William E. Warnecke, 67, of Samsonville
William E. Warnecke, 67, of Samsonville, passed away at home on Feb. 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joan Barringer Warnecke, their son William John, daughter McKenzie Ferrara and her husband Robert, daughter Jennifer Hinckley, sonin-law Harish Ram and three grandchildren, Avinash Ram and Maddie and Brynn Ferrara, all of whom he loved deeply.
He was born April 28, 1950, to the late William and Elizabeth Warnecke of Glenford, N.Y. He is also survived by his three sisters, Nancy Kenny of South Carolina, Patricia Remler of Bearsville and Donna Grehl of Massachusetts.
Bill retired in 2009 from the Ulster County Highway Department after 37 years of devoted service. Never once did Bill mind going to work.
His joy in life was the barn that he built and the goats that lived in it. He loved his geese and was overjoyed when they hatched babies. His horse, “Quinn,” provided great therapy and nothing made him more content than spending time brushing him. One of his highest, most prized experiences was a trip, provided by his sister-in-law, Donna Rich, to Las Vegas for the 2017 Professional Bull Riding World Finals. He, McKenzie and friend, Laurie, watched bull riding for three straight days and loved every minute.
Bill never considered himself sick. After one particularly difficult night of severe pain, the family was awakened by the wonderful smells of onions and peppers cooking and Bill stirring a homemade pot of sauce.
Bill always surprised his oncologist, Dr. Cutugno, with his determination, will to live and strong hand shake. We would like to thank Dr. Cutugno and his staff for their exceptional care over the past 3 years.
Friends and family will be received at Lasher Funeral Home, 100 Tinker St. Woodstock, on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the office of Dr. Cutugno in Bill’s name.