Obituary of Willard J. Towsley

Willard J. "Bill" Towsley, 90, of Fairport, NY, entered into rest on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Aaron Manor Nursing Center in Fairport following a short illness. Bill was born in Woodhull, NY on January 3, 1923, the son of Ralph C. and Ruth A. Morehouse Towsley. He attended Woodhull Union Free School and graduated in 1938 at the age of 15. Soon after, he entered the military where he served in the US Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II. On June 22, 1944, Bill and Marguerite Kate Symonds were married in Woodhull. He attended Alfred State College where he earned a technical degree in heating, air conditioning and ventilation. He also studied at the University of Rochester. Bill was employed for over 30 years as a technician with Trane Corp. in Rochester. His expertise took him around the world designing and building large HVAC systems. He and Kate retired to Florida but returned to Western New York to be near their sons and their families. Bill was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed traveling and camping with his family. He was very loyal to the churches which he attended including Fairport Community Baptist Church, West Henrietta Baptist Church and Poinciana Christian Church in Florida. Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Kate Towsley of Fairport, his sons and daughters in law, Gary and Olympia Towsley of Geneseo, Richard and Susan Towsley of Penfield and Michael and Jan Towsley of West Henrietta, his grandsons, Adam (Catherine) Towsley, Jacob (Rachel) Towsley and Paul Towsley, his granddaughter in law, Charity Towsley, 4 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Reikofski and his grandson, Nathaniel Towsley. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 6-8 PM at the H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Bill's funeral service will be held there on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 11 AM. Burial will be made in Woodhull Cemetery, Woodhull, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or the church of your choice. A memorial service is being planned in Rochester at a date and time to be determined. Service: Thursday, September 19, 2013 11:00 AM H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY Visitation: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 6-8 PM H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY