Corinth, NY - On Friday, April 2, William R. Jeske, passed away at the age of 78 at his home. Bill was born on May 20, 1942 in Troy, New York to the late William and Doris (Ashdown) Jeske. He spent his childhood in Ushers, New York where he attended Shenendehowa Schools. After serving in the Air National Guard for six years, he began his 36-year career with Pitney Bowes as a Service Technician. His work brought him to Hilton Head, SC and Gainesville, FL where he made lifelong friends before returning home to New York to be near his family.

Bill loved making music and was well known as a guitar player and singer in the Jeske Family Country Band with his parents and siblings. He raised two sons, Bill and Ray, who he was very proud of. He coached their sandlot baseball team and always loved spending time with them. He was former President of the Plattsburgh Jaycees, when he resided in Rouses Point, NY. He also enjoyed being involved with American Legion Post 70 and was a member of Gainesville Elks Lodge 990.

Bill loved to fish, hunt, and spent many years traveling with Millie. He was a people person with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed sitting by the fire, sharing stories and jokes. When his father took him to Fenway Park at the age of ten, he met baseball legend Ted Williams and became a lifelong Red Sox fan. Weekends would find him relaxing, watching sports (especially the Florida Gators), and playing golf with family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother Fred. Survivors include his loving sons Bill (Terri) and Ray of Corinth, NY; granddaughter Carol Jeske of Sebring, FL; sisters Susan (John) Bondz of Wildwood, FL, Carol (Terry) Turney of Porter Corners, NY,  Melodie (Joe) Monica of Hadley, NY and his love Millie Tomisman of Palm Harbor FL. He will also be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends who loved him.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, April 8th from 4:00-7:00pm at the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank his many doctors, nurses, and medical staff for the great care he received. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gainesville Elks Lodge 990, 2424 NW 23rd Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.