OXFORD – William H. “Bill” Golden, Sr., 66, long-time Oxford resident, passed away Monday afternoon, March 31, 2008, at his home, with his family at his side.
Born in Norwich on October 1, 1941, Bill was the son of Sherwood and Floretta (Burdick) Golden. He grew up in Oxford, where he excelled in sports. He played football, baseball, and basketball, held the table tennis state championship and the track record for the high jump. He earned letters in every sport he played. Following graduation from Oxford schools 1959, Bill worked for several area garages, and attended the Ford Motor Institute. He later opened his own gas station and auto parts store in Oxford. Bill’s love for speed allowed him to travel as a member of the McCredy Motors racing team to many places, including Daytona.
Away from the job. Bill was a people person who was community-minded and very involved with many Oxford youth programs including Oxford Youth Center and Oxford Youth Sports Program. He coached baseball, basketball, and Pop Warner, and refereed high school football games. He belonged to the Oxford Rotary where he worked with the foreign exchange student program. He was a former member of the Oxford School Board. He was a member of the United Church of Oxford and the Sidney Moose Club. Keeping busy following his retirement, Bill worked for a time at Stevens Heritage Furniture and McLaughlin’s Department Store in Norwich. But above all else, his grandkids were his life.
Bill is survived by his soul mate and the love of his life, Donna Cuyle of Oxford; his children: Tina Perron and husband Richard of Spencer, Mass; William Golden Jr. and wife Dawn of Oxford, and Jennifer Guerra and husband Stephen of Miami, FL; and by his grandchildren: Kayla, Andrew, and Sarah Golden, and Joseph and Joshua Perron. Bill is also survived by his brothers: Frank Golden of Oxford, Sherwood “Sonny” Golden and wife Jessie, also of Oxford, Alan Golden and wife Shirley of Norwich, and Donald Golden and wife Dawn of Oxford; and by nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill was predeceased by his brother, Edward Golden.
Funeral services for Bill will be held on Friday, April 4, at 11 a.m., from the United Church of Oxford. The Rev. Alan Lang, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. from the Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from 6-9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY, 13815; Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, or Hope Lodge, 197 Summer St. Buffalo, NY, 14204.