William James Plants

CUBA LAKE — William James Plants, 75, of Cuba Lake, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday (Aug. 12, 2025) at home.

He was born April 17, 1950, to William Jack Plants and Veronica McHale Plants, the fourth of seven children.

He was predeceased by both parents; a brother, Peter Plants; and his three sisters, Drusilla Dimant, Kathryn Plants and Collette Reardon.

He is survived by Elizabeth (Jeff) Jubenville and Suzanne (Jan) Fundalinski.

Will leaves behind his beloved wife, Candace (Kopp) Plants, who he married on Oct. 2, 1982. Shortly after their marriage, Will and Candace became proud parents to sons Jack (Kristina) and Benjamin (Amanda) Plants.

Will was raised Catholic and attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1968. He then briefly attended University of South Carolina until following his sailing dreams, serving as first mate on Yacht Zora while sailing the Caribbean, memories that he often shared.

Returning stateside in the 1970s, Will spent several years building sailboats at Soverel Harbour Marina in Palm Beach, Fla., before coming home to New York to work alongside his father and mentor, serving as president of the family business Ebenezer Oil Company in Wellsville.

As an independent oil producer, Will led the company through the success of the co-generation plant in Whitesville, and followed his father’s legacy to serve as president of the New York State Oil Producers Association.

Will spent the majority of his life living and recreating on Cuba Lake, where he summered as a child, building many of the docks and breakwalls while raising his boys. It was on Cuba Lake where Will enjoyed his later years as a grandfather to his greatest joys in life — Emilia, Charlie, Henry and Harlow Plants.

He spent many years as a member of the New York State Oil Producers Association and Cuba Lions Club. His hobbies included reading, conversing with friends and watching his grandchildren grow rapidly.

Will had many nieces and nephews, countless friends and had a significant impact on those who were fortunate to be part of his life.

The family welcomes friends to a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Our Lady of Angels Church, 50 South St., Cuba. The Rev. James Hartwell will be the officiant.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.