William E. Updike

William E. Updike

84, of Dresden, NY:  Our dad, also known as Bill, Uppie, Poppy, Wild Willy and Good Will Bill, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on September 7, 2026.

While we will miss him forever, we are comforted knowing he is in Heaven, enjoying a huge feast with friends, and watching over all of us.

Dad was born in Medina, NY on June 3, 1942. His parents, Ken and Thelma (Skuse) Updike, along with his siblings Mary Ellen, Jeannie, and Kay, were raised in Border City, NY. In March 1962, dad went on a blind date and met the love of his life Mary Nelson. After graduating from Geneva High School in 1962, he joined the US Navy and became a helicopter mechanic. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia before being deployed overseas on the USS Sylvania.

While still stationed in Norfolk, it was not uncommon for dad to hitchhike home to spend time with his future bride whenever he had leave. Dad was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1966 and started working for The American Can Company in Geneva where he remained for

several years before taking a job with NYSEG, Greenridge Station, in Dresden in 1972. He was employed there for 27 years as a machinist and made many lifelong friends.

Mom grew up in Dresden and her greatest gift to her community was marrying dad and moving him there in 1965. Dad knew from a young age his life’s purpose was to be of service to others. It didn’t matter who you were, if you needed something done, dad was there to help. Anything.

Any hour of the day. That is why mom started calling him “Good Will Bill”. And to the very end, dad was giving to others, not just his family, whatever and whenever he could. Dad was an active 50+ year member of the Seneca Lake Lodge #308, the Vermilyea Christensen American Legion post, the Dresden Fire Department, the Dresden Methodist Church and the Seneca Lake Duck Hunter’s Club. He was scoutmaster of the Dresden Boy Scout Troop #82, helping several young men earn their Eagle Scout awards. He was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Memorial in Dresden, helped organize the 150th Anniversary of the establishment of Dresden and marched in every Memorial Day celebration for as long as we can remember. This Memorial Day he was given the honor of Grand Marshall. He showed us what it meant to truly lead a life of service.

Dad is missed deeply by his wife of 61 years, Mary and us, their four lucky children: Brenda (Brian) Morgan, Doug (Christine) Updike, Patty Dean, and Sara (Justin Finizio) Updike. He also leaves behind his sisters Jeannie Morison and Kay (Ernie) Brownell as well as his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Elise & Herb Goodman and Carl & Mary Nelson. He was also a very proud Poppy to his grandchildren: Colin LaSalle, Matthew Morgan, Josh Updike, Kyle Finizio, Stephanie Updike, Jonathan Morgan, Allie Dean and Haylie Finizio. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his in-laws Harry & Virginia Nelson, his sister and brother-in law Mary Ellen and Kenny Besley, his sister-in-law Rose Dobbertin, and his brother in-law Russel Morison.

We would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the VA for everything they did to help us care for dad this past year, as well as his care givers: Walter, Bambi, Kimberly and Jamie. A huge Thank You to Dr. Mike Pichichero for your faithful friendship, guidance, love, and support you have given our family during dad’s battle with ALS. And to the community of Dresden, his neighbors and friends: Thank you! We appreciate every act of kindness you showed our family, especially in the past year.

We know dad would like us to give a very special thank you to Haylie and Allie, his two youngest granddaughters who helped take such good care of him for the past several months and remained by his side until he crossed.

A funeral and celebration of life will be held at the Dresden United Methodist Church on Sunday October 11, 2026. Visitation/Calling hours will be from 1pm-3pm with the service to follow. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery Dresden, NY.

In honor of Dad please consider doing an act of kindness for someone else. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to: ALS (online at www.ALS.org), or Dresden United Methodist Church (PO Box 172), or Dresden Fire Department (PO Box 35), or Seneca Lake Masonic Lodge #308, (PO Box 308), Dresden, NY 14441

Weldon Funeral Home is assisting the family.