William “Bumpa” Lavier, 81, of Barneveld, passed away on November 19, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

    He was born on December 28, 1943, in Malone, New York, the son of William C. Lavier and Leona Kent Lavier.  They moved to Rome, New York and then to Ohio, New York, where William attended Poland Central School.  

     As a teen, William worked with John Haskell, owner of Haskell’s Hotel, at his gas pump across the road from the hotel.  He also worked for Delhi Nursery planting trees on the St. Lawrence Seaway.  Then, he worked for Lyndecker Logging.

     William moved to Utica as a young man and worked at Utica Household Furniture.  It was during that time he met the love of his life, Terry Zalewski.  They married at a church in Ohio, New York, and were married for 57 years until her death in 2022.

     William was then drafted into the United States Army.  He belonged to the “Blackhorse Trooper” Eleventh Armored Calvary Regiment, 20 Squadron.  He was transported to Vietnam from 1968-1970.  He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service while serving in the republic of Vietnam.  He also was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Overseas Bars, Sharpshooter, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

     For many years William served as a Scoutmaster through the Herkimer Council of Boy Scouts in Poland, New York.  He was also a baseball coach for the East Utica Baseball League.  He retired as a Mason for the City of Utica Department of Public Works after 34 years of service.

     William also was active in bowling, hunting, traveling with his family, and playing a game of pitch or poker with the guys.  He was a handyman and made wooden projects for his family.

     He is survived by his children, Master Sergeant (Retired) William (Elizabeth) Lavier II of Whitesboro, daughter, Desiree (Jeffrey) Christman of Utica, son, Philip (Melanie) Lavier of Utica, daughter-in-law Jackie Lavier (Benton Ketron), grandchildren Mark (Allyssa) Clemons, Olivia Clemons (Mandy), Cheyenne Petrillo-Lavier (Edgar), Aliya (Anthony) Tarbania, Avrie Park, and Evan Park; great grandchildren, Brantley and Kenley Clemons, Luna Hernandez, and Roman Brinkerhoff, his brother Alfred (Eileen) Lavier, brother-in-law James (Sandra) Zalewski, and sister-in-law Maryellen Kowiatek.  He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Terry Zalewski Lavier in 2022, his son Sergeant Aaron Lavier (Jackie) in 2010, his brother David, sister Juliet, and his in-laws Alexander (Lila) and Alberta (Raymond).

     William’s family would like to thank the staff at the Verona Cancer Center, especially Kim Penner and Dr. Ramovic, the VA Primary Staff, Dr. Dinn, Dr. Ali, and their support staff.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to William’s funeral on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:00 Am at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. He will be laid to rest, with military honors at St. Stanislaus & St. Casimir Cemetery in Whitesboro. Visitation for family and friends is Friday, November 28th from 4:00-7:00 PM.

     Please omit floral offerings and consider donating to the Aaron M. Lavier Memorial Scholarship fund, awarded to a student in the NJROTC program at Notre Dame High School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be sent directly to the Notre Dame High School NJROTC program.