William J. Sadler, founded water bottling company; June 12, 1923 -- March 13, 2011 (William's Dad)
William J. Sadler of Hamburg, founder of the water bottling company Sadler’s Wells, died March 13 in Buffalo General Hospital. He was 87.
Born in Lackawanna, Mr. Sadler grew up in Blasdell, the son of Assemblyman William Sadler, and was a graduate of Alfred University.
A decorated veteran of World War II, as an Army infantryman he took part in several assault landings in the Philippines and New Guinea. His numerous medals included the Distinguished Service Cross and two Purple Hearts.
After working at Arcade Farms dairy in Blasdell, he started Sadler’s Wells, which created, produced and sold Coffee Break, one of the first non-dairy coffee creamers.
Sadler’s Wells also was the first company to bottle and sell distilled water and spring water in grocery store chains in Western New York and parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Canada, under the Aqua Pure brand.