William Joseph Tomford of Pearl River, NY, passed away peacefully in his home on July 20, 2022. He was 84 years old. Mr. Tomford (Bill) was born on January 21, 1938 in Jamaica, Queens to William and Katherine (Giegerich) Tomford.
Bill attended Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, NY, graduating in 1956. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree of History from St. John’s University in 1972.
Bill proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 to 1961. He had the honor of serving as an armed guard for President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. In addition, he served as an armed guard at Camp David. On June 15, 1963 Bill married the love of his life, Bonnie Ann Bunce, of Peterborough, NH. In April of 1964 they welcomed their first son, Michael and in December of 1965 their second son, Christopher. In 1974 the Tomford family moved from Queens to Pearl River, NY. Bill worked as a Systems Analyst for Orange and Rockland Utilities for over twenty years, retiring in 1998. Bill will be remembered for his deep faith in Christ, his love and dedication to his family, and his outspoken patriotism.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Bonnie; his two sons, Michael (Judith) of Gouverneur, NY and Christopher (Seton) of Monroe, NY; his eight grandchildren Matthew (Katelyn), David (Julia), Christian, Nathaniel, Mark, Sara, Georgia, and Ava; his great-granddaughters Flora, Elliora, and Joanna and his brother, Raymond Tomford of Massapequa, NY.
Calling hours are Tuesday, July 26, 2022, 4:00-7:00pm at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc. The funeral is Wednesday, July 27, 2022, 10:00am at the funeral home.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of William J. Tomford, please visit our floral store.