SMYRNA – William G. Montanya, 87, of State Highway 80, passed away Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown.
He was born April 11, 1924 in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., a son of William Grant and Elizabeth Winters Montanya. He was educated in Oakland, N.J. schools and was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941-45. On June 3, 1968, William was married to Chere L. Reitz in Wyckoff, N.J. At one time, Bill had worked for the Oakland Special Police, and later was the owner and operator of Oakland Driveways Paving Co. After moving to Smyrna, he owned and operated Baker’s Restaurant in Norwich, and then Bill’s Auto Repair in Smyrna until his retirement. Bill’s favorite hobby was fishing and he was a member of Bassmasters Assoc. He was a member of the American Legion Post #236 of Earlville.
Surviving are his wife, Chere; his daughter and son-in-law, Cheer and Michael Cole of Millmont, Pa.; step-sons and daughter-in-law, David Tressler of Norwich; Thomas and Jane Tressler of Boston, NY; two sisters, Anne Chystler of Durham, N.H. and Jeanie Leonard of Greene; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Nancy Montanya of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren, Thomas, Jr., Danielle, and Zachary Tressler, Amanda Gearhart and Marissa Vice; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Chloe Gearhart and Elliot Fischer; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, William “Billy” Montanya in 2002; and a sister, Alice Conklin.
Funeral services with military honors will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation; 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.