MOHAWK-After a lifetime of love, laughter and friendship, sadly, William A. Mroz passed away on Thursday, November 8th, 2007. He came into the world just as he exited, with an endearing smile and bright hazel eyes. Bill was born in Ilion on June 30, 1942 to Benjamin Mroz and Etta Hall. He leaves his siblings: his brother Ron & his wife Ann Mroz of Whitesboro, his sister Kay & her husband Tony Ciletti of Mohawk and his brother Ben & his wife Florence Mroz of Herkimer. Bill also leaves his mother in law: Lucy Enea of Herkimer; in laws: Barbara and Joseph Cacciatore, Lucille Enea, Vincent and Elaine Enea and Harry Enea, Jr.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. While Bill considered Ilion his home, he spent his senior year of high school in Herkimer where he would meet his Judy (Enea): The woman who made his heart beat faster whenever she entered the room. They married in 1963 and settled in Mohawk where they happily raised their three children: Karlee, Kristin and Bryan. Bill?s commitment to his family was the catalyst for earning his degree in Economics from Utica College while working full-time at Montgomery Ward. Later, he proudly represented R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for 25 years where he traveled all over the Mohawk Valley region. Wherever he went, Bill was able to make and keep life-long friends?which was particularly evident throughout his illness. Bill invested in the community. Together, he and Judy owned and operated Gil's Variety Store in Ilion. Later, they opened Grace's Alli Restaurant, also in Ilion. Both were fully staffed by friends and family and Gil's was managed by his sister, Kay. Bill was equally committed to contributing socially to the community. He was an active member of Kiwanis--which to this day provides the family with hysterical stories with his after-hours socializing with fellow Kiwanians. A devoted father, Bill leaves his daughter, Karlee and her husband Joe Tamburro of Frankfort; his daughter Kristin and her husband Mick Coleman of Poughkeepsie, NY; his son Bryan Mroz and his wife Mary of Myrtle Beach, SC. What put the twinkle in Bill?s eye was his seven granddaughters: Alexandra, Kathryn and Olivia Tamburro; Grace, Taylor and Kendall Coleman and Breana Mroz. What put the kick in his step was his only grandson, Robert Mroz. Most of all, Bill understood that life was brief and that it should be enjoyed to its fullest. In this he did not fail. Opting to retire early, he bought a boat and purchased a condo in Myrtle Beach! His joy of living will survive him in his many friends?especially MaryLou & Al VanDerwiel and Bonnie & Terry O?Bryan: he and Judy?s life-long compatriots in living life with ?zest?. He lived as he liked. Often seen with a cigarette in his mouth, a wine glass in his hand and a racing form under his arm. Bill?s enthusiasm for horse racing was infectious and oddly life-enhancing to those around him. Down through to the grandchildren, everybody came to embrace his gambler spirit. Bill will also be remembered for his keen wit and gentle ways. However, for many local residents, Bill will be remembered for his house on Columbia St. which served as a stage for numerous parties?some that he planned and others that he heard about later. In lieu of flowers, Bill?s family requests that donations be made to Valley Health Services Palliative Care Center whose compassionate staff carefully tended to Bill and Judy, making the best of his last weeks. Envelopes and donations can be made at the Enea Family Funeral Home. The family would also like to thank all the amazing people where were immediately, consistently and steadfastly by he and Judy?s side. They deeply appreciate all the love and support that they have received. In Bill?s honor?Live life to the fullest, enjoy every single day and bet the 7 horse! Relatives and friends are invited and may pay their respects at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., between Ilion and Frankfort, 894-8000 on Sunday, November 11, 2007 from 3-7 p.m. Bill's funeral will commence at 9:00 am on Monday morning, Nov. 12th from the chapel of the funeral home where a prayer service will be held and at 10:00 am from the Church of the Annunciation, West St., Ilion, where the Rev. Anthony Barratt, pastor, will celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Mohawk Cemetery.