Obituary of William D. VanFleet

William Dellwood VanFleet, 99, of Trumansburg, NY, moved from farming on earth to farming in the sky on Tuesday May 9, 2023. Known to most as William, Dad, Grandpa, Studmuffin, Great Grandpa, Uncle Bill or Uncle Willie he was a friend to many. On April 5th, 1924, he was born at home and lived his life on the farm he worked. He was predeceased by his wife, Peg, a son, Robert Bryan, his parents, Percilla Lewis and William Bryan Jennings VanFleet, an incredibly special uncle Charlie, brother Earl, sister Irene and brother-in-law Ted Fletcher, sister Thelma Harford, niece Laurie Fletcher, nephew James Fletcher and by many, many friends. He is survived by his son, David, and daughter-in-law, Nianne (Taber) VanFleet; a cherished granddaughter, Jennifer VanFleet Stratton and her husband Craig Stratton; his very special and well-loved great granddaughters, Ashlynn and Kendall Stratton. Not a day went by that he did not think of his three special girls. His nephew Bill Fletcher shared a very special relationship with him. The two Bills spent lots of good times together over the years and made wonderful memories. Walter Harford, his brother-in-law, shared many good times at the lake together. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as special friends too many to mention. He spent almost three years at Seneca View where the staff cared for his every need. He was the "sugar daddy" as he supplied candy to staff at Seneca View. As his granddaughter said, "he is now in heaven serving candy to the angels". He was creative, caring, bossy, an amazing storyteller, a traveler, tractor driving, spunky, loving, history remembering man. On Friday before his death, as his time was trickling away, Jennifer told him she loved him and his response was "you better I am the only grandpa you got". Please remember him with stories, by sharing some hard candy, remembering his love of women, his love of the land and the closeness he shared with his neighbors and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 1-2 pm at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY. Bill's memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Mecklenburg Fire Department or take a walk and remember him for a few moments. May he rest in Peace.