Joseph W. Demers
Funeral Information
Home:
Brasher, NY
Date of Death:
January 04, 2012
Place of Birth:
Helena, NY
Birthdate:
February 06, 1924
Age:
87
Funeral Service:
Monday, January 09, 2012 10:00 AM St. Patrick Church, Brasher, NEW YORK
Visitation:
Sunday, January 08, 2012 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop, NY
Interment:
St. Patrick Cemetery, Brasher, NY
Biography
Brasher - Joseph W. Demers, AKA " Bill the Barber", 87 passed away peacefully January, 4, 2012 at Massena Memorial Hospital surrounded with the love of his family. Arrangements are entrusted with the Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop.
Bill was born, Wednesday, February 6, 1924 in Helena the son of the late Joseph & Rose (Shorrette) Demers and received his education locally in Helena and Massena. On February 20, 1943 Bill enlisted in the United States Army. During his military career he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. Bill was honorably discharged from the Army February 15, 1946.
Upon his return from the Army, he attended a school in New York City for radio and tv repair. He returned to the North Country and was employed in the construction field building houses and then worked for a brief time at the Alcoa plant in Massena, NY. He soon realized his calling was to follow in his father's footsteps and became a barber. He started his career apprenticing under a barber in Moira, NY, and eventually opened his own shop in downtown Brasher. After his father passed, he kept that shop open in Helena for a short time.
In 1981 Bill earned his GED. Having a zest for learning and a challenge, he took the New York State notary exam and Amateur Extra Ham Operating License, obtaining a perfect score on both exams. Bill's motto for life and famous words were "as long as you can read, you can learn". He was an avid antique radio collector and gardner.
Bill was one of the founders of the Brasher VFW which is now located in North Lawrence. He was also a member of the American Legion and Amvets Post 0004.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Corleen, four children; Alice R. and Larry Goodspeed of Massena, Wayne W. and Sherrie Demers of North Lawrence, Janet L. and Marshall Emburey of Norwood, Matthew S. Demers and Carolyn Fox, Plattsburgh. He enjoyed spending time with is five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren as well as a loving sister Pauline Louey of Massena.
Bill was predeceased by his three sisters, Maude, Margaret, and Mary, and one Brother, Lewis.
Visitation will be held Sunday (Jan. 8, 2012) from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Hammill Funeral Home. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial with military honors, which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, with Rev. Garry Giroux presiding. A reception to honor his life will follow at the American Legion in Winthrop. Those wishing to express an act of kindness, in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Tri-Town Rescue Squad.
Memories may be shared with the family at www.Hammillfh.com.
Bill was born, Wednesday, February 6, 1924 in Helena the son of the late Joseph & Rose (Shorrette) Demers and received his education locally in Helena and Massena. On February 20, 1943 Bill enlisted in the United States Army. During his military career he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. Bill was honorably discharged from the Army February 15, 1946.
Upon his return from the Army, he attended a school in New York City for radio and tv repair. He returned to the North Country and was employed in the construction field building houses and then worked for a brief time at the Alcoa plant in Massena, NY. He soon realized his calling was to follow in his father's footsteps and became a barber. He started his career apprenticing under a barber in Moira, NY, and eventually opened his own shop in downtown Brasher. After his father passed, he kept that shop open in Helena for a short time.
In 1981 Bill earned his GED. Having a zest for learning and a challenge, he took the New York State notary exam and Amateur Extra Ham Operating License, obtaining a perfect score on both exams. Bill's motto for life and famous words were "as long as you can read, you can learn". He was an avid antique radio collector and gardner.
Bill was one of the founders of the Brasher VFW which is now located in North Lawrence. He was also a member of the American Legion and Amvets Post 0004.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Corleen, four children; Alice R. and Larry Goodspeed of Massena, Wayne W. and Sherrie Demers of North Lawrence, Janet L. and Marshall Emburey of Norwood, Matthew S. Demers and Carolyn Fox, Plattsburgh. He enjoyed spending time with is five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren as well as a loving sister Pauline Louey of Massena.
Bill was predeceased by his three sisters, Maude, Margaret, and Mary, and one Brother, Lewis.
Visitation will be held Sunday (Jan. 8, 2012) from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Hammill Funeral Home. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial with military honors, which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, with Rev. Garry Giroux presiding. A reception to honor his life will follow at the American Legion in Winthrop. Those wishing to express an act of kindness, in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Tri-Town Rescue Squad.
Memories may be shared with the family at www.Hammillfh.com.
Candles
princess ha
2012-01-06 21:00:56
I can't say enough kind words about my grandfather... He was a amazing man who I looked up to and admired! I am going to miss his words of advice, his friendship, his amazing stories he told but most of all his love!! I love and miss you Papa!
Troy & Tammy Savage
2012-01-06 22:16:57
Uncle Bill, you always had a joke or two to tell when ever you were with us. Now you and Papa Louie can joke together again. We love and will miss you.
Reagan
2012-01-06 23:15:40
Queeny... He was a good man with a big heart and warm smile. We will miss him..
Dee Bryant Osier
2012-01-07 00:20:00
How sad to hear that Bill the Barber has passed. My Dad was a barber shop regular and always spoke highly of his "friend". May the memories of friends and family soften your sadness at this great loss to not only yourselves but to the community. With heartfelt sympathy.
Jeremiah & Nancy Hammill
2012-01-07 00:20:55
We would like to express our sympathy to Mr. Demers family. He certainly was a Brasher icon for many years. Every time we saw him he reminded us that he cut hair on 4 generations of Hammills! May he rest in peace. He was a fine man whom the Brasher Community will dearly miss!
Mary Bonno
2012-01-07 00:48:03
Alice... Very sorry to hear the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rick LaBrake
2012-01-07 00:52:56
To all of Bill's family,
I send my heartfelt condolences. There was something very good about growing up in Brasher Falls. In that goodness was the monthly visit at Bill's Barber Shop. It was great sitting and waiting for a haircut and listening to Bill and the others talking about things, usually sports. Small town life in the 1960s provided us all with something that no one can ever take away. Bill was one of the kindest and most patient men I knew in Brasher.
"Faithy"
2012-01-07 01:44:11
"A human life is a story told by God." - Hans Christian Andersen. Whether you knew him as Joseph Demers or "Bill the Barber" there is a story to be told; my grandfather touched so many lives. I love you Papa and miss you dearly. Sending hugs to you in heaven.
Crystal Bejjani
2012-01-07 01:56:10
My heart goes out to the entire family. May your beloved rest in peace and may his memories bless your heart forever.
Lea (Stark) Giles
2012-01-07 02:03:57
My 1st memory of Bill was when my Dad took my Brother with him for the 1st time to get his hair cut by Bill and my Sister tagged along ~ My Sister was pissed cause Bill wouldn't cut her hair, he said "Your Mother would shoot me if I cut your hair the way I cut your Brother's!! His Barber Shop sponsered my Parents and his Son, Wayne & his Wife Sherrie's Bowling Team for many years. Bill was a GREAT Man, is loved by many and will be greatly missed. RIP "Shaky Bill"
Lynne Ronan
2012-01-07 02:07:12
After the barber shop was closed, as long as the weather was good, I found such joy to look out my front window and see Bill sitting on him walker on the corner of Mill St. still watching the shop for a few minutes each day- he had such a commitment and love for his community and he will be greatly missed- my thoughts and prayers to all of your family.
Jennifer Stark-Thompson
2012-01-07 02:08:52
When my dad took me to his Barber shope and he would not shave my head in fear my mom would be very mad at him!
Brock Giles
2012-01-07 02:12:15
When I first moved her to NY Bill was the one who gave me my 1st hair cut here. That was the best hair cut and shave that I have ever gotten.
Nicole Vodron-Hosler
2012-01-07 02:27:25
Grandpa Bill wasn't my biological grandfather but he "grandfathered" many of us in Brasher. I am so sorry for the loss but he will NEVER be forgotten.
Janet
2012-01-07 02:29:03
Dad, you were the best father God could have blessed me with. Your patience, understanding, and love were unmeasurable. You worked hard and loved harder. You cared about people. How many kids did you rescue and take in under your roof? I know that each one of us kids brought one home to live. You supported your community and were well respected. So respected,that on my 18th birthday, Frankie Toth of Lil's wouldn't let me enter his establishment without calling and getting your permission first. You were an honest, humble, and proud man. You told us often that you were thankful for the life God gave you. I love you very much and miss our chats, your smile, warm hugs, and nightly "I love you". You will forever be in my heart.
Terri and sons
2012-01-07 02:30:16
Even though we weren't related by blood or even marriage, you were and always will be PaPa to me. You and Nanny were the first ones to welcome me to the family with open arms and open minds. You touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. You will live forever in my heart and those of your great grandsons.
Darlene Phelix
2012-01-07 03:09:47
My condolences all of the Demers family;
lots of memories of our families throughout the years. Growing up on Union St. in Brasher with Bill and his family as our nieghbors for 18+ years, How blessed we all were.
Pam Gmyr
2012-01-07 06:29:06
Wayne, Sherrie & family thoughts and prayers go out to you in the loss of your Dad, Grandpa & husband. Hold close to the memories your family made together with Bill & he will forever be in your hearts! May God Bless all of you with Peace & comfort for your hearts & souls! May your Dad rest in Peace!
Dick Carrier
2012-01-07 12:09:08
Sorry for your loss Wayne/ family. It's so very difficult loosing a parent. The memories are what keep us together, May God help you through the tough times and guide you along the way, as would your dad if he was physicaly by your side.
Co - worker/GM
Tari & David Burnett
2012-01-07 13:05:42
So sorry to hear of the loss of Bill (Papa). He was a very special man and will be truly missed by the entire town of all that knew him. The Demers family has an angel upon them. You are in our thoughts and prayers...
jane howley bradish
2012-01-07 14:58:06
deapest sympathy corleen to you and your family. Bill has always been a fond memory of our youth to my brothers john, jerry and sister mary.
ken joan stark
2012-01-07 16:39:28
You could not ask for a better friend then Bill and his wife such SWEAT people!!We are Sorry for your loss Corleen. love Ken & Joan Stark
William and Shirlie Crump
2012-01-08 00:28:08
Bill was a very special man,, he will live in our hearts forever... R.I.P. Bill, you will be greatly missed by all..
Cathy & Steve
2012-01-08 00:29:10
To Corleen & Family
So Sorry for your loss. Bill was a great neighbor for much of my life. I rem. when he & my Mom planted a tree together out back of our home.
Years later Mom's grandchildren had a swing hanging from one of the branches. I always rem. your husband,your Dad working on his cars,lawn mowers & always working in the yard.(He would be in trouble for mowing your Mom's flowers down)He loved the outdoors & took the time to visit us. I'll never forget Union St.& how I watched your Dad walk to & from work for over 45 yrs. I was just 5 yrs.old when I became your new neighbor. Matthew was born that Dec.25th.
Thank you all for the memories. Couldn't have asked for a better neighbor. I Rem. when your Dad would be up high on the ladder painting his house. everyone would worry he would fall. He always replied with. " I'm closer to the guy upstairs" Your Dad was so brave. He was 78 yrs. old painting. He was so proud that he painted the whole house himself.
Love and Prayers to you all.
Bill may you & your Friend Frankie watch over all of us at St.Patricks church. You will be greatly missed by all your neighbors. R.I.P. Bill
God Bless you Corleen for all the care & support you gave Bill.
Walter and Marlies Wilson
2012-01-08 12:22:21
Corleen (Mom), Alice, Wayne, Janet and Matthew Just know that my arms are wrapped around you during this time of loss.
As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Bill (Dad) here in Germany.
Rande and Paula Nezezon
2012-01-08 18:10:18
Corleen, Alice, Wayne, Janet, Matthew and families: So sorry to hear the sad news! Our thoughts and prayers are with you! I have many happy memories of Brasher Falls and the times our families spent time together. Your family is a fine example of what neighbors are and their love of family, community and service to others. With our love, Rande and Paula Nezezon
Pam Guertin
2012-01-09 13:53:46
Janet and Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. We will always remember him as the hard working and decent man that he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam & Randy
Sherrie Demers
2012-01-10 18:23:50
I will miss you so much Papa!! It was always nice to walk into your house and we were always greeted with "I Love You" What a wonderful feeling, we loved you so much and you taught us even more. You will always be with us where ever we are. We have some really great memories. Thank you for making us always feel like we were special. I look forward to seeing you. Love you & miss you with all my heart. P.S. we will keep an eye on Corleen for you.
Sandy LaShomb
2012-01-13 18:14:56
Many 1st haircuts given to the LaShomb(LeRoy)Family and they had many fond memories of Bill,our thoughts and payers to you and your families.