William G. Fenton, Sr.'s Obituary
William G. Fenton, Sr., 92 of Liverpool, passed away on April 12, 2023 in Largo, Florida.
A lifetime resident of Syracuse, he was born in this city on August 17, 1930, the oldest son of Frank D. Fenton and Gertrude L. Ashley.
He spent his youth on the North Side and in Eastwood. As a young man, he would do a variety of jobs to help support his family like running muskrat trap lines and delivering newspapers before school and delivering ice. After high school he worked for Gulf Oil Company.
One of Bill's stories from his youth was about the time he got a job working at a horse stable with another kid near the town of Lyndon. The owner convinced the two boys that they could take out parties on horseback and would be a great opportunity to meet "chicks". In the beginning, all the work involved cleaning out the stables of horse manure. They did eventually get to take groups out riding and actually meet "chicks".
He attended and graduated from St. John Evangelist Academy. During his high school years and was a member of the football team and was editor. It was during his senior year that he met his future bride, June A. Beach. At the time, he referred to June as “his sophomore girl”. They married on April 28, 1951 after her graduation. She passed away on November 11, 1984.
After serving in the United States Army as a medic during the war in Korea, Bill and June moved to Liverpool and raised and educated their children. He worked in the trucking industry working for Pilot Motor Freight, Eazor, Express and Axe and Arthur and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union and the American Legion. He also worked part time for Slotnick Enterprises at their drive-in movie property in Liverpool.
Bill was involved in the Scouting in Galeville and Holy Name Society at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He was an avid fan of Syracuse University sports teams as well as the New York Yankees. He enjoyed reading and learning about history, especially the Civil War. Watching old “cowboy” movies and television shows gave him great joy.
He enjoyed camping with his family with trips out west to visit South Dakota, Wyoming, and New Mexico as well travelling to Civil War sites closer to home. He would see something like an antelope out in the distance and the family car and camping trailer would take the next turn and off we would go on an adventure.
After retirement, Bill began spending his winters in Largo, Florida. He enjoyed the warm weather where he could play golf more often than he could in Syracuse. The availability of new social activities in Florida kept him very active. He also began volunteering with Hospice and Meals on Wheels back in Syracuse.
He met new friends everywhere he went. There was always some new activity that Bill tried out. Besides his game of golf, he was also heavily involved with his bowling league, helping with neighborhood BBQs and block parties and special holiday celebrations. Friends he met in Florida would get together at times in Central New York.
He was predeceased by his first wife, June A. Beach in 1984 and his partner, Emelia “Sue” Beagle in 2000 as well as his young daughter, Patricia A. Fenton in 1959, his sons, Gary S. Fenton in 2010 and Mark K. Fenton in 2018. Bill was also predeceased by his parents; a brother, Kenneth R. Fenton in 2004 and a sister, Mary Ellen Pieklik in 2017.
Bill is survived by his wife, the former Barbara Randall; two sons, William G. Fenton, Jr. (Patricia) of Fresno, California and Michael D. Fenton (Catherine) of Brewerton; two daughters, Mary Beth Fenton (Tzion Simchy) of Canastota and Theresa M. Gridley of Liverpool; a sister, Margaret A. Barbato of Syracuse; and a sister-in-law, Martha Fenton of Camillus. Also surviving are grandchildren: Bill III, Patrick, Kimberly, Nicole, Brandy, Shaun, Tiffany, Brandon, Ross and Maura; 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Monday, April 24, 2023 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 9:30 am on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Epiphany Parish at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 425 Beechwood Ave, Liverpool. A graveside service will follow in Assumption Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Hospice Foundation America, 1707 L. Street NW, Suite 220, Washington DC 20036.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?
