William J. "Bill" Gerstner, Jr., 76, of Utica, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, New Hartford, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born October 28, 1938, in Utica, the son of William J. and Sandra (Zelnio) Gerstner. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from Utica Free Academy and later attending Mohawk Valley Community College. Bill had worked for Bendix Corps. and later for Lucas Aerospace in Utica, retiring after over thirty years. He then went on to work part-time for both the US Post Office in Utica and also the Utica Observer-Dispatch. On July 23, 1960, Bill married Nancy Bice in Utica. He had been a member of the former St. Francis de Sales Church in Utica. Bill enjoyed playing pool, especially at Hippo's House of Billiards in Yorkville. He also loved purchasing new "gadgets" he would see on TV. Bill is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Karen and Paul Ferrone, New Hartford; Krista and Glen Klopotek, Rome, Kelly Gerstner Gregory, Utica; two sons and daughters-in-law, William III and Philomena Gerstner, Utica, Bryan and Jennifer Gerstner, Utica; ten grandchildren, Nikkole Ferrone, Paul Ferrone, Jr., Giavanna Gerstner, Santina Gerstner, Kayla Gerstner, Derek Klopotek, Justin Gerstner, Cortnie Gerstner, Samantha Gerstner, Brittany Gregory, as well as six great grandchildren. He is also survived by many close friends at Hippo's, including John Bello, Sr., Utica. Bill is predeceased by a brother, Jon Gerstner, who passed away January 6 of this year. Mr. Gerstner's funeral will be held on Monday, February 16, 2015, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Boonville Cemetery in the spring. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica, Sunday evening from 4 - 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to the American Cancer Society in Bill's memory.