Harry Joseph Westbay age 87 of Fairport, NY passed away on May 29, 2025 (“went up”Ascension Thursday).
He was born on April 2, 1938 in Potsdam, NY to Wanda and Harry M. Westbay. He was a teacher at John Marshall High School for almost thirty years.
He loved fishing with his Grandchildren and playing golf with his “teacher friends”.
Harry was married for 65 years to Joyce Duffy Westbay and was the proud father of Erin (John) Bird, Joan (John) Oliphant, Joseph (Theresa) Westbay, Jennifer Westbay and Amanda (Michael) Rood.
He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren that he adored.
Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Tuesday June 3rd at Keenan’s Funeral Home ( Egypt location). The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday June 4th at Assumption Church in Fairport, NY.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Assumption Church Mercy fund or the Wilmot Cancer Center.
40 responses to “Westbay, Harry J.”
Joyce: It’s really hard to imagine the Fairport – Assumption world without Harry. What a great day to ascend to eternity. Phil Yawman – the old one.
What a wonderful picture of Harry! That’s the way I like to remember him. We have so many happy memories of our Friday night get-togethers at your house with Harry at the center of everything… He wouldn’t have it any other way!💕
We will miss him, and his wry sense of humor, so much.. our condolences to you Joyce and to the whole family.
Harry made every gathering more fun. He and Joyce welcomed us to their Friday night pool parties and made our summers. He was Mr. Fairport, from his giant Christmas tree to his early Sunday Masses and breakfasts. Joyce, you and Harry have made a wonderful family and we are so sorry for your loss.
Dear Joyce and family, so sorry for your loss. Sending condolences for all the Lyng girls. I know that Lorna, especially will grieve for you. Our families were tied together for so many years. All I can advise is, One step at a time. God bless you and your family. Sue Lyng Walzer
Joan – These pictures are heartwarming. So sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love to you and your family.
Dear Joyce,
Gary Smith just sent us an e-mail with the very sad news
with Harry’s passing.We are saddened to learn this news but know that he will be missed by everyone that knew and
loved him. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you
go through this very difficult time.
Scott and Joyce
Mr. Westbay was one of my favorte teachers. He pushed hard to make me reach my potential. I remember him laughing when i playfully called him “Uncle Harry” he always pretended to be disgusted when I earned an A on an assignment. RIP Uncle Harry!
He was my teacher at Marshall in early 90’s. Went golfing with him a few times. Was part of the golf team he helped us even though he wasn’t the coach. He was a wonderful person and teacher. He will be missed by alot of people. God bless. Brian mosher class of 94
He was my history teacher at John Marshall. I’m from the class of 72. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. May his memory be eternal
I’m so sorry to learn of Mr.Westbsy’s passing. I’m a 1976 graduate of John Marshall High School, and he was one of my favorite teachers. I’ll never forget him.
Mr. Westbay was a teacher who challenged students to think deeper, and I appreciated that. My condolences to all who love him ‘ he touched so many lives.
Marshall class of ’86
Mr. Westby was one of my favorite teachers! He made learning Social Studies fun! Rest in Peace.🙏🙏
Mr. Westbrook was one of my favorite teachers. I’m from class 1973. My condolences to his family.
Such sad news, my sympathy and prayers to the whole family. Had Mr. Westbay as my History teacher in the ’70s. Always pushed us to be the best, he will be remembered by many as among the best teachers at Marshall. Tough but always fair. Rest in peace Harry. Class of ’78.
So sorry to hear of his passing. I have fond memories of him from John Marshall High School. Class of 1970.He was a great teacher. My condolences to his family
Mr. Westbay was one of my teachers at JMHS. He was a wonderful teacher who taught us to strive for the best we could do. He was a great educator. I think of him often.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and very sorry for your loss.
Mr Westbay was the absolute best, engaging and fun teacher. He left a lasting impression to a lot of us at Marshall. To Mrs Westbay and family my condolences for your loss but know that his teaching and knowledge has always impressed upon me to grow and learn daily. Rest in peace Mr Westbay.
Class of 90. Jmhs
Heartfelt condolences to the Westbay family from the family of the late JMHS Social Studies dept. head Mr. Thomas Vetter. Mr. Westbay’s name was mentioned in our home every week for probably the better part of 30y, always kindly. May he Rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences. Mr.Westbay was my teacher at John Marshall High school. His words of wisdom and encouragement changed my life. Rest well Sir.
Mr. Westbay was on of my favorite teachers at John Marshall. I am so grateful for his encouragement and wisdom. Wishing his family peace and the comfort of many wonderful memories.
Class of 1990
Mr. Westbay was one of those teachers you never forget. He left a lasting impression not only with his knowledge, but also his humor, encouragement and mentorship. He was “class sponsor” for the class of 73. I’ll always remember him fondly. My deepest sympathy to his family and all those whose lives he touched.
Joyce and the entire extended Westbay family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you!!
Harry, to all of us Reeds known as Joe, was one of a kind. From the visits to farm in Enola, PA and late evening card games with my 2 great Aunts, to us visiting you with the swimming/eating/family history discussions, to bringing my son up to see a Bills game multiple years, Joe’s love of life, hospitality, and laughter will never be forgotten. I will never forget playing in the one golf tournament in Batavia with Joe, my Dad, and John Bird. Good times!! Always good times when in his presence.
God Bless and keep you all.
God speed Joe until we meet again.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Westbay’s passing. I was in his history class at Marshall High School. He was one of my favorite teachers. My condolences to his family.
Every passing car, every biker, every dog walker, could always count on a wave and a smile from the porch at #40 Manor Hill. Wow he will be missed.!
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Harry. The Westbay’s have been an important part of my life for 40 years. I will miss Harry’s friendship, great sense of humor and his willingness to always support the needs of those around him. I will miss you Harry.
Joyce & Family: Deepest Sympathies go out to you. I’m going to miss all the compliments Harry has given me over the past years. I will always remember his smiling face. God Bless, Tony & Carm
So sad to hear of his passing. He was a great friend. He helped keep me going at MCC with his compassion and willingness to extend a helping hand and moral support and I have always admired him. I will miss him.Even though our time together was limited by ourliving out west, I always considered him a close friend.
Clarke and I are so sorry to hear of Mr. Westbay’s passing. Wishing you all comfort and great memories in celebrating his wonderful life.
Your walking neighbors at #27.
Al and I are so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Westbay was hands down my favorite high school teacher at John Marshall and I loved seeing him at Church of the Assumption over the years. He always would joke with me and kept me feeling like I was still a teen into my 50’s. I will always exercise my duty to vote in honor of him and am praying for the repose of his soul. I still love American history and Al and I both have the genealogy paper and family tree assignments which we did for his class saved.
Mrs Westbay and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Mr Westbay was my American History class for my junior year at John Marshall High School He was a fantastic teacher.
He truly wanted his students to succeed in his class and further in life. His style of teaching helped prepare me for college. I cant tell you how many times I was glad that he taught as a college professor would teach class once I was in college. Just as Mr Westbay stated, the college level teachers did not spoon feed the class material. Thank you Mr Westbay.
To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children,
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child, a garden patch
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have
LIVED
This is to have succeeded
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Annie and Mel Kost
Our thoughts are with you and your BEAUTIFUL Family
I met Harry in 1962 during the first year that MCC opened. We were in the first graduating class and proud to be trailblazers. Harry and I were in many classes together because back then they did everything alphabetically. Harry received the dubious fame of being the last picture in our yearbook…I was second-to-last.
Harry enjoyed his time at MCC, and was very involved in class-related support and activities.
God speed Harry! You will be missed.
Joan & family – holding you all close in love and prayer.
I met Harry in 1962 at MCC, we both transferred to SUC@Brockport for BS degrees in Education, he became a beloved teacher at my alma mater JMHS(1961) and taught several of my siblings! Years later I met his daughter at Elmira College and later he traveled with my husband (Deacon Ray Defendorf also an MCC grad) and I to the Holy Land!
He lived a rich and full life and I know he is missed by many!
He truly Celebrated Life every day of his life!
Joe and Theresa, we are so sorry to hear about Harry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. ❤️
-Doug & Stephanie
Mrs. Westbay, family, Erin, John and children, We are so sorry for your loss.
Erin has always spoken highly of her parents and family. I almost feel às if I knew Mr. Westbay. Seeing all the comments here and on the JM is a tribute to a wonderful husband, father, man, teacher, grandfather, neighbor and friend. May he rest in peace. Many memories made, enjoy them. May he seek you in your dreams. God bless. 🙏
Joe and Theresa, I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. I hope you are able to reflect on the many happy memories you have created over the years, as a way to console yourselves. I will offer a prayer for your Dad, and for your peace as well. Very sincerely yours.
Mrs. WESTBAY AND THE ENTIRE WESTBAY FAMILY. MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOU IN THE MOST DIFFICULT TIME. MR. WESTBAY WAS MY HISTORY TEACHER AT JOHN MARSHALL HS. WHAT GREAT MEMORIES I HAVE OF HIM. HE MADE SURE WE DID OUR ABSOLUTE BEST EVEN WHEN WE WERE STRUGGLING. HE WAS THE EPITOME OF A PHENOMENAL TEACHER. THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM.WITH US.MAY HE REST IN ETERNAL PEACE. CLASS OF 1994. MARGARITA RIVERA
“All ignorance toboggans into know and trudges to ignorance again. Be happy. – HB”
This is what Mr. Westbay wrote in my yearbook after a year of AP U.S. History—a line that perfectly captures his thoughtful, witty, and philosophical spirit. He consistently challenged my thinking and never tired of my endless questions. He made learning feel alive. The last time I saw him, at a Christmas Mass, he was still as sharp and quick-witted as ever. He was truly a special person, and I feel lucky to have been one of his students.
I remember Harry from our small but great first MCC class. He was a great caring guy who became an inspiration. Sorry to learn of his passing. May his memory be a blessing.