NORWICH – William R. Gorham Jr., 83, of 33 Mechanic Street, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford.
Born Nov. 16, 1927 in Queens, Bill was the son of William R. and Gladys (Marvin) Gorham. He spent his early years in West Oneonta, having been raised by his aunt and uncle, Julia and George Ferguson.  Bill graduated from Oneonta High School with the Class of 1948. He had previously worked as a general foreman for the NYS Electric & Gas Co. in Oneonta. During May of 1950, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he served for 17 years until 1967 when he was discharged as a Staff Sergeant First Class. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge from service, Bill lived in Florida until 1969 when he returned to Oneonta. He moved to Norwich in 1970 and worked in the computer department of NBT Bank  In 1973, Bill joined Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals in their North Norwich warehouse.
 On May 31, 1953, at the Elm Park Church in Oneonta, Bill married Ella Mae Potter, his wife of 57 years. Ella Mae died on April 20, 2005.  He is survived by his son, William R. Gorham III and his wife, Kim, of Whitney Point and their two children, Amber Menta and Ashlee Donahue; three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy Wilcox, Betty Vetter and Katherine Brown, all of Florida.
Private graveside services for Bill will be held in the spring in Cook Cemetery in West Oneonta.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.