William Racey Obituary

William Ross Racey - lovingly known as "Uncle Bill" - passed away on April 5, 2025, in Syracuse, New York. He was born on January 3, 1940, in Albany, New York, to Charles R. and Mary G. Racey. Though he spent his retirement years in Florida, Bill always considered himself a proud Syracusan and returned home in his final years.
A graduate of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Bill served two years in the U.S. Army before beginning a long and respected career in banking. He joined Merchants National Bank (which later became OnBank and then M&T Bank) in Syracuse, retiring in 1998 as a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer.
Bill was deeply engaged in civic and economic development. He was appointed to the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council by Governor George Pataki and served on the board of the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation and the Loan Committee of the Greater Syracuse Development Corporation. Previously, he was a board member and Treasurer of both the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse and the Upstate Chapter of the American Heart Association. He also served on the board and Executive Committee of the New York State Affiliate of the American Heart Association.
He was a member of the Advisory Board of Francis House and a Trustee of Oakwood Cemetery. Bill was also a member of the Skaneateles Golf and Country Club, where he enjoyed time with friends and neighbors.
After moving to Florida, Bill embraced a more relaxed pace of life and discovered new creative passions. He took up watercolor painting, where he especially excelled in landscapes and house portraits. He and Ann also enjoyed attending performances at the local Venice Community Theater and the symphony, becoming a devoted supporter of the arts in his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his beloved partner of over 40 years, Ann Keeney; his parents, Mary Garver Racey and Charles R. Racey; and his brother, Robert Garver Racey.
Bill was affectionately known as "Uncle Bill" by many. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth R. Epstein; five nieces and nephews - Debbie Farenelli, Ronald Racey, Charles Racey, Mary Epstein, and Chris Epstein - and eight grandnieces and grandnephews.
A small, private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Francis House or a local charity
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