William Stephen "Willy" Hartnett

CLINTON - William Stephen "Willy" Hartnett, age 81, found peace on Independence Day, Thursday, July 4, 2024, at the Lutheran Home after a final visit with his children. After suffering a four-year battle with Parkinsons, he went to be with his wife Grace who predeceased him. "Wild Bill" was born on January 25, 1943, in Lackawanna, NY. "Butch" attended Canisius High School, continued there through college, and ultimately graduated with degrees from the University of Detroit and Syracuse University. He worked for RADC/Rome Labs where he helped bring about the end of the Cold War and was known as "The King of the Clam Bake." Bill was heavily involved in the Knights of Columbus where he was a Grand Knight and the first recipient of the "William S. Hartnett Award" in 1966. He enjoyed travel, spending time with his wife and family, and the perfect sandwich every bite needs to have the same flavor. Willy was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Grace; mother, Ruth; and father, Patrick. He leaves behind two children, Michael (Becky) and Stephanie (David); seven grandchildren, Patrick, Samantha, Zachary, Emma, Beth, Erika, and Nicole; and siblings, Trish (Dave) Lanz, Rick (Janice) Hartnett, Tom (Marsha) Hartnett, Mary Elizabeth (Bill) Coles, and their families. We would like to thank the staff of the Lutheran Home for caring for Willy. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Willy's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86339794778. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. This obituary was lovingly composed by Willy's family.