William J. (Bill) Engelbrecht

Ilion – William J. “Bill” Engelbrecht, 84, of Ilion (Town of Frankfort), passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at the Abraham House in Rome, NY, with his devoted family by his side.

Born on January 7th, 1941, in Ilion, NY, Bill was the son of the late Rebecca M. (Harris) and Louis N. Engelbrecht, Sr. He attended Ilion High School.

On August 5th, 1967, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Jennett, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk, NY. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, loyalty, and the joy of family.

Bill was last employed by the Town of Frankfort as a truck driver, a job he took pride in and performed with unwavering dedication. Earlier in his career, he worked for the former Library Bureau in Herkimer. He also gave back to his community through his involvement with several local organizations. Bill served as a past governor of the Ilion Moose Lodge and was a proud member of both the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club and the East Herkimer Sno-Riders.

Talented and resourceful, Bill was a self-taught carpenter who enjoyed taking on projects big and small. He was an avid outdoorsman—whether he was hunting in the crisp autumn woods, casting a line on a quiet summer morning, or snowmobiling along the winter trails, Bill found peace and happiness in nature. During the warmer months, he treasured camping adventures with family and friends, including the cherished annual Labor Day trip to Michigan.

Bill was the kind of person who made the world feel a little softer just by being in it. He was always willing to give you the shirt off his back and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Bill showed up—for every family gathering, every milestone, every moment that mattered—and he did so with a quiet reliability that everyone around him treasured. His sense of humor brought light to even the hardest days, and his caring, gentle, and deeply kind spirit left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Mary; his brother, Richard Engelbrecht and wife, Sandy; his Godchildren; many nieces and nephews; cousins; and his beloved house camping crew.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Louis N. Engelbrecht, Jr. and Irving Engelbrecht, along with Irving’s wife, Donna.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Sunday, November 30th, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the locally owned and family-operated Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. A funeral service will follow at 4:00pm in the chapel of the funeral home, with Rev. Paul Catena, pastor of Annunciation Church, officiating. Burial in Cedarville Cemetery will take place in the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Abraham House, 417 N. Washington St., Rome, NY 13440. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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