Obituary of William Filipski

Mr. William "Bill" Filipski, age 82,of 38 Top Notch Rd., Little Falls founder of the Little Falls Lumber Company passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday evening, December 7, 2002 at St. Luke's Healthcare, New Hartford. Bill was born on February 4, 1920 in Little Falls, the son of the late Michael and Michalena (Markowska) Filipski. He received his education in Little Falls Schools and was a lifelong resident of Little Falls. Bill was united in marriage with the former Katherine "Kitty" Doxtader on May 30, 1941 at St. Joseph?s Church in Dolgeville. The couple?s relationship was filled with love and deep commitment to one another and to their family. He enlisted with the United States Navy on January 9, 1945 and was honorably discharged on February 18, 1946. Bill was truly an ambitious successful business man. He owned and operated "Golden Pin Lanes" in Little Falls for many years and was also the owner of the Little Falls Scaffolding Company. He was a major real estate developer of Top Notch Road and built over 350 homes in the area. He also owned and operated Real Estate, Inc., of Little Falls. Bill founded the Little Falls Lumber Company in 1948 and contributed much valuable time to the business and to the customer's her served. Guided by "old fashioned" values he was a firm believer that hard work would pay off. His son Jim joined the company in 1977 and is the general manager and majority owner today. He expanded upon the work of his father. The business operates out of locations in Little Falls, Syracuse and Rochester. Bill retired from active management of the business in 1997. More importantly, he bestowed upon his family his love, his guidance and his generosity. He greatly enjoyed the company of his five grandchildren and was appreciative of the time that he was able to spend with them. Mr. Filipski held memberships with the Little Falls American Legion and the Little Falls VFW. He was a member of the Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Church, Little Falls. Survivors include his loving wife of over 61 years, Kitty of the home address, two sons, Mark W. Filipski and wife Lynn of Short Hills, NJ, James R. Filipski and wife Karen of Little Falls, a daughter, Sharon A. Jablin and husband Herb of Chicago, a brother, James Filipski and wife Marge of North Carolina, three sisters, Jane Adukiewicz of Herkimer, Wanda Noyes of Cooperstown, Helyn Oliver of Little Falls, as well as five cherished grandchildren, Russell and Sarah Filipski and Alexander, Christopher and Jordan Filipski, several nieces, nephews and his beloved canine companion, Honey. He was preceded in death by a brother Teddy Filipski and a daughter Susan Erlanger. The Filipski family will be receiving relatives and friends at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 from 5-8 p.m. A prayer service will be conducted at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Bill's funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 10 am from the chapel of the Enea Funeral Home where prayer will be offered. Procession past Bill?s home and business will follow and will end at Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Church, Gansevoort Street, Little Falls for an 11 o'clock service. The Rev. Marion Pociecha will officiate. Burial will take place this spring in Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Cemetery, town of Herkimer in the family plot. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Holy Spirit Polish National Catholic Cemetery Fund or to the Little Falls Public Library Operating Fund. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family extends its sincere gratitude to all those individuals who offered endless support and encouragement during this difficult time especially Dr. DiFilippo and Dr. Eldredge.