William E. '"Fritz"' Grower

William "Fritz" Earle Grower, age 81, a resident of the Fitch Rd., passed away on Wednesday, January 16 at the Faxton - St. Luke's Hospital in New Hartford. Born in Fulton, NY on September 16, 1926 he was the son of the late Earle and Maude Grower. Bill attended Forestport Central School, and then became a track man for the New York Central Railroad until he began training at the Sampson's Naval Center in Seneca Falls, NY. In 1944, Mr. Grower enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served in the European Theater of WWII, in the Armed Guard / Merchant Marine as a Fireman 1st Class on the USS George Poindexter and USS Exchequer, receiving Victory, American Theatre, and European Medals. "Fritz" continued to serve this great nation as a Fireman in the US Naval Reserve from 1946 - 1953. After honorable discharge from the US Navy, and until retirement, Bill spent years working at Chicago Pneumatic in Utica, Leonard Lalliers used Auto Parts, and with the Town of Leyden Highway Department. On December 4th 1948, Bill was united in marriage to Arline Geiskopf, in St.Joseph's Church, Boonville, a blessed union of sharing 59 years of family and memories with daughters /son - Sharon Grower and Greg Grower both of Boonville, and Martha Kowalik of Albany. He is also survived by grandchildren - Marsha Caloro of Schaghticoke, Bonnie Rogers of Rome, Ryan Kowalik of Albany, and Great Grandchild Zachary Rogers of Rome, NY. Bill was an active lifetime member at the Sampson's Veteran and Naval Museum for the past 17 years, and served as Executive Trustee. He was also a member of the Charles J. Love PostAmerican Legion, and Harland J. Hennessey Post Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bill was predeceased by brothers and sisters Marie, Vivian, Betty, Patricia, Ted, and Skip. He is survived by Brothers and Sisters - Tom Grower, Margaret "Peg" Grower, Marjorie "Marnie" Brown of Forestport, Jim Grower of Heath, Ohio, Curt Grower of Exeter, NH, and Franklin "Pee Wee" Grower of Boonville. His Funeral Service will be Saturday at 12:30 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, with interment in the spring in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Boonville. Visitation will be on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider contributions to establish a scholarship in his name, in care of P.O. Box 181, Boonville, NY 13309.