William Joseph "Bill" Irving Jr.

William "Bill" Joseph Irving, Jr.

Jan. 16, 1948 - Jan. 23, 2022

AUBURN - It is with the heaviest of hearts that we had to say good-bye to William "Bill" Joseph Irving, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, soon-to-be great-grandfather, big brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

Bill was born in Syracuse, NY on January 16, 1948, to William and June (Huntley) Irving and was the oldest of six children. We know that he is happy to be reunited with both of his parents, his sister Janet and his brother Daniel.

Bill served as an usher and sacristan of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cato, NY where he built a home and resided with his family for many years. For the past twenty-plus years, he has been a communicant and sacristan of St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church in Skaneateles, NY.

On November 30, 1968, Bill married the love of his life, Patricia Jean Secreti. Together they filled their lives with four children: Lisa, William III, Tina and Michael, whom he delivered in the car on the way to the hospital, the day before Father's Day, in 1976. He called Patricia his Rose because he said that she always looked like "a rose in bloom". During Bill's final moments, as he was surrounded by his loving family, he opened his eyes and looked at his Rose one last time.

Bill graduated from Liverpool High School and was an MP in the National Guard for six years. He then started out as an Onondaga County Sheriff and a Chittenango Police Officer before opening up his own business, Superior Countertop and Home Center, in 1994, from which he never really retired.

Bill was very proud of the Missal Holder that he made and had engraved for Father McGrath of St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church. He also constructed a sanctuary lamp stand, kneeler and portable altar and tabernacle for a priest who was a very close friend. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching hummingbirds while sitting outside in the early mornings. He especially enjoyed spending time with his loving family and making everyone laugh.

Bill is going to be incredibly missed by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia, of Auburn, NY; his children: Lisa (Jay) Waite of Port Byron, NY, William (Rhonda) Irving III of Auburn, NY, Tina (Karen) Mueller of Jamesville, NY and Michael Irving of Elmira, NY; his grandchildren: Alyssa (Mike) Snyder and baby-to-be of Port Byron, NY, Brandon Irving of Auburn, NY, Johnny, Jenna and June Waite of Port Byron, NY, Emily and Nathan Irving of Rochester, NY and Keegan, Travis and Clara Mueller of Jamesville, NY. Bill is also survived by his sister Phyllis (Gordon) MacDonald of Buffalo, NY; brother Timothy (Yvonne) Irving of Riverside, CA; sister Kay (DJ) Cooper of Liverpool, NY; sister-in-law Brenda Irving of Syracuse, NY; and all of his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were more like family.

Calling hours will be on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Pettigrass Funeral Home in Auburn, NY. Bill's Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in St. Mary's of the Lake Catholic Church, followed by his burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Skaneateles, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to Joseph's House for Women, Inc., 802 Court Street, Syracuse, NY 13208.

Bill's family would like to thank the staff at Auburn Memorial Hospital, especially all of the nurses who cared for him and were very compassionate toward all of his family during his final days.

Bill, Dad, Grandpa, Pop-pop, you always had a huge heart and a willingness to help others. You left a mark on so many lives in so many ways. You are going to be so greatly missed.