William A. “Bill” Phelps

Bill was born March 6, 1956, in Corry, Pa., to Arthur J. Phelps, who died in 2003, and Laura Jean (Chamberlin) Phelps, who died in 2016.

He was raised and lived in Sherman his entire life. He attended Sherman Central School and worked the family farm all through school. Bill held many jobs throughout his life. He worked at the Greiner Farm, Reed’s Sale Barn, Sherman Transfer Station, Ellery Landfill, and the NYS DOT, where he retired as the “low boy” operator. Upon retirement he continued to work at various farms in the area including Reed Farms, Findley Lake Dairy and Safford Services.

Bill had many friends and seemed to always know multiple people everywhere he went. Often going on a simple errand could last a couple of hours as he would have a chat with friends he meet along the way. His hobbies included mechanical repairs on all types of machines, but mostly tractors. He was extremely handy, always willing to drop everything to lend a helping hand to others in need, and known to clear neighbors’ driveways or anyone else who need assistance.

Bill was a longtime volunteer fireman with the Stanley Hose Co. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family especially, his grandchildren: Bethany, Taylor, Emily, Brady, Madison, William III and Alex. He will be greatly missed by his family and community.

He is survived by: his wife, Debbie (Page) Phelps; his daughter, Cheri (Michael) Bartok; his son, William A. Phelps II (Katie); seven grandchildren; Bethany, Taylor, Emily, Brady, Madison, William III and Alex; seven sisters: Norma Raupach, Louise (Bill) Sanders, Marlene (Ron) Olson, Rhonda (Boyd) Whitehead, Laurie (Craig) Rubner, Stacy Phelps and Kathy (John) Alday; also many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill is predeceased by his father, Arthur J. Phelps and his mother, Laura Jean Phelps; and longtime best friend, Dennis “Fuzzy” (Laura) Pugh, who died Feb. 21, 2020.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stanly Hose Co., Sherman, N.Y.

Arrangements by David J. Dengler, SPITZER Funeral Home.