William P. La Claire, 82, passed into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday November 21, 2006. Bill was born in Utica on April 17, 1924 a son of the late Lewis and Mary (Saunders) La Claire. On June 7, 1947 at Sacred Heart Church, Utica he married Jean Blair a blessed union of 60 years. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. For 39 years until his retirement in 1986 he was employed with the West End Brewing Co. Bill was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church and the Men's Club of the Church, Teamsters Union Local #182, Whitestown American Legion Post #1113, and the Schuyler Senior Citizens. In retirement Bill enjoyed senior trips with his inseparable spouse, his New York Yankees, card games especially cribbage and puzzles of all kinds. Bill will be best remembered for his witty and clever humor displayed in speech and poem as master of ceremonies at countless functions. He was forever "Mr. Fix-it" helping friends and family in time of need. Bill is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Jean, a daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Alan Davis, New Hartford, two sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael La Claire, Ilion, and James and Deborah La Claire, Utica, six wonderful grandchildren, Laurie Burns and her husband, David, Colleen Davis, Stacey La Claire, Kristin La Claire, Joseph La Claire, and Thomas La Claire, two precious great granddaughters, Katie and Bridget Burns, and several nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by three sisters, Alice Monaghan, Eleanore Crask and Jane Babiarz, two brothers, John and Richard La Claire and his in-laws, Joseph and Viola Blair. Mr. La Claire's funeral will be held on Saturday November 25, 2006 at 9:45 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 10:30 from Sacred Heart Church, Utica. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday from 2-4 & 7-9. Those so wishing may make donations to Sacred Heart Church or the Rescue Mission of Utica. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Fr. John Flanagan, Dr.'s Sam Gooldy and Thomas Ryan, the staffs of the Heritage Rehabilitation Center and St. Elizabeth's Hospital for all the kindness shown to Bill.