Obituary of William Joseph Tomlin, Sr.

William Joseph Tomlin Sr. was the beloved husband of Juana Tomlin and cherished father of Jessica, William Jr., Mary, Hunter and step son Paul.  William was the son of Thomas Tomlin and Mary Riley.  He was born on April 30, 1958 at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY.

William grew up in the village of Wappingers Falls, a place where everyone knew everyone that he was proud to call home.  He always spoke fondly of his memories growing up in the village, visiting Johnny's corner store, playing baseball with his neighborhood friends, fishing and hunting and ice skating on the lake. 

William had many talents and interests, and his most important role was as a loving father. He dedicated his life to raising his children and to being a proud dad and husband.  He instilled his love of God and Jesus in them.  

He was Jessica’s first and best teacher, encouraging and guiding her to have fun and to love life.  He taught Bill Jr. how to play guitar and how to teach himself by listening to the notes.  He supported Paul in wrestling and fatherhood. When Mary needed strength, she got it from him along with his customary humor and laughter.  He never said no to a catch with Hunter.  

William was the best husband to Juana and together God blessed them with their two youngest children.  He loved being a husband, father and friend to all.  He was a beloved member of his community, treating others with respect and generosity.

He was an amazing musician, lifelong guitarist and song writer.  He used his talents to teach others and share his love of music.  He spent countless hours playing guitar and singing to his children, passing his passion onto them.  

William loved to fish, which he learned as a young boy and continued into adulthood with his sons.  He loved the serenity of being on the water and in nature.  He took time daily to watch the birds and to enjoy the mountains and trees.

Playing baseball was one of his favorite pastimes.  He shared his love of the game with his children, and taught his sons how to pitch and hit, with countless hours in the yard or on the field.  He loved to share his memories going to Yankees Stadium and was a lifelong fan.  He spent many years visiting spring training camps in Florida, collecting autographs and working as a sports photographer.  

William was an avid collector with vast knowledge in many areas.  He collected autographs and memorabilia, and successfully ran his online collectibles business for 25 years.  He loved matting and framing photos and autographs, creating special pieces throughout his life.

William began his long career in hospitality as an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America where he also coached the ice hockey team.  He went on to create a catering business and become a private chef in Palm Beach, Florida.  In his as role food service manager at Vassar Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY he loved taking care of others.

He is survived by his wife Juana Tomlin and his children Jessica, William Jr., Paul, Mary, and Hunter, his sisters Pat Lauricella and Cathye Borman and brother Thomas Tomlin.  He is also survived by his niece Mary and nephews Michael, Adam and Trevor and many other family members. His memory will live on through them.

Family will receive their friends on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street in Wappingers Falls.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, 11 Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wappingers Falls.

For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.