William H. McMordie, 88, entered into rest Tuesday morning (Sept. 30, 2025) at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Hornell on Apr. 17, 1937 he was the son of the late William and Oletha (Foster) McMordie. On Oct. 25, 1969 he was married in Howard, NY to Linda (Havens) McMordie, who predeceased him on Apr. 18, 2018 after 48 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his cousin, Elaine Hannah Boehme, aunt, Winona (William) Shearer and uncle, Howard (Louise) Foster.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Bill was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1956. He proudly served his country with the United State Marine Corps from 1956 to his honorable discharge in 1958.
After his military service he returned to Hornell and began his employment for the former Erie-Lackawanna Railroad before becoming employed as a Police Officer for two years for the City of Hornell. He retired following a 34-year career as a Firefighter for the Hornell City Fire Department. While employed with the Fire Dept. he and his fellow firefighter and dear friend, Donald Kelly, were the “official” Christmas decorators for the City of Hornell.
Bill most enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren who affectionately called him “Pa” or “Grandpa Bill.” He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and spending time at Myrtle Beach. For many years Bill and Linda devoted their time to coaching Cinderella Softball. Bill could often be seen raking the field and building or repairing the dugouts. He also enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and school activities. He was an avid supporter of the Hornell Red Raiders athletics and was a die-hard fan of the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills. Bill was a very talented electrician and in his spare time he would do electrical repairs for family and friends.
His family was the most important thing to him in life. He would say they were his future. Bill not only touched the lives of his family but so many others in unique, kind, and unselfish ways.
He is lovingly survived by his three children, William McMordie (Valerie Trerise) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Kelley Argentieri (Michael Pantuso) and Amy (Thomas) Mayo all of Hornell; seven grandchildren, Samuele (Bethany) Argentieri, Lia Argentieri, Ava Argentieri, Cole McMordie, Taylor McMordie and Raelyn Mayo; and one great-grandson, Mason Argentieri; as well as many fellow firefighters, close friends and neighbors. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his caregivers that provided Bill with respectful, loving and dignified care during his illness.
Calling hours are 2-5 p.m. SUNDAY (Oct. 5, 2025) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. MONDAY (Oct. 6, 2025). While enroute to the cemetery, the procession will pause in front of the Hornell City Fire Dept. (108 Broadway) where “Last Call” will take place. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.
The United States flag and the Marine Corps flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Bill’s military service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to CareFirst, NY Inc., 3805 Mead Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14807, the Hornell High School Alumni Assoc., P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.
The Bishop-Johnson & Desanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Bill’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Bill are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
