Conesus, NY: At age 97, William W. Greene passed away peacefully at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022. He was born on March 7, 1925 in Conesus, NY to the late Walter and Johanna (Kennelly) Greene. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, Betty (White) Greene, and beloved son Ricky W. Greene. Survived by daughter-in-law Linda (Bill) Price of Rush, cousin Bill Kennelly of Florida, and many loving nieces, nephews, neighbors, and community friends.
Bill lived most of his life in Conesus, NY. The only time he was away was from 1943-1946 during his service in the US Army during WWII and during the last year when he was a resident of Quail Summit in Canandaigua, NY. Bill married Betty in 1949 and they were married for almost 72 years. He was a member of the Conesus Fire Department for 79 years serving as a firefighter, chief, and commissioner….he became a member in 1943! Bill served on the Board of Fire Commissioners from 1977-2011 and was a Lifetime Member.
Bill was also active in the Conlon-Mulvaney American Legion Post where he was a Past Commander and Lifetime Member. Bill also has a poppy at the Livingston County Veterans Memorial in Hamptons Corners. The Ricky Greene Park, in the center of the Conesus Community, was very important to Bill and he always helped there in any way he could. In his younger years he loved to go camping and traveling with family and friends. He is a long-time member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Livonia, NY. A few other interesting things about Bill was that he could fix pendulum clocks and was a water well witcher. He was definitely part of the Greatest Generation.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Quail Summit for their loving wonderful care of Bill.
Family and friends may call on Friday, January 6th, from 4pm-6pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, where his funeral service will be held at 6pm, following calling hours. A Graveside Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 7th, at Arnold Cemetery, Conesus, with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Ricky Greene Park (for playground equipment), C/O Conesus Town Supervisor, PO Box 188, Conesus, NY 14435, The Conesus Fire Department, 6073 S. Livonia Road, Conesus, NY 14435, or the Conlon-Mulvaney American Legion, 6317 Marshall Road, Conesus, NY 14435. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I met Bill on May 30, the day my father moved into Quail Summit. Over just a few short months I learned these things from Bill: (1) he adored his wife Betty, (2) he was proud of his service as a veteran and firefighter, and (3) he was fiercely independent. He also was the best dressed person in the memory care unit, always in a button-shirt and sweater and clean jeans. 🙂 Sometimes you meet people at the end of their life and wish you could have met them sooner. Bill was one of those guys. We will miss seeing Bill at Quail Summit, but know that he is much happier in heaven with Betty.
Bill and Betty were two wonderful people who gave of their time and talents to make the world a better place for everyone. I could sit for hours and listen to their memories of the many years they shared together, the area’s history, and the people who contributed to the success and folklore. They enjoyed coming down to Post 905 for Friday fish fries and always found a friend or two to share their time with.
I am comforted in knowing that they are together again but they will be missed. I pray their loved ones find comfort in their grief knowing so many of us share their loss.
We will miss you uncle Bill. You were an amazing man. Thank you for your service
I will be there for him