William James Fillard

William James Fillard, 58, passed on Saturday, November 25, 2023, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born February 25, 1965, on Long Island, NY. He was the husband of Carolyn Fillard and the son of Edward and Trudy Fillard. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his mother, Trudy, his sisters Melinda Hauser (John), and Jennifer Ciampi (Joe). He was a beloved father to his three daughters: Megan Wiley (Jeremy), Amanda Keglovits (Karl), and Caitlyn Fillard (Michael Garifo); and stepfather to Megan Stewart, Maddison Stewart, Zane Stewart, and Kendyl Law (Dave). He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Fillard, mother-in-law, Helen Lander, father-in-law, James Lander, sister-in-law, Diane Lander, and grandson, Noah Roe Law.

Will was a devoted and dependable husband, son, father, stepfather, brother and friend. He cherished laughter and good music in the presence of those he loved. While living in Chambersburg— where he appreciated the landscape and opportunities to forget his turn signal— he found a way to tie in his roots: the sea glass and waves of Port Jefferson, the New York bagels, and a never-ending accent on words like “drawer,” “coffee,” or “walk”. His perseverance was consistent and never faltered. This was exemplified through his baseball career.

Will played collegiate baseball at Slippery Rock University. He played in the outfield and proudly sported #24. He carried that number into the MLB, when he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays. After his baseball career, he moved on to make his mark in softball, where he lived up to his nickname, “The Sultan of Swat” by hitting 400+ ft. balls out of the park any chance he had. He was a dedicated baseball player, softball player, umpire, and teammate to players he called brother and friend. Baseball would not be baseball without Will Fillard (#24). Because of Will, a scholarship in his name has been made to financially support those mutual hard workers who love the game.*

Outside of his athletic abilities, Will was a hard worker who dedicated countless hours working jobs ranging from door-to-door sales to a labor management consultant. He was a nationally-ranked salesman at Tradesmen International. He earned multiple recognitions and all-inclusive trips for his success on behalf of the company. He continued to demonstrate this work ethic while battling through stage 4 cancer! As the true provider he was, he noted that “the harder you work, the more it pays off in the long run.”

Will’s proudest accomplishment was his family. It was his focus through sickness as much as health. He had a gentle and selfless personality. Will was always in a hurry— a true New Yorker— but he was mostly quick to accept and quick to forgive. He somehow demonstrated patience through and through. His actions spoke louder than words. He maintained a magnetic personality that impacted everyone he met. Will has said that “life divides us and death unites us.” In true Will fashion, he has united 2 states and 4 generations.

A memorial visitation for William will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at O. B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. A celebration of life will also be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1pm at The Orchards, located at 1580 Orchard Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201.

In lieu of sending flowers, please feel welcome to pay your respects by donating to The William J. Fillard Pursuit of Excellence Baseball Scholarship. Checks should be made payable to the SRU Foundation – Willy Fillard, and mailed to the SRU Foundation, 104 Maltby Avenue, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 www.agettlakjer.com