Rochester NY: January 19, 2016 after a 7 month courageous battle with cancer. Not so long ago he wrote:
“I was born in Cleveland, Ohio to wonderful, loving and caring parents, living with sweet adoring Grandparents and an Aunt and Uncle. I moved to Campbell, New York around 1932. Except for some challenging, encouraging teachers and a few good friends, small town life was not my cup of tea. After working at Corning Glass Works laboratories and teaching in Painted Post High School, I went off to the University of Michigan for a wonderful education, Phi Beta Kappa, English Literature course and a Masters Degree in Library Science. Then a long fruitful career with the Rochester Public Library System as the Assistant Director Head of Rundel Building Public Services.
My Life has been a beautiful experience. Of course I had my sorrowful times, angry times, and fearful times, but one couldn’t have asked for more beautiful experiences. I’ve had World wide travel, continual indulgences in literary and theatrical events, a lovely home and neighbors, and of course my 62 year relationship with my partner Alan Kusler who made life even more worthwhile. He made me laugh and taught me to enjoy nature.
I’m sorry life has to end. So goodbye dear Dickens, Marcel Proust, Debussy and Scott Joplin. Goodbye dear friends and relatives. I am fearful for the economic, political and spiritual future of our country and I weep for those who suffer deeply from poverty, disease and bigotry. But all in all I’ve been blessed with so many wonderful experiences. Mostly my life has been very joyful.
Please give generously to the educational, cultural and social welfare organizations.”
A gathering of Bill’s friends to remember him will be announced in the future.
In lieu of flowers please make any donations to Shepherd Home, 1959 Five Mile Line Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 or Visiting Nurse Service, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY 14580
Thank you for sharing this while our stoeirs are quite different, there were also many similarities. Except that I have not yet reached the point that you have. But through your experience, I’ve gained just a little bit more hope. Its only been six months for me. I am still heavily steeped in grief and I can’t fathom another day, month, year, much less the rest of my life without my husband. I function, and find moments of joy here and there thanks to my family, friends and the fond memories that come to mind of my husband, but when those moments are over, I’m awash in sadness all over again. I’ve always considered myself a strong person, and everyone tells me that I am, so I pray that as my love for my husband continues to grow with each passing day, I hope that one day, I find my way through the darkness and pain as you have.