William T. Tornatore, 52, of Oneida died Friday evening, February 14, 2014, peacefully at his residence under the care of Hospice.
William was born on November 30, 1961, in Oneida, the son of Robert P. and Joan M. West Tornatore. A lifelong resident of the Oneida area, he was a graduate of Oneida High School, Class of 1979.
Following high school, he entered the US Navy and faithfully served his country for eight years until he was honorably discharged in 1988.
William had been employed at Turning Stone Casino as a valet for the last eight years until his illness forced him to stop working. He had formerly been employed at Rome Cable and Die Molding Corporation.
He was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, Oneida.
He loved the outdoors and spending time with his family at their camp in Inlet. He enjoyed riding snowmobiles, and was a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Reds, and his favorite driver in NASCAR was Bill Elliott.
He was also a member of the Pat Benatar Fan Club.
Surviving are his parents, Robert and Joan Tornatore, of Oneida, his brothers and sisters; Terrance (Susan) Tornatore, of Wappingers Falls, Timothy (Susan) Tornatore, of Fairhope, AL, Julie (James) Kelly of Moncks Corners, SC, Matthew (Brenda) Tornatore, of Oneida, Richard Tornatore, of Oneida, Valerie (Anthony) Salerno, of Dryden and Patricia (David) Bennett, of Oneida, his special companion and caregiver; Linda Reynolds, of Oneida, three aunts; Becky (Jerry) Wilson of Canastota, Gail (Dan) Hoffman of Canastota and Donna Deyo of Chittenango, one uncle Raymond Comins of Liverpool and many nieces and nephews.
He also cherishes his relationship with his very special friends Rick and Nancy Edick of Oneida.
Memorial services will be held 7 p.m. Friday, February 21 from the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Richard J. Kapral officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be held in the spring in Riverview Cemetery, Old Forge.
Friends are invited and may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday prior to the service at the funeral home at 342 Main Street, Oneida.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13477. You may view obituary and send a message of condolence online at:www.ironsidefuneralhome.com
