William J. “Bill” Com
peau, 85, of County Rte. 192, Redwood, NY, passed away Monday night at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born on October 16, 1931 in Ogdensburg, NY, the son of Joseph “Buster” and Della Fortin Compeau. He was educated in Ogdensburg schools and then served in the United States Marine Corps where he fought in the Korean War. He survived the Chosin Reservoir and is therefore considered one of the Chosin Few.
He was married to Eugenia “Jenny” Szafranski from1948 to 1976. Bill married Betty Aylesworth on April 16, 1977.
He was a self-employed commercial contractor. He was the owner/operator of Compeau’s Lounge in Redwood and the China Bay restaurant in Alexandria Bay. He was also co-owner of The Golden Medallion Restaurant in Alexandria Bay. He was a longtime member of the Alexandria Bay Chapter of Rotary International. Bill was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, and was an amazing cook.
Bill is survived by his wife Betty; sons, Michael W. (Karen) Compeau, Orlando FL; Marc J. Compeau, Morristown, NY; William J. (Ashley) Compeau, Adams, NY; and Matthew D. Compeau, Redwood, NY; daughters, Mrs. Daniel (Diane) Stromgren, Canton, NY; Mary M. Compeau, Alexandria Bay, NY; and Mrs. Javier (Kathryn) Jimenez, Redwood, NY; 13 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Wesley (Martha) Buffham, Potsdam, NY and Joanne McDermott, Greenwood, SC. A brother, Ernie Compeau, and a sister, Rita Foster, predeceased him.
Calling hours will be held at Costello Funeral Home on Friday, March 3rd from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 11am at the Alexandria Bay United Methodist Church with Pastor Freddie Webb officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Alexandria Bay Rotary Club.
I’m very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I really enjoyed getting to know him and your family! No one threw me out of a house better than Bill! My prayers and thoughts are with all of you!
Julie, Bill’s favorite Physical Therapist
Dear Compeau Family:
Our deepest sympathies with all of you!
Bill was a wonderful man. He will be missed by his family and many friends who knew Bill.My heart goes out to the Compeau family.
To my cousins diane, mary, marc and mike I am sorry for the passing of your father and my uncle. Even though he married again, in my eyes he was still my uncle. He was the last of the parents as we knew.
Our deepest sympathies. The Donegan Family, Jim, Donna, Pat, Sean and Kim.
Betty & family, We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Wes & Clover