William J. Seymour, age 82, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home. He was surrounded by his loving family who will remember him as a caring, generous, and supportive husband, father, and grandfather.
Bill was born in Ogdensburg, NY on November 29, 1934 to the late Lucien and Mary (Brennan) Seymour. As the youngest, Bill adored his seven older siblings – James (Rose) Seymour, Robert (Clara) Seymour, Thomas (Barbara) Seymour, Anna (Thomas) DuPré, Lucien David (Janet) Seymour, Marie (William) Morley, and Ellen (Herman) Bova. Each of them played a role in Bill’s formative years, laying the foundation for his love of family. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1952, where he was a respected athlete and specifically enjoyed basketball, football, and baseball. After high school, he attended Canton ATI and was employed at Niagara Mohawk for over thirty-eight years.
Bill married Mary Ellen LaRose on June 9, 1956 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Over the course of their 61-year marriage, Bill and Mary Ellen built a loving home with their eight children – Linda (Kelley) Geary, Patricia (Jeffrey) Bouchard, Joann (Michael) Marshall, William (Elaine) Seymour, Gary (Cheryl) Seymour, Thomas Seymour (deceased), Diane (Matthew) Mitchell, and Julie (John) Rhodes. Bill and Mary Ellen’s devotion to each other transcends life-long commitment. Their marriage epitomized teamwork, perseverance, and strength.
Bill was blessed with 16 grandchildren – Megan, Kelsey, Ryan, Lauren, Sarah, Josh, Krista, Erin, Hannah, Shannon, Bryan, Micaela, Natalie, Thomas, Jennifer, and Kyle, and 17 great-grandchildren. He found joy in watching each child grow. His grandchildren fondly remember him cheering them on at sporting events, sharing an ice cream or a Snickers, and enjoying the river together. His great-grandchildren brought a smile to their Poppy’s face with every visit. Although they are young, his legacy as a fun-loving and joyful patriarch has laid the foundation for their appreciation of family.
Family and friends will reminisce about Bill as an avid whistler, a Syracuse fan, and a chocolate-fiend. His wife, children, and grandchildren will always strive to achieve his core wish, “I want everyone to be happy.” They are relieved to know that Bill joins his parents, deceased siblings, son Tom, and great-granddaughter Tyler in watching over all of us.
For those who wish to pay their respects, calling hours will be held at Frary Funeral Home on Monday, July 10, 2017 from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. Services will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 10 AM, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Donations can be made in Bill’s memory to the Ogdensburg Boys’ and Girls’ Club or the St. Joseph’s Nursing Home Foundation.
