Obituary of William J. Kemmerer

William J. Kemmerer, Jr., nicknames Bill or Kem, age 81, of Onondaga Trail, Lake Placid, NY died Monday, July 25, 2016 at his home in Lake Placid, NY with his loving wife Candy and his constant companion Gunner at his side after losing his battle with Hepatocellular Cancer. Bill was born January 14, 1935 in Passaic, NJ the son of the late William J.Kemmerer, Sr. and the late Margaret (Novack) Kemmerer of Williams Street in Garfield, NJ. He attended Garfield High School and loved all sports especially baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. He attended Holy Name Church in Garfield, NJ and St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, NY. Bill enjoyed construction and built several homes in both New Jersey and New York. He was a member of the Holy Name Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps and traveled extensively around the United States for national competitions. He was involved with the National Drum Corps and Color Guard National Competitions and wrote books on American Flag Handling and regulations, rifle regulations, and the use and regulations of the Sabar. Bill worked for Bergen County Sheriff's Department, at the county jail in Hackensack, NJ from 1956-1958. In 1958 he joined the Village of Ridgewood, NJ Fire Department where he soon became Lieutenant. He was a bomb disposal expert and trained new recruits and volunteer firefighters, retiring in 1984. Bill married MaryAnn Stanek in 1956 and they had three children, Kathleen, William and Robert. He was disappointed as a Catholic when the marriage ended in divorce. He married his best friend and soulmate, Candy Manookian after they had been best friends for over 41 years and have a daughter, Kristy Manookian. Bill moved to Lake Placid to enjoy all that the Adirondacks have to offer. He loved skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, sailing, as well as, working on his home and property. You could always find Bill outdoors, he didn't let grass grow under his feet. Bill started Lake Placid Snowmobile, Inc., a snowmobile tour guide service which operated for 25 years. He loved meeting people and talked with anyone. In 1985 Bill ran for Mayor of Lake Placid, NY against Robert Peacock, who had been mayor of 26 years, and not been challenged in 15 years. Although he did not win, Bill was proud of the fact it was the greatest voter turnout ever at that time. Bill was a member of DCS and the National Judges Association and was a recognized member of the National Judges, Hall of Fame in 2011. Bill was many things to many people. He was a happy, kind, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He laughed often and always treated his wife Candy, as a princess. His twinkling blue eyes and smile would light up any room he walked into. He believed a clear conscious was a soft pillow. He treated people the way he wanted to be treated. He thanked the Lord each morning for giving him another day. He worked hard, played hard, lived well with an inner strength that comforted others as he began to lose his battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Candy of Lake Placid; his daughter, Kristy Manookian and husband John Greene of Clifton, NJ; His son William Kemmerer III and his wife Tracey of Lake Placid, NY; his son Robert Kemmerer of Florida and his daughter Kathleen Atkins of Texas; He is also survived by his four grandchildren, William Kemmerer IV of Burlington, Vt; MacKenzie Kemmerer of Lake Placid, NY; Kristian Greene of Clifton, NJ and Devin Greene of Clifton NJ. There are also 32 in-laws that will miss him as well. Bill will also be missed by his 100 pound lapdog, Gunner, who has stood by his side (or on his lap) giving Bill quiet strength and comfort during his battle with cancer. Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Margaret Kemmerer. Calling hours will be held Thursday, July 28th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the M.B. Clark, Inc. Funeral Home, 2310 Saranac Ave., Lake Placid, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial and Internment will be held at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, Patterson, NJ at the convenience of the family. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Peaks Hospice, Meals on Wheels, Tri-Lakes Humane Society, the Joshua Fund or the Lake Placid Volunteer Ambulance Service in his memory. Relatives and friends are invited to share a memory, order flowers, upload a photo or leave online condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com .