William E. White

1934 - 2017

White, William E.

William E. "Bill" White of Trumansburg passed away at Cayuga Medical Center with his family by his side on Monday, January 16, 2017 at the age of 82.

Bill was born on August 12, 1934 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Eugene and Sufferina (Bellandi) White. His father died at a young age, but not before values had been instilled that made Bill an exceptional man. These values prompted him to help take care of his mother and two sister. While attending high school in Dryden he worked a paper route and other odd jobs to contribute to his family. He was a stellar athlete playing sports year round including football, basketball, baseball, and track. Shortly after graduating from Dryden High School, he joined the United States Army serving in the 82nd Airbourne Division as a paratrooper until he was honorably discharged in 1958.

Bill returned to his home town and took a job at Morse Chain in Ithaca as a toolmaker. He spent 18 years at this job where he was blessed to meet the love of his life, Bonnie, on a blind date. They were married on November 25th, 1961. Bill and Bonnie moved to Trumansburg in 1963, where they converted an old Victorian house into a home where they could raise their family and an income property. Bill was a jack of all trades and worked diligently with his brothers-in-law to make the house a show place where they hosted many memorable family events over the years. He loved to socialize, tell stories and jokes, and always had a captive audience.

Bill later worked as a used car salesman at Zikakis dealership in Ithaca. He took pride in selling used cars and true to his character was always honest with his clients. Over the years Bill and his wife, Bonnie acquired several apartments in Collegetown and Trumansburg and he became the property manager for his own business, White Apartments. After retiring from managing his properties, Bill took a position at Advion as a Quality Control Specialist.

Bill's love of cars began when he purchased his first brand new 1960 Corvette. He raced stock cars in his early years and enlisted the help of his brothers-in-law and their mechanic skills to help him with his cars in their garage in Jacksonville. His passion for cars was lifelong, taking family members to the demolition derby at the Trumansburg Fair and dirt track racing in Dundee. He kept all his vehicles in pristine condition and he could easily be spotted in his trademark yellow roadster around Trumansburg and participating in the fireman's parade.

Bill enjoyed hunting large and small game and had several bird dogs that he raised and trained. An avid golfer, Bill was a long time member of the Trumansburg Golf Course. He played every chance he got and was a patient and knowledgeable instructor. He taught Bonnie to play while they were dating (she was a natural) and later taught the game to his two girls at a young age. They value this gift dearly and have acquired his love for the game, as they loved their dad who was such an amazing role model.

Over the years Bill and Bonnie were able to attend The Masters in Augusta and play many magnificent courses which brought them great joy. One of Bill's greatest joys was helping others with their swing and there are countless golfers out there who have benefitted from his instruction.

Above all, Bill's faith guided his way and he was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church for many years. His faith led the way for him to be a kind, gentle, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had a big heart, and was caring and compassionate to those around him. He will be greatly missed because to know him was to love him.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years Bonnie White; two daughters, Terri Lee (Gary) Evans and Tammy Sue (Leo) Molina; five grandchildren, Jared, Jeremy, and Tyler Evans, and Cameron and Katherine Molina; two sisters, Marlene Luss and Donna Hanks; brothers and sisters in law, Bill (Nancy) Housworth; Jim Housworth, Jerry (Eleanor) Housworth, Joan (John) Manheim, and Nancy (Mike) Rundle; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and beloved companion, Petey Cat. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by mother and father in law, Gene and Hank Housworth; brothers in law, Robert Luss and Richard Hanks; and sister in law, Sharon Housworth.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at St. James Catholic Church, 17 Whig Street, Trumansburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those to kindly make a contribution in Bill's memory to The Parish of Mary Mother of Mercy, St. James Catholic Church, PO Box 403, Interlaken, NY 14847.

For additional information, please contact Ness-Sibley Funeral Home at 607-387-8151 or visit www.ness-sibley.com.