IN MEMORIAM: William E. Aufmuth;

Tree Service Owner Dies Suddenly At 56

COOPERSTOWN – William E. Aufmuth, a lifelong resident of Cooperstown whose love for wood made him known as an expert arborist and sculptor, died unexpectedly Friday afternoon, March 30, 2018, at Bassett Hospital. He was 56.

A native of Cooperstown, Bill was born April 6, 1961, a son of August Jack Aufmuth and Dorothy Zigon Aufmuth. After graduating from Cooperstown Central School, he travelled before returning to Cooperstown where he went to work as an arborist. He owned and operated Aufmuth’s Tree Service for many years, providing expert care of area trees for many customers.

He loved nature and animals. His love for wood extended to his talent as an artist and sculptor, and he was especially gifted in working with burl wood. In his leisure, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially loved being with his dog, Jack.

Bill is survived by his three children, Jacob W. Aufmuth of Westford, Emily Aufmuth of Hyde Park, and Desiree Maerz of Hartwick; two former wives, Sherry Wyckoff of Hyde Park (mother of Jacob and Emily) and Robin Aufmuth of Fly Creek; two sisters, Katherine Aufmuth Fistrowicz of Burlington Flats and Jacqueline Aufmuth Ayorinde and husband Omobowale Ayorinde of Rochester; a brother, Nicholas S. Aufmuth of Fly Creek; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was a kind and generous soul who had many close friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Jack Aufmuth, who died Jan. 16, 1993, and his mother, Dottie Aufmuth, who died July 23, 2011.

A private gathering will take place later this Spring.

Bill’s final act was to give the gift of sight and life through eye and tissue donation. His spirit will live on in the many lives he will touch through this humanitarian gesture.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family requests donations in Bill’s memory be made to Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

The Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown is serving the family.