William Richard (Willie) Hallstead, 28, of Canandaigua, passed away on Thursday, January 16 th , 2020 at home in the arms of his loving parents. Willie beat all the odds with an unparalleled spirit and the support of a loyal group of caregiving friends and relatives, especially Lyn, Nolan, Brit-Brit and Jeanne. The undeserved restrictions placed on him by SMA never limited the kindness, humor, understanding and love that he showed to all. Despite the disease that was with him since birth, he lived his life to the fullest. Within 5 minutes of meeting Will you would receive a smile and experience his charm, wit and grace.
Willie was born August 9, 1991 and attended public schools in Bloomfield and Canandaigua graduating in 2009 from Canandaigua Academy. He earned an AAS in Video Game Design at FLCC in 2011.
He was a gaming connoisseur: Pokemon; Yu-Gi-Oh!; Magic: The Gathering; World of Warcraft; and D&D. He especially enjoyed playing Magic and D&D with his cousins and friends.
Willie is survived by his parents Dudley and Yvonne Hallstead; his mother Maura Sherry; Grandma Shirley; aunts and uncles; and more than a dozen cousins in as many states. His family expresses their deepest gratitude and appreciation to each person who was there to support Willie through the various stages of his life.
A celebration of Willie’s life will be held Sunday, January 26 th from 2PM to 5PM at King’s Catering, 4031 Routes 5&20, Canandaigua. Relatives, friends and supporters, stop by, share a memory and a hug and stay as long as you like. Please consider giving your time, talents or donations in Willie’s name to one of these organizations: CP Rochester, Ontario-Yates Hospice, or to one of your favorite places of goodness. All acts of love and kindness are encouraged and appreciated.