Obituary of William M. Reese

William M. (Bill) Reese Vernon-William M. (Bill) Reese, age 72, of East Seneca Street passed away early Thursday morning September 4, 2014 in the comfort of his home with his loving after a long illness. Bill was born on July 29, 1942 in Buffalo, New York a son of the late Andrew Sr. and Verna (Schlau) Reese and was a graduate of Hamburg High School. In 1960 he was united in marriage with Grace Gates and the couple has shared a loving union of over fifty-three years together. Prior to his retirement Bill was employed with the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center in the maintenance department as a locksmith. For many years he was a driver and trainer of standard bred horses at Vernon Downs and was a member of the Harness Horse Association of Central New York. He was a great carpenter, electrician, and plumber, and could do just about anything. Surviving are his wife, Grace Reese, his children, Michael, William, Laurie, Kenneth and Lisa, his beloved grandchildren, Megan and Kirsten Reese, Heather and Brandyn Reese, Tiffiny Reese, Matthew West Reese, Kyle Reese and Austyn Miller and one great-grandson Conner Yerdon. Also surviving are two sisters, Joyce Ferguson and Sissy Hines, as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill also loved his two dachshunds, Chloie and Emily. Bill was predeceased by his father, Andrew Reese sr. and his mother Verna, sisters Claire (Jerry) Hesketh, Rennie (Lenny) Wilson and brother Andrew (Beulah) Reese. Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, September 8, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 23 Front Street, Vernon. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family Church, Peterboro Street, Vernon. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In memory of Bill donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Place, Utica, New York, 13502. Online condolences may be sent to www.maleckifuneralhomes.com