September 13, 1933 – April 30, 2025
Allegany, NY William J. “Tim” Shabala, 91, formerly of Rochester, entered into the arms of the Lord on Wednesday (April 30, 2025) at Absolut Care of Allegany.
Born September 13, 1933 in Olean, he was the son of Joseph F. and Mary Clare Donnelly Shabala. On December 1, 1956 in Boston, MA, he married Alice Petruzis who predeceased him in 2004.
Tim was a graduate of Olean High School. He served with the US Navy from 1952 to 1956 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked primarily as a grocer for Wegmans Food Markets. Tim was a regular at the Seneca Allegany Casino. His favorite TV show was Wheel of Fortune where he was an adoring fan of Vanna White. During his recent years at Absolut Care of Allegany, and his stays at Olean General Hospital, he was known as the “perfect patient with the nicest smile” and was a known ‘flirt’ with all the nurses. His wink was known by many.
He leaves behind his 3 children, Michael Shabala of Nunda, Sharon (Larry) Mandell of Avon, and Karen Trost of Henrietta; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 4 siblings, Ann Cole of Allegany, David (Joanie) Shabala of Olean, Kay (Bob) Reynolds of Allegany, and Susan Phearsdorf of Olean; a sister-in-law, Eileen Shabala of Allegany; a brother-in-law Terry Brennan of Olean, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife Alice, he was predeceased by 2 brothers, Paul Shabala and Robert Shabala, and 2 sisters, Judy Brennan and Mary Shabala.
The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Monday (May 5, 2025) from 2-3pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. At 3pm, the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team will present military honors, followed by a memorial service officiated by Pastor Chris Emminger of St. Bonaventure Church, Allegany.
Burial will take place next to his wife Alice in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Lake Ave., Rochester. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (st.jude.org/memorial).
