Obituary of William John Stehling, Sr.
William John Stehling, Sr. "Bill"
Passed away peacefully on January 1, 2019 at age 87. He was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Ellen “Helen” Nora Stehling; and only sibling, John Martin Christopher “Jack” Stehling. Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Susan (Costantino); beloved children, Carolann (Jim) Darling; Susan (David) Mistretta; and William J. (Jessica Westcott) Stehling, Jr.; grandchildren, Amanda (Hunter) Riddick, DeAnna Darling; William (Sarah), Joseph and Meghan Mistretta; sister-in-law, Phyllis Stehling; nephews, Keith (Patricia), Douglas (Joanne), Christopher (Claire) and Phillip (Catherine) Stehling; Sue’s nieces, nephews; grand-nieces, grand-nephews and dear friends.
Bill was born, September 13, 1931 in Manhattan to Frederick Balthaser Stehling and Ellen Nora “Helen” (McGimpsey) Stehling. Bill was a 1949 graduate of Forest Hills, NY High School. He proudly served his country by enlisting in the USAF during the Korean War, January 2, 1951 and trained as an Airframe & Power plant Mechanic. Following an honorable Discharged December 1954 he was employed with Republic Aviation, United Airlines and Pan Am Airlines as an A & P mechanic. Bill was a skilled private pilot and a Flight Instructor @ Zahn’s Airport in Amityville, NY where he met the “best thing that ever happened to me”. He and Susan (Costantino) were married on November 16, 1958.
He retired from the FAA in 1996 after a 40 year career with the Department of Transportation beginning as an Air Traffic Controller at the former Idlewild Airport, now Kennedy International, moving on to Management Tower Chief Positions at Kennedy, Philadelphia, Rochester, Binghamton, Charleston, WV, and Albany Control Towers.
Bill will be remembered for his love and devotion to family, God and friends; his honesty, kindness, generosity, patriotism, and his heart for service to his country, church and community. He was especially honored to serve the community for 15 years as the Fire Commissioner for the Fishers, NY Fire District.
Bill was active in his community as:
Communicant at St. Patrick’s Church
Member of the Knights of Columbus, Victor Council
Past Finance Officer St. Patrick’ Cemetery Committee
Past President of Victor Farmington Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Member Fishers Fire District
Secretary Fishers Fire District
Commissioner Fishers Fire District - 15 years
Member Association of Fire Districts of the State of NY
Meals on Wheels
Volunteer LifeSpan Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Town of Victor Board of Ethics
Member The “QB” ~ Quiet Birdmen
CAP “Civil Air Patrol” ~ Captain
Notary Public
Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, January 6th from 3-7 PM at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services of Victor, 301 W. Main Street, Victor. Bill’s Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 7th at 10 AM in St. Patrick’s Church, 115 Maple Avenue, Victor. Interment will be held in the spring at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #6652, 115 Maple Avenue, Victor, NY 14564 or Ontario-Yates County Hospice, 756 Pre Emption Road, Geneva, NY 14456, in his memory.