William M. Anderson, 76, of Newark Valley, NY, died at home April 10, 2023, with loved ones at his side.
Bill was raised in Tunkhannock, PA, the eldest child of Miles Jr. and Jean Anderson. A graduate of Tunkhannock High School, he hitchhiked his way to Mansfield University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. This launched him toward a meaningful career as a public school teacher and administrator that lasted more than 35 years.
From 1968 to 1994, Bill taught social studies for the Owego-Apalachin Central School District. His students remember his sense of humor and how he made the subject engaging and fun. At Owego Free Academy, he provided them with extra-curricular opportunities. He helped create the OFA Bulletin Board System – a precursor to the Internet – and headed up the school’s state history club, Yorkers. He cared for his students and held them to a high standard that most appreciated.
Born April 13, 1946, Bill’s memory remained sharp in recent years. His knack for remembering remarkably specific details was impressive. He could describe years later where students sat in class. “Third row, closest to the door – always wore a jean jacket,” for example. He remembered you all.
Bill pursued a Master’s degree at SUNY Cortland. When his children were in high school, he attended night class there, receiving his Certificate of Advanced Studies. This allowed him to pursue opportunities in school administration. He found a second home with the Maine-Endwell Central School District, where he worked from 1994 to 2004. He served as high school assistant principal, director of education, and director of information technology. Bill respected everyone with whom he interacted, no matter their role.
His success in the professional world was outdone only by his achievements as a family man. He and Mary were married in 1970 and forged a successful life together. A supportive father who wanted the best for his children, he demanded respect and received it. As good as he was in this role, he may have shined even brighter as a grandfather. At the pond, in the woods, or at the kitchen table, we laughed, listened, and learned from him. The lessons he shared with his family members will be remembered forever. And so will his ever-present whistle.
Last fall, a doctor asked Bill why he wanted rigorous treatment for his illness. He replied, “I’ve got a wife, two kids, five grandchildren, 35 acres of land, a tractor, and things to do.” It was no surprise that the man who never liked sitting wanted to accomplish even more.
Having grown up on a rural farm, he was dependable, reliable, and could always be counted on to help. Decades ago, neighbors nicknamed him “Dr. Bill” because of his ability to fix a problem. No matter who asked, or when, he responded by lending a helping hand. He enjoyed engaging in small talk and made friends with ease, serving as a mentor to many along the way.
Bill is survived by Mary Anderson, his loving wife of 52 years; children, Travis (Jennifer) Anderson, of Henrietta, NY, and Aimee (Anthony) Mazzatti, of Johnson City, NY; and five grandchildren, who accounted for many a twinkle in his eye: Marith Anderson, Maeve Anderson, Miles Anderson, Anthony Mazzatti, and Anderson Mazzatti. He is also survived by a sister, Jean Woodruff, of Tunkhannock, PA, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and brother-and-sister-in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents, Miles and Jean Anderson; brother, Steve Anderson; and sister, Sandy Anderson. We are confident he is reuniting with friends and family members in heaven.
The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, Friday, April 14, 2023, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Allen Memorial home 511-513 East Main St., Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott.
Memorial contributions may be made to the William Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund. The goal is to support high school students who possess Bill’s attributes. Contributions may be mailed to Aimee Mazzatti, 1136 Reynolds Road, Johnson City, NY 13790. Expressions of remembrance also may be sent to this address.
The family wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to everyone who played a positive role in Bill’s life. It was a life well lived.