William A. Brenchley

William Albert Brenchley (Bill) passed away at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, New York on December 8, 2021. We thank the staff and volunteers for assisting with management of his chronic health concerns over the past three years. After a brief battle with Covid, he had been able to return to Oxford from a hospital stay following treatment. He knew when this facility was being built, that he would like to live out his life with other veterans in this facility.

Born on January 25, 1933 in Meshoppen, Pennsylvania to Albert Glenn Brenchley and Martha Grace King, he married Barbara M. Phelps on September 2, 1955 at Vestal, New York. He is survived by his children, Gail Ann Bagg, Sue Ann Brenchley, Mark Allen Brenchley and Judy Lynn Simmons (Bruce); grandchildren, Amy Winchell Ricci (Tom), Mark Anthony Winchell II (Danielle), Scott Jared Bagg (Emily), Amanda Mae Kelsey, Lucas Earl Kelsey, Cody Allen Brenchley (Casey), Todd William Brenchley (Dominque); and great-grandchildren, Leanna Beth Ricci, Thomas Anthony Ricci, Julia Marie Ricci, Mark Anthony Winchell III, Jackson Graham Winchell, Bethany Elise Winchell, Sophia Lael Bagg, Rylan Lyric Bagg, Mason Albert Brenchley, Colton William Brenchley and Gemma Gean Brenchley.

He is also survived by siblings, Marie Broderson, Donna Moyer (John), June Spencer (Joe), Glenda Spencer (Steve), Wallace Brenchley, Fae Byers, Jack Vaow, and Dora Oliver (Ray); and extended family across the country.

He was predeceased by his parents; step-mother Jessie Smith and step-father Frances Vaow; brothers Glenn Brenchley, James Brenchley, John Brenchley, Kenneth Vaow, Robert Vaow; and granddaughter Beth Ann Winchell.

In 1950, he joined the United States Air Force and was deployed to North Africa during the Korean War. After discharge from that service, he spent several years with the United States Army Reserves. He maintained membership with American Legion Post 80 in Binghamton.

Bill moved his young family to Windsor in 1960 and lived on Main Street for many years. He was an avid hunter, loved the outdoors, travel and camping with his family. He loved music. Listening, playing instruments and dancing when able. His family has carried on these traditions long into adult life. In the 60’s he owned and raced a stock car on several dirt tracks in this area, which was always a conversation piece. He was also a master carpenter, able to build and fix, just about anything and a member of the carpenter’s union. He retired from Broome Community College where he worked as a carpenter.

Telling the family stories to his children may have slowed down as he aged, but this never stopped. Including excursions several times a year, to Meshoppen, Shunk, and Hillsgove, Pennsylvania to visit relatives, and to walk the cemeteries and to remember the stories of each ancestor. His interest in the family history led to more detailed genealogy research and discoveries about ancestors that lead back to the Mayflower voyage and the American Revolution. Whenever he was able, he would visit cemeteries, preserve tombstones, and learn as much as he could about those that walked before.

He will be laid to rest in West Hill Cemetery, in Shunk, PA with each generation of his Brenchley line since James the immigrant from England in the 1830’s. His father, Albert Glenn Brenchley, grandparents, Wallace H. Brenchley & Lena Kit Rumsey, and great-grandparents George Brenchley & Eliza Loomis, and James.

Visitation will be at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St., Port Dickinson, on Monday, December 13, 2021, from 4:00-5:00 PM, with a service to follow. Burial at West Hill Cemetery in Shunk, PA on Tuesday, December 14 at 11:30 AM. All are welcome, following health protocols. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Beth Winchell Memorial Scholarship Fund at Windsor Central High School. 1191 NY-79, Windsor, NY 13865.