Obituary of William F. Vaughn

William Frederick “Curly” Vaughn, Sr., 102, was called home to eternal rest at his home on Friday, November 8, 2024.

“Curly” as he was known to most, was born on July 30, 1922, in Chateaugay, NY, the son of William N. and Maude (Van Slette) Vaughn. 

Curly was an accomplished musician and known for his fiddle playing and singing.  He was inducted into the Fiddler’s Hall of Fame in Osceola in 2006.  Curly played with several bands including the Hawkshaw Hawkins, the Charlie Daniel’s Band, The Adirondack Opry Band with Chuck Premo (his cousin and godson), Santa Fe Riders, Western Swingband, and Chuck Premo and the Yardcats.  He also made frequent appearances on WKTV with his band, “Curly Vaughn and the Lone Star Boys”.

Curly proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army in WWII from 1943 to 1945 in the 9^th Infantry under General Patton and was honorably discharged after receiving two purple hearts (among other medals) for injuries sustained in battle.

On July 13, 1951, Curly was united in marriage to Ann Piekarski in Elkton, MD. A blessed union until her passing on March 20, 1991.

Surviving are his children, John (Joanne) Vaughn, of Saylorsburg, PA, Diane (Roger) Bartholomew, of Rome, and Dennis (Brenda) Vaughn, of Enterprise, AL; a daughter-in-law, Jill Vaughn, of Vanceburg, KY; his grandchildren, Scott (Raven) Vaughn, Jacob (Leila) Vaughn, Kimberly (Mike) Vaughn, Christopher Vaughn, Charles (Michael) Brown, Katrina (Jay) Dauback, Joseph Vaughn, Nicholas Vaughn, Maryanne Turner, and Derik Bielby; several great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Curly was predeceased by his wife, Ann; his son, William F. Vaughn Jr.; a daughter, Marlene Vaughn; and his parents, William and Maude.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church, N. James St., Rome, where the Rev. Sean O’Brien will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Taberg.  Family and friends are invited and may call on Thursday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome.  Memorial contributions may be made in Curly’s memory to St. Peter’s Mission of the Christ Child, 200 N. James St., Rome, NY, 13440.