In Memory of William J. Obernesser, Jr.

Obituary

William J. Obernesser, Jr., 67, of Rome, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

For those who knew Bill, life with him was “a long, strange trip” filled with family, friendships, love, and laughter. He had an uncanny ability to make people smile with his quick wit, perfectly timed one-liners, and infectious sense of humor. Whether you knew him for decades or had just met him, you walked away feeling like you had found a friend.

His love of the Grateful Dead and jam band music wasn’t just about the songs it was about the community, the journey, and the people who shared the ride. The music became the soundtrack to a life well lived, one built on loyalty, kindness, and unforgettable memories. He believed the music never stopped because it lived on in every friendship, every story, and every gathering of those he loved.

Some of his happiest days were spent beneath the summer sun at Saratoga Race Course, surrounded by lifelong friends. There, conversations flowed as easily as the music, stories grew richer with every telling, and every race was another chance to celebrate life together. Those friendships were treasures he carried with him throughout his life.

He also dedicated countless hours to the games he loved. As a girls’ high school basketball assignor, official, and coach of multiple high school sports, he became far more than an administrator or referee. He was a mentor, teacher, encourager, and friend. The players, coaches, officials, and colleagues whose lives he touched are far too many to name, but each carries a piece of his legacy. His fairness, integrity, humor, and genuine care for others earned him respect both on and off the court.

As much as he loved the music, the games, and the friendships, his real love that will not fade away was his family.

His greatest joy was his loving wife and the love of his life, Jacquie (Gydesen) Obernesser, and his son, Nolan Obernesser. He was also blessed with children whom he loved as his own: Travis Richards (Sandy Okun Richards) and Maegan Richards Scialdone (Jason Scialdone). Bill knew that family was defined not only by blood, but by the love, commitment, and memories shared throughout a lifetime.

Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than his grandchildren: Maya, Eden, Peytrah, Liliana, and Sylvia. They were the light in his eyes, the laughter in his heart, and the future he was so proud to watch grow.

Bill was a devoted son whose love and admiration for his parents, William Obernesser Sr and Lorraine (Wheelock) Obernesser, remained with him throughout his life. The values they instilled in him; kindness, loyalty, and resilience helped shape the man so many came to know and love. He was also a loving brother, a trusted colleague, and the kind of friend everyone hopes to have—steadfast, generous, and always ready with a story, a laugh, or a helping hand.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jacquie; his son, Nolan; his children, Travis and Maegan, and their spouses, Sandy and Jason; and his beloved grandchildren, Maya, Eden, Peytrah, Liliana, and Sylvia. He is also survived by his mother, Lorraine (Wheelock) Obernesser; brothers Dean (Carol Martin Obernesser) Obernesser and Matthew (Diane Noonan-Obernesser) Obernesser; nephews Brandon and Ryan; nieces Madison, Shyanne, and Corrina; great nephews Julian and Luca Obernesser and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Gabrielle Obernesser; his father, William Obernesser Sr.; his grandparents, Francis Wheelock and Edna VanNort Wheelock; and Albert Obernesser and Eileen Simmons Obernesser.

His chair may now be empty, but his song is not over. It lives on in every game played with integrity, every summer afternoon spent with old friends, every Grateful Dead song that fills the air, every shared laugh, and every gathering of the family he cherished most.

The funeral will be on Tuesday, July 21 at 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated.  Calling hours will be Monday, July 20, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Canadaigua Econo Lodge for the extraordinary kindness and compassion.  We are humbled by the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and compassion that has embraced our family. Your kindness, prayers, and shared memories have lifted our spirits, touched each of our hearts, and reminded us that love truly lives on.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to be made to the Central Valley Academy William (Obie) J. Obernesser Jr. Scholarship Fund, established to support a graduating student, a tribute Bill would have deeply appreciated.

Fare you well, Obie. Thank you for the music, the memories, the laughter, and the love. We’ll keep truckin’ together until we meet again, and somewhere down the road, we’ll all find ourselves back in the same song. Our love for you is real and will not fade away.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.