William G. "Bill" Swank

William G Swank, 56, lifetime resident of the Ovid/Interlaken area unexpectedly passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, September 17, 2021.

Son of Gordy and Joyce Swank, he was born in Waterloo, NY, on July 1, 1965.  He worked from a young age for Compton Farms and was a 1984 graduate of South Seneca Central School.  Bill pursued his education and earned his CDL license in North Carolina, continuing to work as a diesel mechanic.  Upon his return to Ovid, he worked as a mechanic and drove wrecker for Route 89 Auto. In 1988, he helped his grandfather, Loyd Stedge, with the bulk water hauling business (family owned since 1958), ultimately continuing the business as Willy’s Water, circa 1991 to present. 

The infamous Willy was well known throughout the Finger Lakes region; usually on a first name basis in many eateries, farms, campgrounds, by individual customers and various and sundry others.

He was a loyal and punctual man.  He spent much time with the Compton Family, working for “Uncle” Dick on the farm and “Uncle” Ed at Route 89 Auto.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Julie Dill Swank; the apple of his eye, his daughter, Macy Jane Swank; mother, E. Joyce Swank of Ovid; his favorite sister: Kathreen (TJ) Lavarnway of Ovid; mother-in-law, Linda (Barbara Rosenblum) Beck of Geneva; brother-in-law, Brian Dill; the nephews, Tommy (Stacey) Lavarnway and family, Nathaniel (Kaitlyn) Lavarnway;  the nieces, Karly Lavarnway and family, Kasey (Jarrett) Want and family, Carrie (Moe) Morse, Sarah Albro Lavarnway and Emily Lavarnway; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and several brothers from other mothers and one sister of another mister.

Family and friends, near and far, are invited to come together dressed as you are (in shorts, overalls or your favorite suspenders) to raise a glass of High Quality “Organic” H2O at the American Legion in Trumansburg, from 1:00– 4:00pm, on Sunday, September 26, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation for “Macy the Kid”s future, c/o the Swank Family, 7460 State Route 96, Ovid, NY 14521.

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