Obituary of William D Ferris

His days of storytelling are over. His days of helping others are done. William “Bill” Ferris passed away on October 8 at the age of 84. He was born in Pine Bush New York on April 22, 1940 to William D. Ferris, Sr. and Helen Giza. Bill is survived by his wife Linda Ferris, sisters Mary Valentine and Virginia Wuersig, stepdaughters Melissa Schuk, Colleen Robustelli (Darius), Patricia Fibel (Robert), stepson Courtney Ferris Sr., and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Gloria Brown and Carol Jackson, and his first wife Elsiemae MacNear Ferris. Bill was born at home in Pine Bush, NY and spent his childhood in King Ferry, NY. He entered the Army in 1960 and after discharge settled in Orange County. He was self employed, doing plumbing, heating & air conditioning, fuel oil delivery, and many projects involving operating heavy equipment. In later years, he became a Teamster and worked in the paving industry, all in partnership with his late wife Elsiemae. In 1982, he met Linda while doing a heavy equipment project at her home in Campbell Hall. They became friends, and after her divorce, she would often call him or Elsiemae for advice or referrals. After Elsiemae’s death, they were blessed to become a couple and were married on June 19, 2010 in Hamptonburgh. Bill was a longtime member of the Hamptonburgh Presbyterian Church in Campbell Hall, NY. He was a member of the Board of the Orange County Arboretum and as an avid beekeeper for many years, he supplied hives to the Arboretum. Everyone knew Bill’s devotion to the Masons. He was a 60-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons in both the Binghamton and Goshen, NY lodges. He was a member of the Shrine Club, the Moose Fraternity, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and the American Legion. Friends may call at Gridley Horan Funeral Home at 39 Orchard Street, Walden NY from 6-8 pm on Tuesday October 15. A graveside service will be held at 11 am at Hamptonburgh Cemetery on Wednesday, October 16. In his memory, charitable contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, American Cancer Society, Shriners Hospitals or the VFW. Friends may call at Gridley Horan Funeral Home at 39 Orchard Street, Walden NY from 6-8 pm on Tuesday October 15. A graveside service will be held at 11 am at Hamptonburgh Cemetery on Wednesday, October 16. In his memory, charitable contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, American Cancer Society, Shriners Hospitals or the VFW.