William Dean “Bill” Mathis, age 76 of Fairport, NY passed on Thursday, October 9th, 2025 comforted by his wife and daughter. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Pearl Mathis of Rochester, NY and his in-laws, Francis and Josephine Klehr of Canandaigua, NY and brother-in-law Charles Kalmbacher. Bill is survived by his adoring wife of 51 years, Charleen Mathis. He is also survived by his loving children Kristin (Michael) Munski, Michael (Shaffrayne) Mathis, his beloved granddaughters Keegan and Myla Munski, his sisters Gail Dodd and Carol Kalmbacher and sister and brother in laws Dianne (Jerome) Levin and Wayne (Laura) Klehr-Keyes. Bill is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Bill graduated from Spencerport High School in 1968 as an all-county athlete in men’s soccer, wrestling and track and field. He began his college career at Farmingdale State College in Agriculture and was member of the men’s soccer team. After graduating he was drafted into the United States Army from 1970 to 1972 and was stationed in Italy. He received a National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter M-16 award. After his honorable discharge Bill married Charleen while attending Cornell University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Pomology.
He started his farming career managing Green Acre Farms in Greece, NY and transitioned to Sun Orchard Fruit Company of Burt, NY as the field manager for several apple farms. Bill retired from Sun Orchard after 28 years, during his career Bill was an integral part of The Apple Growers Association and Cooperative Extension. In Bill’s spare time he enjoyed following his son through his cycling career, while also riding and racing himself; winning many awards and medals. Bill was a member of many Empire State Games in Track and Field teams in the 1990’s and placed first often in his age division. Even up until this month Bill enjoyed building car models that reminded him of his love of cars.
The family would like to share special love to Bill’s amazing nurse, Erin Christopher and staff at U of R Hospice Home Care. We would also like to thank Janelle Marsh for her nursing skills and love of our family.
A funeral ceremony will be held at New York State Veterans Cemetery-Finger Lakes (Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery), 6632 NY-96A, Romulus, NY 14541 on Wednesday, October 15th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Bill to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County at 2449 St Paul Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617 or to LollyPop Farm through their website.
Our love and prayers are with you and your family, Char, during this sad time.
Bill you will never be by my side again but you will remain in my heart forever. Rest in peace Brother Dear. Love Carol
Char and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a man of great spiritual depth and wisdom and shared a lot of that with me working in the orchards of Green Acres. We had great talks in those orchards and I benefitted greatly from Bill’s “pearls of wisdom”. RIP dear soldier.
Uncle Bill will be missed. He had a smile and attitude that could make anyone happy in his presence. I have so many fond memories. My favorite memories are of him taking me around, as a child, at the farm. I would ride with him on the tractor and pick apples. 🍎 My thoughts and prayers to Aunt Char, Kristin and Michael.
Rest in peace Bill! Prayers and thoughts are with Char and Kristen and Michael!
Bill will always be in my heart. I treasure all the wonderful times we had together. Love you to the stars and back.
Charleen and family’, I am so sadden of the loss of Bill. My prayers for you and your family. Keep his memory in your hearts forever🙏
Char and family and friends I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill was a great competitor in high school and I understand afterwards, I will always remember him as one of the guys that I frequently worked out with on the wrestling team.
Many years later for one of the more recent class reunions I had a chance to spend time with Bill and Charlene and it was wonderful to see and speak with them.
Bill was funny, smart and handsome, Charleen, and he made a great couple.I’ll miss speaking on the phone with him or texting and seeing him in person later in life was always good for funny anecdotes about time in Spencerport.
Charleen, I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. My condolences go out to you and your family at this very difficult time. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for your comfort and peace.
Char, Kristin and Michael,
So very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I had the pleasure of working alongside and learning from Bill for a few years at Sun Orchard, but for many years in the NY apple industry. He was a very deep minded sole, that took his meaning in life very seriously, his purpose in life with enthusiasm and his intelligence to the extreme. Bill was over the moon proud of his family, Char, Kristin and Mike. A true farmer, that understood the land, its needs and its potential, Bill loved manipulating and managing an apple tree to provide the best opportunity for the tree to produce its fruit. He was at times a horticultural magician. His smile and sense of humor will be missed, my deepest sympathies to Char and his family.
Char, my love and prayers are with you, Kristin and Michael.
Dear Char, my deepest sympathies to you and your famfamily. Even though we haven’t been in touch, I have thought about you two as the years passed. A lot of great memories of our class of “68”. GOD bless Bill as his new adventure begins. Still as handsome as HS.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in William’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
My thoughts and prayers to Char and all of Bill’s family during this difficult time!
Char, Kristin and Michael: I am shocked and saddened by Bill’s passing. For many years he was not only a valued employee but a true friend. We spent many hours together and I learned so much from his knowledge and insight of horticulture and apple physiology. His smile was infectious and he was a joy to be around, even when he went through that vegetarian phase. Everyone at Sun Orchard sends you their very best wishes.
My boys grew up with Bill and Charleen’s son Mike in Greece.
I only met Bill a few times and could tell he is a great person right from the start.. Mr apple the apple man, is well known around here!
Rest in peace
There are few people who make a lasting impression on your life, good or bad. Bill was one of the good guys! Bill and Char have been my family’s friends for over 50 years . The Olson family could tell stories for hours about Bill. His humor shown with that contagious laugh, the charm of his smile, his constant energy to stay active, endless accomplishments, intellect, compassion for others, his heart for humanity, his courage, his connection with nature, his spiritual wisdom, and most of all his deep love and pride for his family. He was a treasure to all of us who were lucky to have spent time with him on this journey through life. My prayers for Char, Kristen, and Mike that you frequently be visited by beautiful memories of his life. With love! ❤️
Our thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends at this sad time.