James B. Westbay 1939-2025

Brent was born Dec. 13, 1939, in Warren, a son of Harold and Marie Gillispie Westbay. Brent attended high school in Mecca and immediately entered into the workforce.

He worked for Copperweld for 30 years while also operating Westbay & Sons snowplow business. In the early 1980s, Brent expanded West Bay & Sons into a successful contracting business in the area. Dedicated to his work, he also formed the CID and Bayview Condos and worked until the age of 84. Brent was highly respected in his field as a longstanding member of the Home Builders Association and as an inspiration to his family and colleagues.

Outside of work, Brent was very adventurous. He enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing and snowmobiling. He cherished the mornings having breakfast with his friends and the long, car rides with his wife and family.

Brent was a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge of Mecca and Optimus Club of Bazetta. He was a 30-year member of the Harbor Yacht Club, serving as commodore for multiple terms. Brent enjoyed riding and collecting classic cars and attending car shows, making many lasting friendships over the years.

He was faithful and dedicated to his home parish of St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Cortland and was always ready to help in some way. Most of all and above all else, Brent loved his family and was proud to live to see five generations of people whom he loved.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Brent will always be remembered by his wife of 66 years, Carol (Leckrone) Westbay; his son, James M. Westbay of Cortland; daughter, Tami (Michael) Katsares of Cortland; four grandchildren, Phillip (Tiffany) Westbay of Cortland, Justine Westbay of New Castle, Pa., Noelle (Nicholas) Halkides of Berlin Center and Nicholas (Samantha) Katsares of Liberty; seven great-grandchildren, Austin (America) Westbay, Kadence, Ava, Ashton, Areia, Yianna and Bailey; great-great-grandson, Leo; brother, Dale Westbay of Vermont; and sister-in-law, Joy (Allen) Daffron and her family.

Besides his parents, Brent was preceded in death by a sister, Joan, and two brothers, Harold Jr. and Wayne.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Brent from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren. Additional calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 4659 state Route 46, Cortland, OH 44410.

A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Steve Agostino presiding.

Burial will follow in All Souls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Brent’s name to St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 4659 state Route 46, Cortland, OH 44410.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Westbay family.

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