Paul E. Kilbane
September 11, 1926 - October 23, 2014

Memorial Service:
Saturday, November 1, 2014
11:00 a.m.
Blessed Sacrament Church, Andover

Paul E. Kilbane, 88, passed away Thursday (Oct. 23, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, following a brief illness.

Mr. Kilbane was born on Sept 11, 1926 in Andover to Edward and Gertrude (McHale) Kilbane. He was a 1944 graduate of Andover Central School and also attended Alfred University, American Institute of Banking, New York State Bankers School of Agriculture at Cornell University and Trust-New Business School at New York University.

Paul worked for the former Erie Railroad and the former Sinclair refinery prior to his life’s work at the Citizens National Bank and Trust Company in Wellsville (later Key Bank.) from 1947 until his retirement in 1982. He held various titles, becoming Sr. Vice President and Trust Officer in 1968 and elected as a director in 1973.

Paul is survived by an extended family of cousins, including Mary Walsh Benz, and Jane Walsh both of Wellsville and a special “adopted grandson”, Timothy Whitesell of Andover, and numerous godsons and daughters as well as his many friends in the Andover community and many people scattered across the country; who he corresponded with on a regular basis.

Paul led a busy and active life in many arenas. In the civic and religious arena, he was Past President and member of Andover Chamber of Commerce, Past President and member of Parish Council of Blessed Sacrament Church, Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus, Council #119 and Past President of Group I – New York State Bankers Trust Association. He was on the advisory board of Wellsville Citadel of the Salvation Army, the Chairman of the Finance Committee for the construction of the Andover Medical Center and the Director of the Rural Management Association of Allegany County. Paul served on the Board of Directors of Jones Memorial Hospital. Additionally, he was a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge #1495 and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

In the political arena, Paul was the longest serving Mayor of Andover; where he held the post from 1959 -69, and again from 1983-87. He later served as an Andover Trustee from 1987-91. He served as President of the Municipal Electric Utilities Association of the State of New York from 1963-64 and was a member of the Economic Advisory Committee for Congressman Stanley Lundine from 1979-80.

Unofficially, Paul acted the role of life coach, medical expert, legal advisor, marital advisor and child raising expert. He enjoyed a good martini and manhattan and was ready to offer his advice on any subject at hand. For pleasure, he loved a good conversation, he also was an amateur photographer, winning some local competitions with his entries and he enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family.

There will be no prior visitation. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover on Saturday (Nov. 1) at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to Jones Memorial Hospital, Fund Development Coordinator, PO Box 72, Wellsville, NY 14895 or Blessed Sacrament Church, PO Box 761, Andover, NY 14806.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-swan Funeral Home in Andover.

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