In Memory of William J. “Obie” Obernesser

Obituary

William J. Obernesser (Obie) 1939-2026

Obie, 86, of New Hartford passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at The Siegenthaler Center in New Hartford, with his loving family by his side.

Obie was born in Utica on September 3, 1939, the son of Albert and Eileen (Simmons) Obernesser. He was raised in Utica/New Hartford and was a graduate of New Hartford High School; where he accelerated in Basketball and Baseball.

On May 24, 1958, He married his high school sweetheart Lorraine Mae Wheelock at St. John’s Church in New Hartford. Together they shared 68 years of Love, Travel and Memories. For 38 years, Obie was employed at NYSDOT. Obie coached Little League Baseball for many years in New Hartford; as well as American Legion Baseball for New Hartford Post 1376. Obie brought home New Hartford Post’s first Oneida County Championship in 1985.

After Obie’s coaching career, he became involved in umpiring baseball. Obie also spent many years refereeing Girls Basketball; up to and including NCAA Division I College Basketball. He also officiated Girls Soccer and became the President of the Girls Soccer Referee Association. He was also the Assignor for the Girls Basketball for years. Obie and Lorraine enjoyed over 20 years of Snowbirding in Jensen Beach, Fl. Obie and Lorraine traveled throughout Europe with his brother Albert and his wife Donna. They also enjoyed cruising with friends and vacationing in the Caribbean.

Obie is survived by his beloved wife Lorraine; three sons and daughters-in-law, William Jr. and Jacqueline Obernesser of Floyd; Dean and Carol Obernesser of Rome and Matthew and Diane (Noonan) Obernesser of Colorado.

Obie is also survived by his siblings Albert (Donna), James (Mary Lou), Robert (Susan), Eileen (John) Jungbluth, Karen (Len) Lascala, Michael (Sharon), John and Sisters-in-Law Jane and Lou Ann. Obie is also survived by one of his greatest joys of his life, his grandchildren Branden (Renee), Ryan (Christina), Nolan, Madison, Shyanne, Corrina; and Two Great Grandchildren Julian and Luca. Obie leaves behind many nieces and nephews; as well as several cousins and close friends. He is pre-deceased by his parents Al & Eileen and brothers Peter and Paul.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Memory Care Facility in Clinton, NY and the staff at the Siegenthaler Center for their care, compassion and love that they all showed Obie.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd, New Hartford.  A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist church in New Hartford. Interment will follow Mass at Litchfield (Kinne) Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the Alzheimer Association or the Siegenthaler Center in honor of Obie.

Online expressions of sympathy may be shared at fwefh.com.