Saratoga Springs, NY - Sgt. Elijah Phillip Willette passed away Monday, Feb. 18, 2013. He was 25. Born on Oct. 18, 1987 in Glens Falls, NY, he was the son of Janet (Charles D.) Gray II and Mark (Sherri) Willette. Elijah was a hero to all who knew him, especially his mother. He enlisted in the Army National Guard at the age of 18. Elijah was stationed in Latham, NY. He also deployed with the 10th Mtn. Div. to Iraq. He was modest about what he did as a soldier for his country and did it all with a heart larger than life. Elijah enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, video games with his brother Josiah and playing cards with his brother Kaz. His greatest love was his family, spending time and making memories with them. Elijah had the honor of having an extended family, his brothers he served with. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and comrades. In addition to his parents, Elijah is survived by his brothers, Kaz (Tai) St. John and Josiah (Amanda) St. John; brother Matthew Willette and sisters Kaitlynn and Kendra Willette; brother Charles D. Gray III; grandparents Joseph and Myrella St. John and Deacon Lawrence and Frances Willette; nephews Davion St. John and Jayson St. John and niece Kendall St. John as well as several aunts and uncles. He also leaves behind two special friends, Sgt. Jeffrey Doring and Garijon Dunbar. Relatives and friends may call from 4pm to 8pm Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave. by the Very Rev. Paul J. Borowski, C.Ss.R. Burial with military honors will be at 1pm Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkfuneralhome.com.