Chili, NY: December 21, 2019 at age 73. Bill was born August 6, 1946 in Mt. Pleasant, PA to Randell E. and Ruth Jeanne Hixon Wood. In the early 60’s they moved to Rochester, NY where he graduated from Brighton High School in 1964. He attended SUNY College at Brockport where he majored in Physical Education graduating in 1968.
Bill was an All-American in Track & Field. He was a Physical Education and Health teacher at Churchville-Chili Central School District for 30 years where he also coached Cross-Country and Track & Field.
Following his retirement, Bill continued to be involved in Section V sports as an officiant for Section V Track & Field and was a member of G.R.C.O.T.F. He also volunteered with the Special Olympics.
Bill was inducted into multiple Hall of Fames including SUNY College at Brockport Golden Eagle Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987, Section V Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2007 and Greater Rochester Track Club in 2017.
Bill was a member of Caledonia Country Club where he spent many mornings golfing. He loved the beach and enjoyed visiting Florida and Disney. He could often be found driving around town in his Corvette convertible with his dog Nike, where it was 4EVRSUMR.
He is survived by his daughters Heather (Michael) Graniero of New York Mills and Karri (Eric) Zwirlein of Lancaster, NY, grandchildren Benjamin (Amanda) Graniero of Liverpool, NY and Zoe and Evan Zwirlein, and Great-Grandson Dustin Graniero, his sister Mari (Ed) McLean of Spencerport, NY, nephews Scott McLean, Mark (Kimberly) McLean, and Corey McLean (Jacquie Ritterbusch). Bill is also survived by cherished friends Carol Thompson, Neil & Lill Barton, Hal Rothman, David Bachman, and too many others to name.
Bill’s visitation will be held Monday, December 30th from 4-7 PM at Arndt Funeral Home, 1118 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626. A Celebration of his Life will follow visitation in the funeral home chapel at 7PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lollipop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester.