He was born in Middle Village Staten Island, NY on July 28, 1922 the son of the William H and Lena (Schuab) Grimes. William proudly served his country in the United States Army, 47th Infantry 9th Division where he served in the Central European Campaigns 1942-1945 and earned a Bronze Star. He was a M 1 Rifle Marksman 1st Class Machine Gunner. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a Purple Heart on Remagen Bridge where he was wounded. He returned home to a hero’s welcome in New York harbor.
He was married to Rose Marie Russo on June 19th, 1949 in Oneonta where they enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Rosie predeceased him in 2006.
William worked at various jobs in Oneonta and retired from the SUNY Oneonta maintenance department after 20 years. After his retirement he worked for Reynolds Greenhouse/Stoeger’s Florist then at Bookhout Funeral Home from 1997 to 2014 and he Volunteered at FoxCare where he enjoyed “telling people where to go”.
Willy was a member of the Sixth Ward Booster Club Playground and the Sixth Ward Athletic Club. He enjoyed golfing with his friends, going to the Casino's and spending time with family.
William is survived by his children Michael Grimes of Oneonta and William Grimes, Jr (Jenny) of South New Berlin, grandchildren Anthony (Hannah) Grimes of New Berlin, Nicholas (Gina) Grimes of Arlington, VT and Phoebe Weiler of Oneonta as well as great-grandchildren Nico and Brexli Rose. He also leaves behind special friends Debra Coe, Dustin and Cody, and Cathy Grimes. He was predeceased by a sister, Leona (Grimes) Roberts.
There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will held at The Oneonta Plains Cemetery on Friday July 31st with Bruce Helmstrom of Helios Care officiating.
Memorial donations in the name of William Grimes to Helios Care or the charity of your choice.
To honor Willy’s memory please be sure thank veterans for their service to our country.
To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
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