William Charles Vereshko
SOUTH PARIS – William Charles Vereshko, 94 of South Paris, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2022 at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris. Bill was born in Manhattan on Nov. 11, 1927, although for most of his life he thought his birthday was Nov. 23 since his mother gave the 23rd as his date of birth when he first enlisted underage in the Navy in December of 1944. Imagine everyone’s surprise to find out his true date of birth when a copy of his original birth certificate was obtained at the age of 75.
Bill was born to Russian immigrants Sam and Mary and was the youngest of six children. Bill joined the Navy initially in 1944 and discharged in 1947, he rejoined in 1951 and final discharge was in 1954, serving honorably in World War II and the Korean Conflict.
Bill married Frances Julia Denert on April 26, 1952, they made their home in Enfield, Conn. and raised their children Deborah, John, Andrea and Daniel.
Frances predeceased Bill in 1976 after 24 years of marriage. Bill later met Beverly (Wing) Conlon at a Parents Without Partners dance, and they married on August 31, 1979. With this union Bill expanded his family and welcomed four additional children, Wayne, Deborah, Patrick and Sandi. Immediately after their marrying they left Enfield, Conn. and moved to their beloved Maine. Beverly predeceased Bill in 2015.
Bill was a dedicated, hard worker who took pride in whatever task was at hand both home and work. Bill loved his job as a custodian for the Oxford Hills School district and took great pleasure in making sure whatever school he was working at was always at its best for the children and staff.
He loved the outdoors, whether it be working on his meticulous lawn or creating memories canoeing or rafting with his family. He loved adventure, taking scenic road trips, hiking, and biking. Bill was also an amazing cook and baker, holiday meals will always be remembered, and his menus have become a tradition as his legacy lives on. His homemade rolls and sticky buns were a thing of beauty and irresistible.
The greatest importance to Bill was always his family for whom he loved with his whole heart. As his family grew and he was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he especially loved spending time with them building memories that will be treasured always.
Besides Frances and Beverly, Bill was predeceased by his oldest son, John.
In addition to his eight children, Bill leaves behind his grandchildren Joseph, Susan, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Christopher, Adam, Matthew, Dylan, Jessica, Jennifer, James and Justin. He also leaves behind too many great-grandchildren to mention by name, except for Emma and Mikenzee who spent a great deal of time with their “Big Umpy”, as they called him. His eyes and smile would light up the world whenever he saw them.
Bill’s love, humor and enthusiasm for life lives on and will become his legacy. To truly know the man was to love him.
“It fell one day. Where it had dauntless stood was loneliness and void. But men who passed paid tribute – and said, ‘To know this life was good. It left its mark on me. Its work stands fast. And so it lives. Such life no bonds can hold – This giant pine, magnificent and old.’ ” Georgia Harkness
The family would like to extend its gratitude and sincere appreciation to Maine Veterans Home South Paris for their amazing support, care and compassion they provided for the past seven years to Dad. We will forever be grateful. Also, to Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice for their care in ensuring dad passed in peace and comfort.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 12 p.m. with funeral service at 12:30 p.m. at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford with interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Norway.
Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com
Donations may be made to the
Maine Veterans Home
477 High St.
South Paris, ME 04281 or
Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice
15 Strawberry Ave.
Lewiston, ME 04260