Obituary of William A. Wiley

Sherrill - The Wiley family mourns the loss of their Father, William A. Wiley, 94, of Sherrill, NY, who passed away peacefully July 22, 2020 at The Extended Care Facility in Oneida NY. Bill is predeceased, 100 days, by his loving wife Athalie Gerard Wiley. He is survived by his children; Cathy (Dick) Stull, Diane (John) Bower, Bill (Donna Davis) Wiley, Patti (Patrick) Caulfield and 10 grandchildren; Marcia Stull, Mark Stull, Taryn (Wiley) and Brian Rio, Ben and Tania Godoy-Wiley, Carol (Wiley) and Andrew Fox, Walt Bower, William and Serena Bower, Patrick Caulfield, Margaret Caulfield, Daniel Caulfield and 9 great grandchildren. His only surviving sibling is his brother, Father Leo Wiley, of Watertown, NY. William Wiley was born in Watertown, NY to Helen and William O. Wiley on May 7, 1926. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Wiley and his sister Margaret Wiley. He graduated from Cape Vincent Central School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific. as a signalman on LSM 13. He was in Tokyo Bay and witnessed the signing of the Armistice from his perch on his ship. He was a proud WWII veteran and served until April 15, 1946. Upon returning home, he completed 2 years at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA on the GI Bill. On April 3, 1948, he married Athalie Gerard, “the girl whose picture was hung on the door of my locker and who wrote me all the letters while I was overseas”. Beginning in Watertown, NY they began a 72-year adventure of love. In 1954, they moved to Massena and opened Wiley’s Superette, selling groceries and working on several community projects through the years of the St. Lawrence Seaway development. He was a true salesman and trained in the insurance business moving the family back to Watertown and then to Leonard Street, Sherrill in 1962, continuing in insurance. In 1967, he began a career as an Oneida Silversmiths outside salesman and trainer and then became manager of the sales service division for the company. He was a wonderful dad, grandfather and great grandfather who had a special relationship with each one. He enjoyed golf, bridge and life in general and never missed watching the Kentucky Derby. “Ole Bill” was one of a kind. He was an incredible man, who lived and provided the family a wonderful life. We will always remember the great neighbors, parties, and family holidays on Leonard Street. Our Dad had a laugh that was contagious and a smile that could fix anything. He lived a strong Catholic faith. He was a loyal friend and will be sorely missed by all, but knowing he has reunited in heaven with Athalie, the love of his life, brings us great peace. Their love story is one to emulate. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Oneida Extended Care Facility & Hospital and Brookdale Senior Living Community staff for their special care and support of our dad during the time of his residence. A special thanks to Dr. Robert Burdick for his personal care through the years. Due to the pandemic, there will be abbreviated calling hours from 12pm-2pm on Monday, July 27, 2020, at Malecki Funeral Home, and a burial service with military honors will be held at St. Helena's Cemetery immediately following at 2:30pm. Friends and Family are welcome. Masks and Social distancing will be required. There will be a Mass and celebration of our parent’s lives September 12th at 11am at St. Helena’s, Sherrill. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the VVS Education Foundation, PO Box 63, Sherrill, NY, 13461 or a charity of your choice. Malecki Funeral Home will be handling all the arrangements.