Obituary of William J. Ruane

William J Ruane William “Bill” Ruane, 81, of Rome, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2021 at SUNY UPSTATE HOSPITAL. He was born on January 3, 1940, in Utica, New York, a son of the late John and Marie Belding Ruane. Bill was educated in Rome schools and was a member of St. Peter’s Church and former member of Teugega Country Club. He was united in marriage to Diana Stackhouse in 1965. Diana passed away on June 6, 1985. Bill later married Carmella DeCosty. She passed away on November 22, 2011. Bill owned and operated Ruane Contracting Company for over forty years. Bill is survived by his son, Dirk Ruane and Donna Kelley of Rome, a daughter, Jennifer Ruane, Ashville, N.C.: daughter, the Honorable Lisa and Chris McGowan, Ohio and son, Fran and Pam Di Clemente, Syracuse; a devoted sister Rita and Peter Reilley; two brothers, Peter and Tom; grandchildren: Paul and Elizabeth McGowan and Colin DiClemente, Joe Sestito and Kelley (Kevin) James, and his right-hand man Butch. Bill was predeceased by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Fausto Franchini, Roberta and Jack DelMonte and a brother John Ruane. Bill will be remembered as a kind and easy- going man. He was driven by his strong faith in God and cared about people without casting judgement. His calm demeaner and good humor set the tone for many family gatherings. He always helped others in need. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be forever missed. Bill lived every moment of his life to the fullest. We will cherish our memories of his entertaining stories, endless jokes, positive attitude and him whistling a tune wherever he went. Bill’s family would like to thank the entire staff at SUNY UPSTATE Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion that they provided to Bill while under his care. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Peter’s Church. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday from 4-7 PM at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Interment will take place in Rome Cemetery.