Husband of Collette (McCann) Schoellkopf;
Brother of Carol (James) Connors, Joseph, Jr. (JoAnn), Mary, Patricia (late Kenneth Biringer) St. James and Thomas (Beth) Schoellkopf.
Brother in law of Murray (Irina) McCann, the late Michael(Lynne) McCann, Cynthia McCann Harvey and Paula McCann.
Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
A reception Celebrating Willie’s Life will be held Sunday, March 17th , from 3-6 at The Sportsmen’s Tavern, 326 Amherst St., Buffalo.
Willie was raised in South Buffalo and was a 1968 Graduate of Timon High School ,
a 1972 graduate of Siena College in Albany, NY and a 1987 Graduate of the University of Buffalo School of Law. He was a lifelong musician and a 25 year career Confidential Law Clerk in the U.S. District Court of Western , NY. He was a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame and a Legal Aide Bureau of Buffalo , Inc. Erie County.
Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Sportsmen’s Americana Music Foundation
or Classroom Champions or Buffalo Music Hall of Fame or Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo Inc. .
9 Comments
Dear Paulette, I am so sorry for t your loss. Sending prayers for strength.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you.
Box Car Willie was a wonderful person. Someone that always had a smile, and a helping hand. I met him at UB Law School, and always cherished his friendship. Collette, I will your family in my prayers. Today, there is better music in heaven. Godspeed Box Car Willie, I will miss you.
Collette – I am so very sad to learn of Willie’s passing. My heart goes out to you. I absolutely adored Willie and have so many stories of the days we both worked together for Judge Heckman. I hope to see you at the Celebration of Life.
Dear Colette, I am so sad to hear about Willie. He has now entered the home of all the great musicians who have gone before him. I will not be in Buffalo in March but plan to be there in April and will definitely connect with you then. Love you girl, Kym.
Dear Collette and all my Schoellkopf cousins, we were so very sorry and sad to hear of Billy’s passing. When we were kids he was like the older brother I never had. From staying at each other’s houses, to our choir trips to NYC with Aunt Bettes as our group’s chaperone, to having him as my Confirmation sponsor, we always had a close relationship and lots of laughs. Billy was an all around great guy and we will miss him. Love you all.
Although I haven’t seen Willie for decades, I have only the fondest memories of him. He was smart, talented, cheerful, and kind. I’m so sorry for your loss.
To Collette, Patty, and all of his family, I’m so sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. I’ll remember him as one of the most talented and nicest guys I met in the local music biz. He was always warm and friendly, and always seemed so well-centered. Our condolences to all his family and friends, and may he rest in peace.
Oh Collette. My heart hurt greatly when I heard the news about your precious Willie, I cannot imagine the depth of your hurt. While watching the Willies at Sportsmens one Thursday night, years ago, I was given a gift. Willie and I barely knew each other at this point, so I was shocked when he invited me up to the stage to sing. I kept thinking, “What am I doing up here? THIS guy….he can sing, write, play, and do it all superbly! I am right next to him on stage!” I was bowled over by his talent, and by his generosity. His humility spoke volumes. On the drive home that night, a simple thought repeated in my head…,”WOW, that Willie Schoellkopf is a darn good egg!!” I will not forget him, nor will SO MANY others!! He made a difference in my life!! And Collette, the fact that he picked you? Well, that makes you a darn good egg too. Sending big love and big prayers.
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