William "Woody" J. Guenther

William J. “Woody” Guenther, 86, of La Fayette, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 4, 2025 surrounded by family and his beloved pets. William was born in Long Island City, New York on May 3, 1939 to William J. and Maria (D’Aprile) Guenther.

William served in the United States Navy and was a proud Seabee. He was also a professional musician for several years in the 60’s, with Woody Gunther and the Cheaters. He loved music and was a song writer. In 1977 he met the love of his life, Rosemary C. Watts Guenther and were married shortly after in 1977. He was a graduate of Syracuse University and he was employed as a Special Education Teaching Assistant with Syracuse City Schools. He loved entertaining the kids, singing with them and being with them during summer school. He wrote two songs for the Jowonio Preschool. In his free time, he enjoyed playing and writing music, playing golf, watching Manchester City soccer, and being with his family, most especially his grandchildren Julie F. Herron and James F. Herron. William was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He was preceded in death by Father, William J. Guenther; Mother, Maria D'Aprile; Son, Michael Phillips; and Daughter, Julie Rose Guenther.

He is survived by his Wife of 47 years, Rosemary Guenther, Four Sons, William J. Guenther, Thomas Phillips, Emmanuell "Manny" Guenther, August "Gus" Guenther; Five Daughters, Darlene (John) Edwing, Theresa Guenther, Melody Baylis, Elizabeth (James) Herron, Anna E. Guenther; several Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren; God-child, Mary (Tom) Topa; Nephew, Paul DeFide; Loving Sister, Carol G. (Tom) DeFide; and many Friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery in Norwich, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers (https://t2t.org/).

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