James B. "Brent" Westbay

Cortland – James B. “Brent” Westbay, 85, of Cortland passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025 with his family by his side.

Brent was born on December 13, 1939 in Warren, OH, a son of Harold and Marie (Gillispie) Westbay.

Brent attended Mecca High School and immediately entered into the workforce. He worked for Copperweld for 30 years, while also operating Westbay & Sons snowplow business. In the early 1980’s, 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 long-standing member of the Home Builder’s Association and as an inspiration to his family and colleagues.

Outside of work, Brent was very adventurous. He enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing and snow mobiling. 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, having made 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 have lived to see five generations of people that 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, 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 on Thursday evening, June 5, 2025 from 5 to 7pm at The Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE.

Additional calling hours will be on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 10 to 11am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 4659 OH-46, Cortland, OH 44410.

A Funeral Mass will follow at the church on Friday at 11am with Rev. Steve Agostino presiding.

Burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery.

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

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