He was a long time resident of Franklin where he served as postmaster for many years. He was a member of the Rotary, the United Methodist Church, and a past Commander of the American Legion. He attended Franklin Central School until he left for the Army where he served in the Korean War. He returned to Franklin to marry his sweetheart of 64 years, Helen Haney. Together they raised 5 children during which he also served as a Boy Scout Commissioner and leader.
Bill loved to make everyone laugh with his stories and occasional pranks. He installed the first cable TV system in Franklin and spent his off time fixing TVs, radios, and the occasional washer for the folks around town.
He left Franklin to become postmaster in several other towns in New York State, eventually retiring and relocating to Florida in 1992.
He loved to sing, especially barbershop, and performed with the Heart of Florida Barbershop Chorus in The Villages, Florida for many years.
He especially loved his family and extended family. He always had a warm hug and a smile ready to welcome them.
He is survived by his wife, Helen and his children: Debbie and husband Jeff, Lawrence and wife Lisa, Jim and wife Sandy, Teresa and husband Jim, Connie and husband Phil. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Carisa, Carl, Megan, Chase, Lindsey, Emily, Christopher, Chase, William, Rachelle, Jennifer, Marianne, Douglas, Erin, Maxwell, Tierney, and Francesca. He additionally is survived by 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sister, Hilda, and brothers, Helmut and Klaus, as well as many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude and Wilhelm, his brother Rolf, and nephew Rolf, Jr. as well as his in-laws: Ben and Ida Haney, Marie and Don Rutherford, and nieces, Donna and Tammy.
He will be laid to rest in the Ouleout Valley Cemetery in Franklin in a private family service facilitated by Kenneth L Bennett Funeral Home in Franklin.
