William F. "Wild Bill" Locy

William F. Locy, 74

Canton – William "Wild Bill" Locy, 74, passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2024, with his family by his side and under the care of St. Lawrence Valley Hospice. Born on November 2, 1950, in Gouverneur, NY, to Robert Sr. and Loana (LaVare) Locy, he was the fifth of fifteen children. A 1969 graduate of Hugh C. Williams High School, William proudly served two tours in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps.

After his service, William began his culinary journey under Mama Violi at Violi's Restaurant in Massena. He later became the executive chef at Maxfield's Restaurant and ended his career with beloved years as the executive chef at Cavallario's in Alexandria Bay. For over 20 years, William owned and operated his lawn care and snow removal business, William Homework's, Inc.

William was predeceased by his second wife, Elizabeth Kahn; his parents, Robert and Loana Locy; his brothers, Robert Locy, James Locy, Christopher Locy, and Michael Locy; his sister, Deidra Locy; and sister-in-law, Elise (Lee) Locy.

He is survived by his wife, Melanie Locy; his children, Hayley Locy, Aaron Locy, Will Locy Kahn, and PJ Locy; and his siblings, Patrick Locy, Aloysius Locy, Daniel Locy, Katherine (Locy) Barber, Roxanne Locy, Joseph Locy, Marta (Locy) Milos, Renee (Locy) Wooster, and Paul Locy. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

William deeply valued his connections in the Canton area. For over 20 years, he was a regular at the 10 a.m. coffee group, meeting five days a week and enjoying their camaraderie. He was grateful to share one final gathering with them at home before his passing. In his earlier years, William drove for McCarthy's trucking and served with the Hermon Fire Department. He took pride in seeing his sons, Will and PJ, carry on this tradition in the fire service. A man with a love for music, William was once a member of the Canton Barbershop Quartet and had the joy of singing with them one last time in June 2024. Travel brought William immense joy, a passion he first explored with Liz on trips to Louisville, Chicago, Paris, Florence, and throughout the Caribbean, as well as the French and U.S. Virgin Islands. He cherished many adventures, especially most recently a trip with Melanie, Hayley, and Aaron to Myrtle Beach, sponsored by the Jack and Jill Cancer Foundation.

William was passionate about the outdoors and treasured his time hunting with his best friend, Melissa Schulenberg. As an avid fisherman, he spent many warm days on the water with his son Aaron, his favorite fishing buddy, as well as with dear friends Don Meissner, David Swanson, and Melissa Schulenberg. William adored watching his daughter Hayley perform, whether at competitions, recitals, or simply dancing around the living room. He was endlessly proud of her and believed she was the most incredible dancer. Together with Melanie, William hosted a community fishing camp at their home for 10 years, creating unforgettable memories and opportunities for over 300 local children. Seeing the joy this camp brought to so many brought them immense happiness. A wine connoisseur, William loved sharing his passion and knowledge about wine with everyone he met, delighting in connecting with others over a great bottle.

William was a big fan of the St. Lawrence University men's hockey team and was always loud in the crowd at Appleton Arena, known for his go-to: "C'mon, Ref!" He was always there to help others in the community, even when he was facing his own health struggles. No matter what, William showed up when someone needed him. Over the years of William's life, he made the most amazing friends, life stories to share, and made himself present wherever he went. To all who knew him, he was Wild Bill.

William was thankful for the care he received at the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center in Ogdensburg and from his team at Canton Kinney Drugs. Both teams were a great help and support to him and his family. In his final days, William was deeply touched by the kindness and support from the SLU and Canton communities.

Calling hours for William will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and again 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Gunnison Chapel on the St. Lawrence University Campus with Rev. Shaun Whitehead, Officiating.  William then will be buried at St. Mary's cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center, 5 Lyons Place; Ogdensburg, New York 13669 or online at claxtonhepburn.com/foundation.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for William "Wild Bill" Locy are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton.