William E. Willey

William E. Willey

HORNELL/LOON LAKE – William E. Willey passed away peacefully on Sunday (May 26, 2024) at the age of 95.  He was born on October 26, 1928 to George and Agnes (Fullwood) Willey at the original Bethesda Hospital in Hornell, NY.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, brother George, and sister Jean.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diane, his sister Clara, children David (Teresa), Elizabeth (Michael), and Charles (Ann), grandchildren Joshua, Lindsay (Matthew), Rebecca, Julia, and Jordan, and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Arkport High School, Bill joined the Army and served on Okinawa, Japan during the Korean Conflict.  After returning from service, he received an accounting degree from Alfred State College. Bill then spent the majority of his work career at Elmhurst Dairy in Hornell as Office Manager and a jack-of-all-trades where and when needed.

Bill had a love of aviation that ranged from getting his pilot’s license to building small model airplanes and larger radio-controlled (RC) airplanes with his sons. After retiring, Bill volunteered at the Curtiss Museum helping restore various aircraft. One of his RC models hangs there to this day.

Bill and Diane resided in Hornell 47 years, spending summers at Loon Lake starting in 1973. In 2008 they moved to the lake year-round.  Bill loved having friends and family visit … taking them for boat rides, skiing, tubing and martini cruises.

Bill had a passion for grilling and was a master of the Weber Kettle, using keen intuition during happy hour rather than a timer on when the entrée of choice was done. He had a sharp wit and sense of humor that more often than not led to memorable one-liners which are still quoted on a daily basis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the United Presbyterian Church, Alzheimer’s Association, or Palmesano Strong.

A Celebration of Life will be held on a date to be determined.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Bill’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Bill are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.