V. William "Bill" Gunther

V. William “BIll” Gunther, a beacon of strength and honor in his community of Port Charlotte Fl, formally Hastings on Hudson NY, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024 at the age of 91 ½. Bill’s blessed life was a testament of service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those around him.

Bill was born in Yonkers, NY on August 13, 1932 to Martin & Anna Gunther. The youngest of 7 children and the light of his mother’s eye, was raised in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. His siblings: Mary, George, Phil, Marty, John and Eve, all predeceased him.

Joining the US Army in 1952, Bill served his country with distinction, courage and selflessness. Stationed in Germany during the Korean War, he worked alongside the Air Force to construct an airfield as well as capturing the still photographs needed to produce topographical maps. His bravery in the face of adversity, earned him a promotion to Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1954.

As a dedicated civilian, he continued to serve his community with unwavering commitment. Alongside his brothers George, Phil, and Marty, he actively contributed to Uniontown Hose Co. #2 Volunteer Fire Department. This year he would have celebrated his remarkable 70th year of membership with the department. Among his numerous accolades, one of the most notable was his role as one of the last remaining founding members of the Hastings Volunteers Ambulance Corp., established in 1955—a source of immense pride for him until his final days. Serving as the Fire Department Chief from 1985 to 1987, he led with integrity and exemplified a willingness to share his wealth of knowledge with his colleagues. He remained deeply humbled by the fact that his family boasted the largest number of members within the department, spanning three generations. His three sons continue his legacy, each having held positions from Captain to Chief, along with his grandsons (Justin, Thomas, and Sean) and son-in-law (Greg) proudly serving as active Uniontown members. Furthermore, his daughter-in-law Cathy is a dedicated member of the Ambulance Corp.

In 1957 he met the love of his life, CarolAnn Hall. In 1960 they would marry and together, lay their roots in Hastings on Hudson, raising their 6 children in the house he built. As a dedicated husband and father, he provided all that his family needed with love and encouragement. He owned his own business (Farragut Home Improvement), in addition to being a building inspector for an Insurance company based in New York CIty. Retiring to Easy Street in Port Charlotte, Florida in 2004, he loved having visitors and watching them enjoy playtime in the pool. Of all the titles Bill has held through the years, his favorite was Grandpa. He made it a tradition to accompany each of his 14 grandchildren on their very first trip to Disney World ensuring they had the most magical time of their lives. These memories hold a special significance for each one of them and will always be cherished.

He possessed a passion for photography, and was always ready with his camera to capture special moments . His dedication was such that he even established a darkroom in the crawl space of his New York home. As technology evolved and film transitioned to digital, he often quipped, "Take the picture, you can always delete them!"—a mantra he lived by, although he seldom found the need to delete any. He delighted in recounting the stories behind each still image, eagerly sharing anecdotes that breathed life into his captured moments.

His legacy of service, kindness and integrity will forever be remembered by those who had been lucky enough to interact with him. BIll is survived by his wife of 63 years Carol, his 6 children: Marty (Ann) Gunther, Nancy Palmieri, Maureen (Greg) Bassmann, Michael (Cathy) Gunther, Peter (Maria) Gunther, and Karen (Ike) Kuzio, his 14 grandchildren: Justin, Olivia & Caroline Gunther, Robert & Max Palmieri, Amanda & Joey Bassmann, Bryan, Thomas & Sean Gunther, Alyssa & Sophia Gunther and Aiden & Ryan Kuzio, his sisters-in-laws AliceMarie Borash and Marilyn Gunther in addition to many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass is planned for Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Matthew’s RC Church, Hastings. Interment at Rose HIll Cemetery in Putnam Valley.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests sending donations in BIll’s name to Blythedale Children’s Hospital, Attn: Development Department, 95 Bradhurst Avenue, Valhalla, NY 10595.