CHILI, NY – on November 17, 2023, at the age of 79, Bill peacefully passed away.
Bill was predeceased by his mother, Patrica Lapham, and grandfather, John “Pop” Bennett. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Parkhurst (Glen Harris) and Tracy Poten; grandchildren, Jasmyn Parkhurst (Josh Moore), Thomas Parkhurst, Makel Harris, and Ian Poten; great-grandchild, Ashton Moore; brother, Robert Woolcott.
Bill was born in Toronto, Canada on Valentine’s Day in 1944. He moved to the States in 1972, where he began a long career in the engineering field. His final job was at Xerox as a software test engineer. Bill retired in 2005, but not before meeting a dear friend, De’ Lynn.
Bill was an avid walker in Chili, NY for many years. He fondly became known as “the guy that waves.” During his walk, he would wave at everyone who passed to make the world a friendlier place. He was raised by his Pop and modeled his life after his kindness principles, so much so that his license plate read GUDOLPOP. One of his favorite sayings was, “No act of kindness shall go unpunished.” His friends admired that kind of wit and his sense of humor.
He loved wildlife, music, photography, and handing out lottery scratch-off tickets. He enjoyed visiting Mendon Ponds Park to feed the birds and deer out of his hands throughout the winter. Bill’s favorite moments were meeting new friends everywhere he went, dancing the night away at the Naples Hotel, visiting his dear friends in Canada, and summers at Balm Beach on Georgian Bay.
Special recognition to the Gates Library, where he spent countless hours working on his book “Best Friends: True Love Ways… and Rainy Day,” and the North Chili Family Restaurant, where they always made him feel like family. Our family cannot thank you enough for the kindness you have shown him over the years.
An open house Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on February 17, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Chili Community Center, 3237 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624, Room 213.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gates Public Library:
Attention: Jennifer Erler-Perry
902 Elmgrove Road
Rochester, NY 14624
-Please make the check payable to the Gates Public Library
-place in the memo, in memory of Bill Woolcott
Deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Bill was a genuine, thoughtful, and kind person, the type that this world needs more of.
Farewell my friend, until we meet again! Save me a spot by the fire….and some of that red wine!
Love ya Pal!
Aww so sorry to hear he always waved at everyone 🙏🏼🙏🏼
I had the honor of meeting Bill, after waving to him everyday, on my way to physical therapy. It was then that he shared his story with me. We only spoke once, but he brought a smile to my face and hope to my heart each time.
To Bill’s Family, I extend my love, prayers, and deepest condolences. You can be proud of the wonderful man that brightened so many lives with his brilliant smile and warm wave. He is a man that we will never forget.
Much love,
Another Chili neighbor and ‘Bill’ fan ❤️.
Bill was full of love and shared it abundantly. He will be missed.
I will truly miss Bill’s visits to the library. He always had a smile on his face and he was happy to put one on mine!