William J. “Bill” Raish SR – 82 – of 3351 Pierce Rd., Canisteo, died Sunday evening (December 5, 2010) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on October 11, 1928, he was the son of Jesse & Helen (Clancy) Raish.
A lifelong resident of the Hornell / Canisteo area, Bill was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1947). Following high school, he worked for his father at J.H. Raish Plumbing & Heating for several years.
Bill was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged from the military, he joined Local Union #13 (Plumbers Union). He worked for several contractors throughout the southern tier, often in the capacity of superintendent or foreman. In 1968 he purchased J.H. Raish Plumbing & Heating from his father and in 1970 changed the name to Main Plumbing & Heating which he has owned & operated for the past 40 years.