NORWICH - William Billings Frink, 83, of Norwich, passed away Monday, April 13, 2009 at the NYS Veterans Home of Oxford. The son of Claude and Emily (McCulloch) Frink, Bill was born on October 7, 1925 in Norwich and was baptized and confirmed at the Emanuel Episcopal Church, Norwich.
After attending Norwich Schools, Bill joined the United States Navy in 1943 and served on the USS Astoria during WWII. After leaving the Navy in 1945, he returned to Norwich and began employment at Sheffield’s Products where he continued working for 42 years until his retirement in 1988.
On November 2, 1947, Bill married Betty Curry of Morris.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Frink of Norwich; son, Wayne (Ann Marie) Frink of North Syracuse; daughters, Susan (Gordon) Barkley of Norwich and Lisa (Michael) O’Connell of Beaver Dams; grandchildren, Michaela (Greg) Keener, Jacquelyn Frink, Thomas Frink, Jessica Barkley, Cole Barkley, Brayden O’Connell, Jarrett O’Connell and Curtis O’Connell and great-grandchildren, Dylan Keener, Donovan Keener and Olivia Frink.
Bill is predeceased by his parents; a son, Richard W. Frink; daughter, Sharon Frink; brother, John Frink and sisters, Viola (Milton) Berka, Jessie (John) Tucker Tuttle, Loretta (Carl) Law, and Leona Frink and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. His sense of humor, quick wit and caring nature will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. After retirement, Bill and Betty spent many cold winters in Florida where they met new friends from around the country and acquired many new hobbies. After selling their home in Florida, they adopted a loveable dog, Lucy, who has become a loyal companion.
The family of William B. Frink wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the New York State Veterans Home for all the care he received during his brief stay.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday at RJ Fahy Funeral Home, 116 North Broad Street, Norwich, followed by interment in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or on Wednesday, April 15 from 11 a.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bill’s name to a charity of choice.