William J. McAleese

Mr. William J. McAleese, age 89, of Utica, passed away on Monday, September 24, 2007, at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. With his passing, we have lost another member of the Greatest Generation. Born in Antwerp, NY on January 8, 1918, William was the son of the late Robert and Carrie (Johnson) McAleese. Raised and educated in Antwerp, he was a 1936 graduate of Antwerp High School. A World War II veteran, he served his country from 1942 – 1953 during his three enlistments with the United States Air Force. During his military career he received the Distinguished Flying Cross Award along with various other medals and commendations. On April 18, 1955 he wed the former Olympia “Beba” Pietrantuono with whom he shared a loving marriage of 52 years. From 1945 until his retirement in 1980, William worked for the Union of Operating Engineers as an operating engineer in the auto systems department. On the home front he was very attentive to all family needs, caring for everyone who surrounded him. He devoted his life to his wife, nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters. He was so proud of all his nieces and nephews and loved them as though they were his own children. William found his life’s meaning in loving his family and friends. He was an avid golfer and during his spare time he also found pleasure in gardening. Extremely patriotic, he enjoyed reading military books and constructing model planes. William is survived by his wife Olympia “Beba”; his sister, Holley Austin of Philadelphia, NY; his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews. He also leaves many dear and cherished friends, too numerous to mention, but especially acknowledging Rose Frate and her canine companions, Johnny and Frankie. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Frances McAleese, and Charles and Kay McAleese. The family expresses appreciation to the nurses and staff of the 4th floor of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, and Dr. Kevin McCormick and his staff for all the care rendered to William throughout the years. In keeping with William’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church with military honors. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in William’s honor to the Oneida County WWII Veteran’s Memorial Trip (PO Box 100, New Hartford, NY 13413) envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Crown Hill Memorial Park at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. “We will miss you, Uncle Bill”.

William J. McAleese

January 8, 1918 - September 24, 2007