William J. Diffendorf Jr.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Catherine Diffendorf; his children Mary (Steve) Haskell, William (Kelly) Diffendorf, Theresa (Tony) Burns, Richard Diffendorf, and Kimmie Diffendorf; his siblings Sandra (Tom) Smith, Connie Harding, Marchie (Gayle) Diffendorf, Jack (Becky) Diffendorf, and sister-and brother-in-law Pat (Bob) Acquisto. Bill was the proud “Pa” to Allie (Eric), Lindsey (Ryan), Tori (Tyler), Austin (Nicole), Kayla (Patrick), Richard, Logan (Hannah), Nate (Maddie), Cody, Connor, Leah, Noah and seven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends whom he loved deeply.

Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Dorothy Diffendorf; his in-laws Perry and Alice Smith; his brothers-in-law Gary Harding, Hugh Smith, and Jack Kresge; and sister-in-law Mary Kresge.

For 50 years, Bill worked as an Operating Engineer - a career he was proud of and dedicated to. Equally committed to his community, he served as a Town of Kirkwood Council Member for 50 years, was a lifelong member of the Kirkwood Fire Company, and was active with the Kirkwood Sportsmen’s Association, Kirkwood Methodist Church and President of Kirkwood Cemetery. A Vietnam veteran, Bill served his country with honor.

Bill loved gardening, hunting, and spending time outdoors, but his favorite role was playing Santa at the Town of Kirkwood Christmas party – a joy he brought to children and families for more than 40 years. His greatest blessing was his family. He and Cathy canned hundreds of jars of hot vegetables and fruits, gifts cherished by his children and grandchildren. They never missed a grandchild’s sporting event, traveling cross-country to cheer them on. Family vacations were a must, and he cherished yearly trips to Atlantic City with his siblings. He had a “smile” that would light up a room. Bill often said he was “blessed”, and he made sure his family knew they were his greatest blessing.

He will be remembered for his kind, funny, caring spirit, his unwavering devotions to family and friends, and the countless lives he touched.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Town of Kirkwood, Five Mile Point, and Conklin Fire Departments, as well as the New York State Troopers and Broome County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this difficult time.

The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, November 25th from 4-7p.m. at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, NY. Funeral services will take place Wednesday, November 26th at 11a.m. at Kirkwood Methodist Church, 255 Main Street, Kirkwood, NY.