D. William "Bill" Fake

D. William (Bill) Fake, 88, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly at Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, New York with his loving family by his side on December 7, 2022 .  

A lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley, Bill was born on May 24, 1934 in Little Falls, NY, the son of Earl Fake and Evelyn (Schall) Battelini.  Bill was the middle of three siblings, growing up on a farm in Danube, NY where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance and developed his love of the outdoors.  

Bill graduated from Little Falls High School in 1954 and received his Associate’s degree in Automotive Technology from Morrisville State College in 1957. 

On August 30, 1958, Bill married Alice E. Glover and they became residents of Dolgeville where they raised their three children. They shared a union of over 59 years when Alice passed on May 16, 2018.  He loved his children deeply and later, his grandchildren. He always supported his family and sat through his loved ones’ graduations and weddings with tears of joy in his eyes.

He loved cars, stockcar racing, and sharing stories of his days racing in the “dust bowl”, where he fondly earned the nickname of Wild Will. His racing career ended in 1955 at Fonda Motor Speedway in a fiery crash that left him with burns over half his body and resulted in a 14-week hospital stay.  Bill was inducted into Fonda Speedway’s Hall of Fame in 2016 as the recipient of the Pioneer Award recognizing his impact on a change in safety protocol that required drivers to wear fireproof suits.   

Bill began his automotive career working for Lou Cagwin in Newville, NY and Nehr’s Chevrolet in Ilion, NY.  Bill opened his own business, Fake’s Body Shop, in 1964 building it from a two-stall garage to a multi-faceted enterprise.  He performed auto body repair, added the sale of snowmobiles and minibikes, and eventually transitioned to selling cars and offering mechanical services. Fake’s Auto Enterprise is entering its 59th year of business now under the leadership of his son, Ed, who he loved to work with.  Bill loved his job and appreciated all his customers - many who became lifelong friends. Although he “retired” from the business over 20 years ago, you could always find him in his comfy seat in the office making himself available to help when needed and enjoying friendly conversations with anyone who entered.

Bill was an active member in service organizations. He joined the Dolgeville Masonic Lodge #796, Free and Accepted Masons in 1959 and was honored in 2020 for 60 years of service.  He was Master in 1968 and served as the Secretary and a Trustee for many years.  He was appointed District Deputy from 1981-82. He was also a member of the Auskerada Masques Rock City Chapter #204, Order of the Eastern Star and served as Patron multiple years including with his wife, Alice as Matron in 1972. He was a member of the Ziyara Shriners and a lifetime member of the Salisbury Ridgerunners and the NRA.

The Village of Dolgeville was important to Bill. For decades, he has purchased and renovated homes and offered affordable housing for members of the community. He valued his tenants and would help them when needed. He was an active Dolgeville Fireman for over 30 years and a member of the Dolgeville Area Business Association. Bill was a staple in the Dolgeville Village parades driving special guests in his favorite cars.

His happy place was the farm where he grew up. He spent his free time mowing the fields, cutting wood and digging culverts. He always had the biggest smile when he was driving a tractor. He cared about conserving the land and helping wildlife thrive. Although his journey here on earth has come to an end, we find peace that he is always overlooking the Mohawk Valley from the small cabin he built with his brother, Karl. He will forever be a part of that area that he loved so much.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, his loving wife, Alice, his sister, Evelyn (Fake) Molinaro, and his brother, Rick Fake.

Mourning the loss are his children, Lorraine Mott (Bob Baker) of Caroga Lake, NY, Judith Schneeberger (Ron) of Fairfax, VA, Edward Fake (Kathy Fox) of Dolgeville, NY as well as his very special grandchildren & great-grandchildren, Jessica Fredriksen (Brian and their sons, Owen & Jake) of Westford, MA, Briana Taylor (Marcus and their daughter, Chloe) of Lexington, KY, Lauren Connolly (Sean and their children, Liam & Emma) of Coopersburg, PA , Patrick Schneeberger of Denver, CO, Madeleine Schneeberger, Vail, CO, Colin Schneeberger of Fairfax, VA, Jacqueline Gilman (Ron & their newborn daughter, Alice) of Dolgeville, NY and Karlton Fake stationed with the United States Navy Base Joint Base Charleston, SC; his special friend, Irene Tooley; brothers, Earl Fake (Donna) and Raymond Battelini (Sunny); sister, Barbara Curcio (Vince); sister-in-law, Gail Fisher (Ed); brother-in-law, Ron Molinaro; nieces, Debbie Murdie (Chris & their children Erika & Mitchell), Shay Rice (Justice), Christine Fake and nephews, William Fake, Jeffrey Fake,  Brian Molinaro, Michael Molinaro (Christa & their children, Tom & Kateri), Rayme Battelini (Kimber) and Jeff Battelini (Mitzi) and many loyal friends.

Calling hours will be held on Friday evening, December 16, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 12 p.m. (noon) also at the funeral home with Pastor Matt Worley officiating. A reception will follow at the Dolgeville Masonic Temple. All are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dolgeville Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 145, Dolgeville, New York 13329.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Fake family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the guest book.  

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