William Wray Yackel

Age 72, of Hickory Lane Pine City, NY passed away on Monday, August 4, 2003 at the Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY after an extended illness. He was born March 14, 1931 in Dublin, NY the son of the late Howard L. and Marjorie M. (Steele) Yackel. William married the love of his life, Gloria E. Ayers. They have celebrated 52 wonderful years of life and love together. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria; sons and daughters-in-law, William and Amy Yackel of Beaver Dams, NY; Lawrence and Helen Yackel of Selkirk, NY; Jeffrey and Doreen Yackel of Elmira, NY; daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Oleg Ugolev of Stratford, NJ; sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and William Norman of Lyons, NY; Minerva and Jack Milliman of Phelps, NY; along with 8 beloved grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. In his earlier years, William was an ironworker for the New York Central Railroad and was a tower operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad for several years. ?Billy Bob? as he was affectionately known, retired from the Prudential Life Insurance Company as an agent after 33 years of faithful and dedicated service. He enjoyed gardening and working in his yard. ?Bill? was a season ticket holder for the Elmira Pioneers and loved watching and following baseball from spring training through the World Series. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY on Wednesday, August 6, 2003 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Funeral Services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family with Reverend Patrick Haley to officiate. Interment will also take place at the family?s convenience. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in ?Bill?s name may be directed to Chemung County Historical Society 415 East Water Street Elmira, NY 14901 or to the American Diabetes Association NYS Memorial Processing Center P. O. Box # 31160 Hartford, CT 06150. A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for the family at www.olthof.com.