William "Bill" Chuma

1927 - 2017

Chuma, William "Bill"

REVISION

William "Bill" Chuma, 89, of Binghamton, NY passed away peacefully on July 20, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Joy; his loving children, Michele Linda Wasser (Thomas) and Richard William Chuma, step-daughter, Susan Eakins; grandchildren Matthew Wasser (Amy), Jennifer Wasser (Matthew Greninger), Ashley Bartlett (Adam) and Shawna Dougher (Michael); brother John Chuma (Rose) and sisters Mary Murray (John E.) and Helen Rosalie Ashbery (James); sister-in-law Donna Whallon (William), as well as eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Bill was born in Binghamton and graduated from Binghamton High School and Broome Community College. He was the Purchasing Director of the City of Binghamton before then owning and operating several small businesses, including a local municipal parking lot, a sandwich shop and a designer women's dress shop. At a very young age, Bill became a car aficionado and his enthusiasm for automobiles rubbed off on his family. Bill and Joy moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1971 and made a happy home for themselves for the next 26 years. Bill created and implemented the community service program of Fort Lauderdale, which later served as a model for other such programs nationwide. He was known to many as "the grandfather" as he offered words of wisdom and encouragement to anyone he encountered, solicited or not. A true gentleman, he was an impeccable dresser who emphasized the importance of one's personal appearance, proper etiquette and pride in ownership. Bill and Joy retired to Binghamton in 1997 where they became active members of social organizations such as a wine club, garden club, Macintosh computer club and Bonsai tree club. Bill wanted to spend his latter years with family and he devoted all of his time and energy into doing just that. He was known for his Chinese food and garlic obsessions, propensity for hot sauces, satisfying his sweet tooth with ice cream and sharing newspaper clippings and corresponding life lessons with his grandchildren. Bill and Joy loved to travel, having visited Colombia, England and Ireland. While traveling near the Blarney Stone wearing a flat cap and kelly green blazer, Bill was mistaken to be an Irish local despite having no Irish blood in him! Bill happily returned to St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church later in life and led his family in proudly celebrating their Russian and Hungarian heritage. Above all else, Bill was happiest spending time with his family and was known for reminding all loved ones that "we are blessed" and "family is everything." He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS ON TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2017 FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL 12:00 PM AT WM. R. CHASE & SON FUNERAL HOME 737 CHENANGO STREET, PORT DICKINSON, NY 13901. A FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE AT 12:00 PM. BURIAL WILL FOLLOW IN CHENANGO VALLEY CEMETERY.

In lieu of flowers, in William's honor please consider donations to Lourdes at Home, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850.