William "Bumpa" Lavier

William "Bumpa" Lavier, 81, of Barneveld, passed away on November 19, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on December 28, 1943, in Malone, NY, the son of William C. Lavier and Leona Kent Lavier. They moved to Rome, NY and then to Ohio, NY, where William attended Poland Central School. As a teen, William worked with John Haskell, owner of Haskell's Hotel, at his gas pump across the road from the hotel. He also worked for Delhi Nursery planting trees on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Then, he worked for Lyndecker Logging. William moved to Utica as a young man and worked at Utica Household Furniture. It was during that time that he met the love of his life, Terry Zalewski. They married at a church in Ohio, NY, and were married for 57 years until her death in 2022.

William was then drafted into the United States Army. He belonged to the "Blackhorse Trooper" Eleventh Armored Cavalry Regiment, 20 Squadron. He was transported to Vietnam from 1968-1970. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. He also was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Overseas Bars, Sharpshooter and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

For many years, William served as a Scoutmaster through the Herkimer Council of Boy Scouts in Poland, NY. He was also a baseball coach for the East Utica Baseball League.

He retired as a mason from the City of Utica Department of Public Works after 34 years of service.

William also was active in bowling, hunting, traveling with his family and playing a game of pitch or poker with the guys. He was a handyman and made wooden projects for his family.

He is survived by his children, Master Sergeant (Retired) William (Elizabeth) Lavier, II, of Whitesboro; daughter, Desiree (Jeffrey) Christman, of Utica; son, Philip (Melanie) Lavier, of Utica; daughter-in-law, Jackie Lavier (Benton Ketron); grandchildren, Mark (Allyssa) Clemons, Olivia Clemons (Mandy), Cheyenne Petrillo-Lavier (Edgar), Aliya (Anthony) Tarbania, Avrie Park and Evan Park; great-grandchildren, Brantley and Kenley Clemons, Luna Hernandez and Roman Brinkerhoff; his brother, Alfred (Eileen) Lavier; brother-in-law, James (Sandra) Zalewski; and sister-in-law, Maryellen Kowiatek. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Terry Zalewski Lavier, in 2022; his son, Sergeant Aaron Lavier (Jackie), in 2010; brother, David; sister, Juliet; and his in-laws, Alexander (Lila) and Alberta (Raymond).

William's family would like to thank the staff at the Verona Cancer Center, especially Kim Penner and Dr. Ramovic, the VA Primary Staff, Dr. Dinn, Dr. Ali and their support staff.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to William's Funeral Service on Saturday, November 29, at 10 a.m., at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. He will be laid to rest, with Military Honors, at St. Stanislaus & St. Casimir Cemetery, Whitesboro. Visitation for family and friends is Friday, November 28, from 4-7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Please omit floral offerings and consider donating to the Aaron M. Lavier Memorial Scholarship Fund, awarded to a student in the NJROTC Program at Notre Dame High School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be sent directly to the Notre Dame High School NJROTC Program.