COOPERSTOWN - William George Bannwarth,
94, of Murphy Hill in the Town of Middlefield, passed away peacefully
Thursday evening, May 21, 2015, at his home.
He was born March 27, 1921, in
Brooklyn, the youngest of six children of Fritz and Anna (Goetz)
Bannwarth. After graduating from Bushwick High School, he attended
Brooklyn Technical School. On January 11, 1942, Bill married Margaret
Belcher in Brooklyn, and they later settled and raised their family
on Long Island on Harbor Isle and later Sayville.
A veteran of World War II, Bill proudly
served his country in the United States Navy. He entered into active
service on July 16, 1943, and served aboard the USS Chenango, which
saw action in the Asiatic and Pacific Theatres of Operation. This
vessel and her attached Air Squadrons was issued a Navy Unit
Commendation for outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese
forces in the air, ashore and afloat. On December 10, 1945, Bill
received his Honorable Discharge from the US Navy having attained the
rank of Aviation Boatswain's Mate Third Class. He was presented the
Navy and Marine Corps Medal by the President of the United States,
the citation of which reads, "For heroic conduct while serving
on board the U. S. S. CHENANGO, during operations against enemy
Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, April 9, 1945. After a
fire was started among parked planes when a landing plane jumped the
barriers, BANNWARTH assisted in removing and jettisoning bombs,
rockets and ammunition from loaded planes and loading racks in the
fire zone and, despite exploding rockets and the constant threat of
the explosion of heavy bombs was instrumental in preventing severe
damage to his ship. His courage was in keeping with the highest
traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Following his military service, Bill
returned home and eventually became supervisor of machine operations
for Intertype Corporation in Brooklyn, which later became
Harris-Intertype Corporation.
In 1985, Bill and his wife, Marge,
moved to Murphy Hill, where they enjoyed life in the country.
Bill was a member of the Sgt. Walter P.
Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 and the Clark F.
Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown.
Affectionately known as "Bill from
over the hill" and "Gramps", Bill lived an
extraordinary life of adventure, happiness and love. From
experiencing Lion King on Broadway to swimming with dolphins, riding
in a B-17 bomber and going 190 MPH in a NASCAR racecar, to taking the
plunge on the "free-fall" at Splish Splash and water
skiing, horseback riding and sailing his sailboat, his love of life
was encompassed in each and every aspect of his 94 years.
Bill is survived by his three
daughters, Jean Fornillo and husband, Raymond, of Binghamton, Diane
Gamble of Cooperstown, and Susan Zichettella and husband, Wayne, of
Waycross, Georgia; six grandchildren, Phil Gamble and wife, Cathy of
New Market, Maryland, Lori Fink and husband, Michael, of Cooperstown,
Damien Fornillo and wife, Lisa, of Greene, Andrea Aston and husband,
Mike, of Binghamton, Paul Zichettella and wife, Keli, of Shirley, and
Jennifer Zichettella and her fiance,Tony, of Central Islip, and his
great grandchildren, Whitney and Jesse Fink, Ashley and Justin
Gamble, Amber Seinko, Rhianne and Maeve Fornillo and Alex Nunes and
little Mya Zichettella.
He is also survived by Johna and her
fun loving coffee club who brought him so much joy and laughter.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife,
Margie, who died April 6, 1999, and all of his siblings.
Bill will be remembered for his humor,
stories of his incredible life, his unlimited love of food, and his
"two finger" nightcap of Johnny Walker Black.
His love and devotion to his wife
Margie was immeasurable for he was a caring, nurturing role model who
touched us all throughout our lives.
Friends may call and pay their respects
at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown from
4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, when Bill's family will be in
attendance.
Graveside services will be offered at
11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2015, in the Westville Cemetery.
Military Honors will be accorded by members of the United States Navy
Funeral Honor Guard and the Cooperstown Veterans Club.
As an alternative to flowers,
expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to
New Market Volunteer Fire Company, 76 West Main Street, New Market,
MD 21774 and Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department, 3666 County
Highway 35, Roseboom, NY 13450.
Arrangements are under the care and
guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in
Cooperstown.
If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.
