William H. “Bill” Wormuth, 81, of East Syracuse, passed away on Sunday at his home from complications of several health challenges. Bill was born in Baldwinsville in 1942, the middle child of Wilson L. and Marion Adsit Wormuth. He graduated from C. W. Baker High School in 1960, attended Syracuse University on a lacrosse scholarship, and received his bachelor of arts degree in 1964. He later earned a master’s degree from SUNY Oswego. Bill was a teacher, coach and assistant principal at West Genesee High School in Camillus before becoming the principal and eventually superintendent at Lowville Academy and Central School in Lowville, N.Y.
As a lifelong coach and educator, Bill was always focused on teaching and getting people to accomplish more than they believed they could. He inspired many students to pursue teaching and coaching careers and served as a mentor to many. Bill was inducted into the Upstate Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame and the Town of Camillus/West Genesee Hall of Fame, recognizing his accomplished coaching career and contributions to the growth of lacrosse in Central New York.
He was always a strong supporter of his community and served in many volunteer capacities with not-for-profit, civic, service and community-oriented organizations. He was a proud alumnus, loyal supporter, and avid fan of SU athletics. Bill also enjoyed sailing, hunting, reading, and visiting with his family and friends. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and each one held a special place in his heart.
Bill is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 60 years, Mary (Bennett); son David (Emily) Wormuth of Jamesville, NY; daughter Jill (Jamie) Tompkins of Redfield, NY; son Andrew J. (Jeanne) of Elbridge, NY and grandchildren Sam and Ben (Astor Tellman) Wormuth; Matthew (Kara), Mitchell (Heidi) and Mark (Katelyn Nortz) Tompkins; Zachary and Kayla Wormuth. Three great-grandchildren, Liam Wormuth, Mackenzie Tompkins, and Madison Tompkins. His sister Karen (Bucky) Winters of Lake Fredrick, VA, and Brother-in-law Leonard Houck of Baldwinsville, NY, and several nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Bill is predeceased by his parents, older sister Kaye Houck and granddaughter Elizabeth Tompkins.
The family would like to thank Bill’s doctors, nurses, and caregivers for the excellent care and compassion they provided.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life in Bill’s honor on Saturday, December 30th at 2:00 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 106 Chapel Street, Fayetteville, NY.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either: The Lewis County Hospital Foundation, The Wormuth Family Scholarship at Lowville Academy, The Upstate Lacrosse Foundation or to The Central & Northern NY Chapter of the American Red Cross.
