Obituary of William (Bill) J. Van Dyke

William (Bill) J. Van Dyke, 95, of Vestal, NY, passed away on February 8, 2024. He was the son of the late John and Ruth (Lenaghen) Van Dyke of Oriskany, NY. He was born in Utica, NY on June 2, 1928. On April 11, 1953 he married the love of his life, Ruth M. Countryman. He was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend Ruth and son and daughter in law Steven (Mary Ellen) Van Dyke, sisters Ruth (Ted) Rapphahn and Marion (Ian) Wiggins. Bill is survived by a son, Thomas (Sue) Van Dyke, Vestal, NY, one daughter and son in law, Donna (Victor) Ticonchuk, Apalachin, NY; four loving grandchildren, Robert (Stephanie) and Patrick (Alana Gale) Ticonchuk, Alison and Nealy Van Dyke, two great-grandchildren William and Cordi Ticonchuk, and former daughter in law Candy Van Dyke. Bill was a S/Sgt U.S.A.F. during the Korean Conflict, serving in Korea. He was a faithful member of the Vestal Center United Methodist Church, holding many offices and sang in the choir. He was a member of Oriskany F&AM lodge #799 and was also a member of the Kalurah Shrine Legion of Honor, the Otseningo Bodies of Scottish Rite. Bill retired from IBM in 1990 after 35 years. After his retirement, he and Ruth enjoyed many years of traveling in their trailer throughout the United States and Canada. Bill was a loving husband, father and the best grandfather ever. Family and friends were his greatest joy in life. Bill spent the last 6 years of his life living gracefully at Brookdale Castle Gardens Senior Living in Vestal. Bill was a very active resident at Castle Gardens where he made many dear friends. Per Bill's request, there will be no services. Remembrances in his name may be made to The Shriners Children's Hospital at https://lovetotherescue.org/, or Kalurah Shrine Temple, 549 Chenango St, Binghamton NY.