time at their other favorite location on the Gulf of Mexico, the Ft. Morgan Peninsula in Alabama. They shared wonderful travel experiences and savored numerous endearing memories.

Along with his wife Chloe, with pride-filled love, Bill leaves his children Mark (Jeana’) of Garland, Texas, Troy (Jennifer) of Matthews, North Carolina, Tracey (Kenny) Pritt of Albion and Lorri and Jim Vagg of Kent; his grandchildren Corey (Tiffany) Daniels, Justine Daniels, Matthew Snyder (Abby), Megan Snyder (Justice), Chase Budenhagen, Amanda (Kris) Wishon, and Emily Budenhagen (Ben); his great grandchildren Olivia, Wyatt, Ruby, and Lettie and several nieces and nephews.

Bill is also survived by his sister Barbara Meier; his brother in law Ron D’Alba and his sons Scott and Joel, his step daughters Bridgette Willis, Daryl Zigrossi Rubino (Brad Daily), his step son, Chip Zigrossi, and his step grandchildren, Andrew Zigrossi, Christian Rubino, and Sophia Rubino, and, his dearest canine companion, Charleigh!

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Home Care and Hospice of Genesee County for their thoughtful and kind participation in Bill’s care. Special appreciation also to Dr. Joshua Jones for his continuing compassionate attentiveness to each of us as Bill progressed through the palliative hospice experience.

Bill had a heart of gold and his generous, kind and loving nature will be sadly missed.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, New York on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 3 to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing are encouraged to make memorials in Bill’s name to either Home Care and Hospice of Genesee County, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6, Batavia, New York 14020 or Twenty-Five Neediest Fund, in care of Nann Zorn, 12 River Street, Batavia, New York 14020.