NORWICH – William R. “Bill” Sumner, 63, of Locust Street, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 at his residence with his family by his side after combating pancreatic cancer. 
Born on Nov. 17, 1948, in Geneva, Bill was the son of Robert and Beverly (Adams) Sumner. He graduated from Norwich High School and Mount San Antonio College, Pomona, Calif., with a degree in commercial aviation.  Bill was also a graduate of Flight Safety, Vero Beach, Fla., with instructor and instrument flight instructor ratings.  From 1968-1970, Bill was stationed in Worms, Germany during his service with the U.S. Army. 
Bill’s passion was flying. His father taught him to fly, and he completed his first solo flight at age 16. Bill and his Dad formed the Sumner’s Flight School in 1972, and Bill taught many local residents how to fly. Bill especially loved performing aerobatics, and in 1979 purchased a Pitts S1S Special aerobatic airplane. For several years Bill delighted crowds during his performances at the annual Norwich Rotary Fourth of July Balloon festivals.
During his aviation career, he flew for Midstate Aviation, Warren Eaton Airport, Norwich, from 1972 through 1980, and the Bendix (Amphenol) Corporation, Sidney, from 1980 through 1984. He joined The Raymond Corporation as Chief Pilot, Manager of Flight Operations, located in Binghamton, in 1986, and continued in that role until his health precluded it in April 2011. When time allowed, Bill also worked in his family’s business, Sumner’s Office Supplies (now Hayes Office Supplies).
Bill’s other passion was the family camp at Hatch Lake, Eaton. He spent summers there as a child and it has been a traditional family summer retreat ever since. This past summer was especially meaningful to Bill due to the many family gatherings there. He also had a love for motorcycles and cherished his many rides and adventures with his best friend Elwyn Voss.
On Sept. 17, 1976, he married Deborah (Nober) Sumner in Norwich, who survives. He is also survived by daughters, Jill Whaley of Rochester, Stephanie Sumner and son-in-law, Randy Klatt, also of Rochester; granddaughters, Alaina Whaley and Emily Sumner; sisters, Sandy (Geary) Ray, of Ventura, Calif., and Sherry (John) Collins of West Palm Beach, Fla. Also surviving are nieces Cynthia (Edward) Macke of Las Vegas, Nev., Karen Scott of Ventura, Calif., Elaine DeRensis of Walnut Creek, Calif., Erica (Doug) Musich of Pasadena, Calif., Kristie (Michael) Sailor of Norristown, PA, and nephew, John Collins of West Palm Beach, Fla.; great nieces, Samantha Scott of Ventura and Emily Musich of Pasadena and great nephews, Tyler and Evan Macke of Las Vegas, and Ben Musich of Pasadena; and his beloved dogs, Sadie and Shamrock, and parrot, Ruby.
The family would like to express special thanks to his caregivers, particularly Becky (Bucky) Skotty, Shelley Delello, Christine Fitch, and Stacy Corbin of Chenango County Hospice, and Dr. Matsuo, Patty, Brenda, Teresa, Susan, Randi, and Michael of Bassett Cancer Center in Oneonta. 
A funeral service for Bill will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday at 11 a.m., with Reverend Charles Taylor, pastor, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery.  Friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Bill’s memory to Hospice& Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, NY  13815, or Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY  13815.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.