Obituary of William J. "Bill" Zaffarano

On November 13, 2019, William "Bill" James Zaffarano of Ilion and Richfield Springs departed this world peacefully to join Donna Marie, his beloved wife of 63 years. 

William was born on April 4, 1930 in Glenside, PA, son of the late Josephine Higler. Except for his early years, Bill lived in the Mohawk Valley, making Richfield Springs his home for the last 30 years. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1953 he met and married Donna Murphy. Bill was a skilled and respected automobile mechanic. He owned "Bill's Garage" in Herkimer and later moved on to work for Mohawk Block Works and retired from the Union Tools.

Bill enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting snowmobiling and taking to the open road on his motorcycle. He loved having fun with his family and friends and spending time at his vacation home in Deltona, FL. His passion for boating prompted him to build a boat which led to many cherished memories with his family on nearby lakes. Bill willingly offered a helping hand to anyone. He was an enthusiastic competitor in the neighborhood 4th of July cook off and proud recipient of the Camp Jam chicken award.

In addition to being predeceased by his wife and mother, he was predeceased by his brother  William "Skip" Higler.  He is survived by his three children: Debra Ann Rector of Sorrento, FL, Terrie Lee Vorhees of Ilion, Dennis William Zaffarano of Richfield Springs and their loving spouses; his sister Barbara H. Rowe of Glenelg, MD; 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Bill's Celebration of Life and share their stories of remembrance on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 11:30 AM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY 13357.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors.