Obituary of William C. Dreesen Jr.

William C. Dreesen, Jr. (76) a lifelong resident of Canandaigua, New York passed away peacefully, on March 16, 2024, surrounded by family. William, fondly know as Billy, was born to Rachel and William C. Dreesen, Sr., on July 4, 1947, in Canandaigua. At the age of 19, Bill was drafted into the Army. He valued his service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant (P). As part of his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Expert M-14 (the highest level of qualification with his service weapon), and recently was awarded the Elks Medal of Honor. A proud graduate of Alfred State College, Bill’s time there not only shaped his professional journey but also left a lasting impact on his approach to life’s challenges and opportunities. The skills and knowledge he acquired became the foundation upon which he built a life full of dedication and achievement. Starting out as a Meter Reader for Rochester Gas & Electric, Bill worked his way up into Public Relations and Marketing. After nearly 25 years of service, he retired from RG&E’s Canandaigua office, where his colleagues became lifelong friends. Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharie; daughters, Jenny Dreesen (Matt Pearce) and Bridget McDonie (Ben); along with seven grandchildren, Hailey McDonie, Addison Pearce, Lydia McDonie, Gavin Pearce, Evelyn McDonie, Ainsley Pearce, and Emmett Pearce. Bill was predeceased by his parents and sister, Carol Hallock. Bill had a deep appreciation for nature. His loved ones will remember his enthusiasm for the great outdoors: fishing, boating, mowing his lawn, or hunting with his best friends at camp along with his beloved dog, Jessie. Bill enjoyed the beauty of nature that surrounded him. His love for the outdoors was matched by his talent in woodworking. An avid collector, Bill had an impressive selection of firearms, flashlights, and tools. His collections were more than a hobby; they were a testament to his appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and the simple joy of acquiring items that sparked his interests. Bill’s legacy is not just in the things he left behind, but in the memories of those shared adventures, the stories told, and the lessons passed on. His creative spirit and collector’s heart, will continue to inspire and influence his family and friends, reminding them of a life well-lived and passionately pursued. Friends may call Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 95 N. Main St., Canandaigua. The funeral mass will begin at 11:15 a.m. honoring the life of William C. Dreesen, Jr. Military interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery immediately to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To share a memory or express condolences online please visit www.fullerfh.com