He graduated from St. Bonaventure ROTC and received a Bachelor of Science (chemistry) degree and finished his Army career as 1st Lt. at Ft. Sill, OK, Artillery Division.
Bill did a heap of living in his 88 years. In his earlier days he enjoyed bowling, hunting, and driving his Plymouth Road Runner, loud and fast. Bill was employed as an engineer by Bovaird & Seyfang and Dresser-Clark. This is where he would meet Yvonne and where you would see him flourish into a family man, his proudest achievement. He especially loved being a Dad, husband & Grampa “Papa Broke” & Great Grampa. He was a great history buff and before there was the Internet, there was Bill. When the family moved to Black Creek you saw his interests grow. For many years he planted a large garden with his Farmall A tractor and canned tomatoes and chili sauce. Bill was a meticulous wood craftsman, building desks, shelves, and trim for the house renovation. He enjoyed square dancing with the Reel Squares, line dancing, and identifying bird species as they visited his feeder. Binoculars and the bird book were always on hand. He was a great cook and baker and always claimed that he was the World’s Best Pie Maker.
He was semi-retired at 55, staying active as an engineering consultant. He also was treasurer of the Enchanted Mountain Stock Club. It was during this time he was able to enjoy quality time with his grandchildren, taking them to pre-school, helping with homework and filling their minds with his knowledge.
He will be missed beyond measure by his wife H. Yvonne (Campbell/Hardy), sons Todd A. Hardy (Christine) Conesus, NY, Timothy D. Hardy Mt. Morris, NY, William H. Stowell IV (Julie) LeRoy, NY and daughter, Mary L. Guldenschuh (Carl) Nunda, NY, Brothers Robert and Gerald Stowell, brother-in-law Garry Jones. Grandchildren Joshua, Jennifer & Katherine Gordon, Elijah, Benjamin and Samuel Hardy, his namesake William V and Joelle and 6 great grandchildren: Jalise, Kylie, Avayah, Stephen, Lev and Yael.
He was preceded by son, John D. Hardy 1996 and daughter, Julie E. Gordon (Hardy) 2015, Brother Norman, sisters Audrey Jones and Mary Zinion and sisters in law Donna & Amy Stowell.
Arrangements are under direction of the Mark Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc, Cuba, NY.
Online condolences may be sent by clicking the button below.
