Obituary of William E Gurtowski

William E. Gurtowski, 85, passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Presbyterian Home. He was born in Amsterdam, NY, on April 10, 1927, a son of the late Josephine Grywinski and Joseph Gurtowski. He graduated from Wilbert-Lynch High School and worked at the Amsterdam Rug Mill before entering the US Navy and serving his country in World War II. He was married to Bernadette Norejko on October 2, 1948. She passed away on November 16, 1989. On July 27, 1991 at St. Mary's Church, in Clinton, he married Mary Bishop Steates. Bill retired from Chicago Pneumatic as a supervisor. He was a member of the Chadwicks American Legion Post #1000 and Disabled American Veterans'. He especially loved woodworking and made unique toys, bird houses and furniture. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his three sons and their spouses, Thomas and Roberta Gurtowski of Seattle, WA, Richard and Sylvia Gurtowski of Vicksburg, Mississippi and Ronald and Alice Gurtowski of Herkimer; his stepchildren, Robert Steates of Rome, Linda Hodinger of Whitesboro, Judy Johnson of Clinton, John and Kathy Steates of Sauquoit, Charles and Janice Steates of Oklahoma, Richard Steates and Joseph Steates, both of Clinton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother Fred Gurtowski of Amsterdam; a special niece Diane Hoppe of Midland, Virginia; and many wonderful relatives and friends. He was also predeceased by his sister, Helen Wyszomirski and his brothers Joseph and Leonard Gurtowski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Friday, December 21, 2012 at St. Mary's Church, Clinton. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. All are invited to call Thursday from 2-4pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., 35 College St., Clinton. Please consider donations to American Legion Post #1000, 3454 Oneida St, Chadwicks, NY 13319 or the Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc., PO Box 1144, New Hartford, NY 13413.