Judge Wayne Addison Feeman, Jr, 86, of Ocala, Florida (formerly of Wellsville, NY) passed away Saturday November 13, 2021, at Cates Hospice House following a 14 year courageous battle with lung cancer.
Wayne was born July 21, 1935 in East Quogue NY and was the son of Wayne A. Feeman Sr. and Ruth (Linderman) Feeman. On August 10th, 1957 at the former Christian Temple Church in Wellsville, NY, he married the love of his life, the former Gayle A. McBride, daughter of Thad and Valeda (Murdock)McBride, who survives.
Wayne graduated from Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville NY in 1953. In 1959, he graduated from the State University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1961, he graduated from the University of Buffalo Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. He then went into the Air Force where as a Captain he served as Chief of Military affairs of the Judge Advocate’s Office at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Wayne was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States and the Court of Military Appeals which is the nation’s highest military court. In 1964, he moved with his family to Wellsville NY where he became associated with Wesley J. Serra and subsequently in the law firm known as Feeman, Barron and Euken and later Feeman, Euken and Gardner.
He was an Assistant County Attorney in Allegany County Family Court for many years, appearing in neglect, abuse and support cases. He was an active member of the Allegany County Bar Association where he served as their President. He was elected as Allegany Court Judge in 1982 and he was sworn in as Allegany County Court Judge and Surrogate Court in January, 1983, a position he held with considerable distinction, compassion and insight until his retirement in 2001. He was Acting State Supreme Court Justice, in addition to the County, Family, and Surrogate’s duties. He was frequently assigned to other counties in Western NY’s 8th Judicial District Court, in addition to Allegany including Cattaraugus, Erie, Chautauqua, and Wyoming Counties. In his capacity as County Court Judge, besides having trial jurisdiction, he also handled criminal and civil appeals from Allegany County’s Town and Village Court
Wayne was an active member in many organizations including the Wellsville Lions Club, The Elks Club and Masons, 38th Consistory, Shriners and Court Jesters. In the Shriners he rose to the level of Court Jester. He also served on the Jones Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and held the role of President. His many interests included golf, trap and skeet shooting. He was very proud of winning the Member-Guest Tournament at Wellsville Country Club with both his sons and had a hole in one.
Wayne loved the Buffalo Bills and was a longtime season ticket holder. He instilled his love of the Bills to his children and they in turn to their children. Wayne and Gayle attended all 4 super bowls attempts and had hopes to return soon!
In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Wayne is survived by 3 children, Cheryl Feeman Macafee, David (Therese Ritch) Feeman and Daniel (Michelle Obermiller) Feeman. He is survived by 7 grandchildren Andrew (Elizabeth D’Arcy) Macafee, Gregory (Lauren Crowell) Macafee, Abigail Feeman, Alexa Feeman, Annaliese Feeman, Grayson Feeman and Keegan Feeman. He was proud to welcome his Great-Grandchild John Thomas Macafee on October 29th, 2021. He is also survived by his Brother–in-law James (Jeanette Pinney) McBride also of Ocala.
With the love of his life, Gayle, they traveled the world. Many of his favorite places included Alaska, India, China, rafting on the Colorado River, visiting the National Parks out West, and sailing the Mediterranean.
Wayne was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Throughout his journey with Cancer, Wayne exuded strength and dignity which resulted in the family motto #FeemanStrong.
Services will be at held at a later date at the family’s convenience. Memorials may be made to Jones Memorial Hospital Wellsville, NY, the SPCA, and the E.W. & Lucille Cates Hospice House of Ocala, Florida.
