Karyl Willette

The Bloomingdale Willette family is profoundly saddened once more. We lost a Husband, a Dad, a Brother , an Uncle, a best Friend, and an OE at 6PM on February 29, 2024. The cold clouds lifted and the Aurora Borealis ushered Karyl to heaven.

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” as St. Paul related ( 2 Timothy 4:6-8)… and as in Karyl Paul’s words , “ I am going over the Mountain”.

Born in Saranac Lake, on Friday April 1, 1949, third child of Addie M. (LaFountain) and Paul A. Willette, Karyl Paul Willette, aka Moose, aka OE, of the Bloomingdale Willette's, passed away peacefully at home, with beloved wife Mary, daughter Kara, son Kyl, little

& big grands, siblings and faithful friends by his side.

Moose, a lifelong resident of Bloomingdale is blessed to have lived his rambunctious young life in Bloomingdale with his twelve siblings along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends nearby. A proud graduate of St. Pius X School 1967, he went on to study for a life of hard knocks and opportunities , demonstrating resilience and adaptability. His purpose as a father, provider, spouse, grandfather and friend is lovingly emphasized throughout his life, sharing qualities of unconditional love, strength, and generosity that extended beyond his immediate family to encompass a wide network of loved ones.

Moose, forever blessed and proud of his children Kara and Kyl, touting them as “his greatest accomplishments,” they both found their own families. Moose is joyfully “OE” to Philip, Alexa, Rory, Lauren (Lolo), Faith and Whitney loving them greater than he ever imagined possible.

He was proud to serve and retired from New York State Department of Correctional Services as Plant Utility Engineer (Camp Gabriel’s). Karyl was married to his sweetheart Mary Ann Peria on Saturday, October 7, 1978 in St. Paul’s Church in Bloomingdale, NY. He was baptized in St. Bernard’s Church, May 29, 1949, the godparents were Robert and Sally Jackson. Karyl received the sacrament of Confirmation at the same time on April 30, 1961 at St. Paul’s Church with brother Darryl and sister Cheryl by Bishop Navaugh. Karyl’s sponsor was Tom Cassavaugh, his lifelong friend.

Moose was a talented mentor supporting his children and their many friends through out camping, hunting , fishing, and all activities named Sports. He was a life long member of the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department, the Bloomingdale Boosters

with brothers Darryl(Dogger) and Loweyl (Poochie). He also loved his Friday night golf league with partner Sheridan Swinyer , lifelong friend….. never missing The Annual B’dale Classic, no matter what! Moose fully enjoyed helping people like plowing out friends and family members while maintaining CAMP.

His canine companions were most dear to him, truly his best friends, but Lily and Tilly are on the long walk with him now.

And finally, Moose loved teasing, joking, & jesting (politely of course) with his brothers, GG ( Gerryl), Wiggy (Randyl), Poochie(Loweyl), & Dayl , while sharing their sorrows and lifetime joys despite their experiences with their shared inherited kidney disease and now is continuing his journey with GG, Poochie, Dayl, and of course his Momma , old man, and brothers Mitch, Kendyl, & Royl.

Predeceased by his parents and survived by his beloved wife Mary, children Kara (Joel) and Kyl (Sara); most loved grands Philip, Alexa, Rory, Lauren, Faith and Whitney, Moose devoted his life to his family. He was dearly loved by his 12 siblings: Darryl, Cheryl , Gerryl (deceased), Micheyl (deceased) Randyl, Kristyl, Dayl (deceased), Loweyl (deceased), Erryl, Kendyl (deceased), Royl (deceased), and Russyl.

Karyl Paul as his Momma called him, will be sorely missed by his loyal friends, notedly faithful daily visitor Roger Stephenson, family members, and his dialysis family of many years at Adirondack Health. We will always remember his famous “front teeth” grin, his priceless humor, his loving kind eyes for his beloved grandchildren, and mutual admiration displayed from his loyal sidekick, literally best friend pup Lily.

Moose will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them- and if you knew him, you knew it. When Karyl’s time came, he truly carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before him. He will be missed dearly. He loved his April Fools Day birthday , and we are sure he is now enjoying his Leap Day departure date. Fare-thee-well, Moose. See you over the Mountain OE. Love you Karyl. Amen!

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake, NY, where on Saturday March 9th, 2024 there will be calling hours from 2 pm - 4 pm with Fireman’s Last Call, following with a gathering at Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department at 4:30.

Graveside services will take place at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Bloomingdale at the convenience of the family.

Friends wishing to remember Karyl (Moose)Willette may, in lieu of flowers contribute memorial donations to the Renal Dialysis Unit at the Adirondack Medical Center or Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department in care of the funeral home.

Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com