Obituary of Schiele "Bill" Brewer

Schiele "Bill" Brewer Sherrill-Schiele "Bill" Brewer, 77 of 1005 Sherrill Road, Sherrill passed away Thursday September 4, 2014 in a tragic airplane accident. Born in New Rochelle, NY on July 25th 1937, he was the son of James Edward and Catherine Schiele Brewer. Dr. Brewer was a class of 1955 graduate of St Frances DeSalles High School in Utica. He attended the University of Notre Dame from which he graduated in 1958. He completed his medical training in 1961 at Upstate Medical School in Syracuse. Upon his graduation from medical school he was commissioned with the Air Force as a flight surgeon and performed active duty from 1962-1964. He then returned to Upstate Medical Center in 1965 to complete his residency in Ophthalmology. In 1968 Dr. Brewer started his medical practice in both Oneida and Rome continuing to help people preserve their vision for 30 years. In addition to his private practice he also served as a faculty member training new ophthalmology residents at the VA Hospital in Syracuse. Dr. Brewer also served with the Air Force Reserves for over 20 years, retiring as a Colonel in 2000. On June 18, 1960 he married Heleene Volk. The couple remained happily married for 54 years creating a family with seven children. Bill's volunteer activities and clubs included the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Quiet Birdmen and Madison County Medical Society. He served as a Sherrill City Commissioner from 2002 to 2011. Bill's passions included a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a love of flying. He took his young family to the Adirondacks and soon bought a camp in Beaver River. Summers were spent in the woods and on the waters of the Stillwater Reservoir where Bill found peace and adventure in outdoor projects and pursuits. The Adirondacks always remained a haven for him, his wife and children. The clear blue sky was a constant draw to Bill Brewer. His interest in airplanes began as a young boy. He soloed when he was 16 and maintained his pilot credentials throughout his life. He considered any time spent in the air with friends and family as preferable to being bound to the ground. He was a Certified Flight Instructor who frequently introduced young pilots to the thrill of flying and infrequently charged them for the service. He combined his medical skills and flying interests by providing area pilots with annual flight physicals. He lived each day with energy and optimism looking at the gift of 24 hours as something that should be spent learning, working and enjoying family, friends and the opportunities provided by a vigorous life. He is survived by his wife Heleene, his seven children Christine (Roy) Regner, William (Leah), Edward (JoDean), Paul (Una), Mark (Pam), Ken (Kris), Anne (Pete Evans), and 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother James (Joanna) and sister Kate (Gordon) Greer. Friends may call on Sunday September 7th from 3:00-7:00pm. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc. 464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill. Funeral services will be held Monday September 8th at 3pm at St. Helena's Catholic Church, Primo Ave. , Sherrill. A reception for friends and family will be held at the Brewer home, 1005 Sherrill Road, following the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be directed to the VVS Educational Foundation or the Lions Club.