Obituary of William J Herrig

William J Herrig Jr, 82 years of age, passed on Tuesday, May 30, 2023,  at University Hospital, with his family by his bedside.

Bill was born on Oct 29, 1940 in Rome, NY to the late William & Mary Catherine Manning Herrig. He was the only boy among his 3 loving sisters.  Later in life there was no great bond than the one between Bill and his sisters Joan, Betty Ann & Nancy, and Brother-in-Law Dennis. Often seen around town dining at Coalyard Charlies and the previous Colonial Inn, where they treated him like family.  

Bill was a very proud father of six children, he leaves  behind William Herrig III, Dyana Herrig O’Neill (Patrick), Kimberly Herrig, Peter Herrig (Charlie), Richard Herrig (Cassandra), and Scott Herrig (Jamie Burgdorf).  Five grandchildren Kelly & Daniel O’Neill, Sydney & Hudson Herrig, Ryker Herrig and is expecting his sixth grandbaby in Sept. Bill has spent the last six years with his loving partner Janet Graham.  Dads greatest joy came from the love for his family and friends. He instilled us with so many wonderful qualities, but none resonated more than being respectful, independent and a having strong work ethic.

His first job was at Jay’s Sales & Service in Camden, where he was quickly promoted to Service Manager after working as the garage mechanic. He was also employed at Don’s Auto Recycling Center, and has been self-employed a majority of his life, first as Bill Herrig Enterprises and in 1982 opening Bill Herrig’s Auto Parts & Repair. “The Garage” was his true passion, also a gathering place for friends & family.  When you love what you do, you never work a day of your life. Bill could always be found doing tow calls, day & night.

Bill was an avid NASCAR fan, he enjoyed traveling to numerous racetracks, The Daytona 500 was his ultimate favorite race and favorite time of year. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching the dirt races at the Volusia County Racetrack & East Bay Racetrack.  For over 20 years Bill organized an annual bus trip to Dover Downs, where some of the best memories were made. In his younger days he raced at Utica-Rome Speedway, where he earned track champion.  He never missed a Sunday at Utica Rome Speedway. Bill was a volunteer at the New London Fire Department for 36 years, where he was President and is now a honorary life member. Bill was also an avid bowler at Gene’s Bowling Center in Sylvan Beach, NY.

The family would like to thank the team at MVHS Dialysis who provided exceptional loving care, and the nurses and  doctors on the 6^th floor MICU unit. The American Kidney Fund @ www.kindney.org/giv or make a gift at Memorial and Tribute Gifts Form - Mohawk Valley Health System (mvhealthsystem.org) (please designate MVHS Dialysis in Rome).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 5^th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church. Interment will take place in Rathbunnville Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, NY 13440, on Sunday, June 4^th from 2-5:00 p.m.

You may light a candle, send a message of sympathy, and read the obituary at www.nunnandharper.com.