William M. Fairgraves age 92, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at UPMC Hamot. <\/p>\n
He was born in Erie on November 5, 1933, a son of the late Frank A. and Mae Irene (Bedeaux) Fairgraves. <\/p>\n
Bill graduated from Strong Vincent High School class of 1951. He then attended the University of Miami in Miami Florida from 1951-1952. Bill enlisted in the US Army as a bandsman. He served in the 2nd Army Band, Fort Mead, Maryland, 291st Army Band Camp Otsu, Japan and the 56th Army Band, Camp Zama Japan, Far East Headquarters. Bill was Assistant Solo Trumpetist in this Band. After he was discharged from Active Duty, he graduated from Erie Commercial School with an Associated Degree in Accounting. <\/p>\n
Bill was the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 17, American Federation of Musicians for 51 years. He was a lifetime member of Lawrence Park Lodge #708, Scottish Rite Consistory Valley of Erie, Zem Zem Temple. He was a member of Zem Zem Temple Band for 60 years. Zem Zem Legion of Honor, Life member of the former Erie Maennerchor, former member of East Erie Turners, Siebenbuerger Club and the Zukor Club. He was also a member of the Sportsman\u2019s Athletic Club and Post #773 American Legion. <\/p>\n
As a lifelong musician, he performed with the following musical organizations, Erie Concert Band, Oscar Nutter Concert Band, Joseph Sulkowski Concert Band, Anthony Savelli Concert Band, Concert Band of Northwest Pennsylvania, Erie Chamber Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Teddy Armen Orchestra, Gene Parlette Orchestra, Chuck Dressler\u2019s Music Machine, Don Prescott Big Band and Save Steven\u2019s Big Band, plus many small combos. <\/p>\n
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean (Hotchkiss) Fairgraves, whom he married on May 21, 1965, and a sister, Jeanne Weber and her husband Harry. <\/p>\n
He is survived by three nieces, Kim Wilkosz, Peggy Johnson and Heidi Moreland and her husband Richard: 7 great nieces and nephews and 12 great-great nieces and nephews. <\/p>\n
Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., West Ridge 3801 W. 26th Street on Wednesday, February 25th from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. Entombment will follow in Erie Cemetery. <\/p>\n
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children\u2019s Hospital, 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505. <\/p>\n