William J. Grill

William (Bill) J. Grill, 106, of Calcium, NY, died Wednesday afternoon, February 26, 2025 at Upstate Medical Center with family at his bedside.  

Bill was born on February 27, 1918 in Utica, NY, the son of the late James and Hazel Grill. He was a proud 1937 graduate of Watertown High School in Watertown, NY. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Delia (Dee) Hubbard on October 1, 1938 in Antwerp, NY.

Bill started his working career at the Mohican Store on Public Square as a teenager. Bill went on to work for Wonder Bread for 43 ½ years before retiring in 1981. While working at Wonder Bread, he worked as a mechanic, drove large transports but spent most of his career as a salesman and delivered across Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.  After retirement he spent much of his time playing Shuffleboard with friends and was the self-proclaimed champion in his retirement community. He enjoyed spending winters in Clearwater, FL and summers in Clayton, NY.  Bill was life long member of the Teamsters Union, Watertown Elks Lodge #496 and the Black River Fire Department.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Gary and Janet Grill of Calcium, son-in-law: Walt Belawicz, his companion Ms. Dawn Blount of 25 years, a cousin Mary Elizabeth (Wright) Kinney, 14 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 24 great great grandchildren, 2 great great great grandchildren and numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth, daughters, JoAnne Harris and Michele Belawicz, companion Alice Rumble, a brother James Grill, and sister Blanche Michalzuk. 

Calling hours will be on Friday, March 7th from 3-5pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home in Watertown, NY, followed by a service at 5pm.  A private burial will be held at a later date in the spring.

Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601. To leave a condolence, go to www.dlcalarco.com.

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