IN MEMORIAM: Bill Sprague, 82;
Proprietor Of Billy’s Beef, Oneonta
ONEONTA – William A. Sprague Jr., 82, who in the 1990s operated Billy’s Beef, a popular gathering spot and early local venue for karaoke, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, March 28, after a short illness. His children Billy and Sarah were by his side.
Bill was born in Ithaca, the son of the late William Arthur Sprague and Monica Mullins Sprague.
He was educated in Ithaca Catholic schools and the Ithaca school system. After graduation, he served in the Air Force in 1953-57. He then entered the hospitality industry, first in Boulder, Colo., where he was an assistant manager at the Boulder Country Club and the general manager at the University Country Club.
Moving back east in the early 1970s, he was a maître d at the Kenwood Country Club in Bethesda, Md., then moved to the Indian Spring Country Club in Silver Springs, Md., as a director of private events.
In 1978, he moved to Oneonta as the general manager of What’s Your Beef, then located where Jay’s Place, 3200 Chestnut St., is today. At the same site from 1992 to 2000, he and wife Diane owned and operated Billy’s Beef, becoming one of the first businesses to offer karaoke locally.
He then bought Pyramid Liquor Store and finally retired at the age of 80.
He was an avid golfer and quite good, and on a sunny day could be found on the golf course with his buddies. Anytime you were around Bill you expected to have a good laugh. His smile could brighten up the darkest of rooms. He was looked up to and respected by many in the community. A real gentleman.
Bill is survived by his children, Eric (Kim), Melissa, William (Alysa) and Sarah (Derek); nine grandchildren, Ashley (Brad), Nicholas (Hi-Tavia), Makaila, Ty, Kamden, Isaak, David, Scarlett and Hayden-Marie; five great-grandchildren, Nathan, Nolan, Kimelah, Ski’lah and Tayla. He is also survived by his brother, Michael (Kathy) and sisters, Maureen, Sue (Paul), Mary (Christy) and sister-in-law, Grace as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Diane; brother Richard; sister Patricia (Joseph); brother, David (Phyllis); brother-in-law Paul; niece Mary Ellen and great-nephew Christopher.
Calling hours will be 4-7 p.m. April 5 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. on April 6 at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Mickiewicz, officiating. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catskill Area Hospice, 297 River St. Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Online condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com