William "Bill" F Searles

Winthrop- Mr. William F. "Bill" Searles, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 28, 2016 at the Syracuse VA Medical Center with the love and comfort of his sister, Sara S. Caskinette and his niece, Robin C. Lalonde by his side. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Bill was born in Stockholm on November 11, 1928 to the late Royal J. and Leila D. (Morrow) Searles. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from the Brasher-Stockholm School. He was married to Bernice Lawrence in 1949. They shared a blessed union until her passing in 1963. He proudly served his country in the US ARMY and was a Purple Heart recipient from the Korean Conflict. Bill was proud of the time in the service of his country. Bill began work at ALCOA, and then owned and operated his own garage "Bills Atlantic Station" on Willow Street in Massena. And lastly, for many years, he worked as the maintenance supervisor for Dr. Henry J. Dobies. He was a handyman, and was good at it. In earlier years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed games of chance and playing lotto tickets. He is survived by his 3 brothers and 1 sister: Harry B. and Sue Searles of Waddington, Robert M. and Rosemary Searles Sr. of Malone, Sara S. and Carl Caskinette of Norfolk, and Thomas G. and Barbara Searles of Phoenix, AZ., and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides his parents Bill was also predeceased by his siblings: Edith S.M. Monica, Royal G. Searles, James W. Searles, Kathryn L. Whitman, Shirley A. Parker, Lyndon L. Searles Sr., David K. Searles, and Carolyn L. White. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-3 at the funeral home. A committal prayers with Military Honors will follow at 3:30pm at St. Patrick Cemetery in Brasher Falls. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those wishing to express an act of kindness, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's honor to the Tri-Town Rescue Squad. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.