ONEONTA - William A. Sprague Jr. a long time resident and business owner passed away peacefully at his home in Oneonta after a short illness on Wednesday March 28, 2018 at the age of 82. His children Billy and Sarah were by his side.

Bill was born in Ithaca, NY the son of the late William Arthur Sprague and Monica Mullins Sprague.

He was educated in the Ithaca Catholic school and the Ithaca school system. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1953-1957. After being honorably discharged he embarked on an eventful journey in the hospitality industry. This journey took him to Boulder, CO where he was an assistant manager at the Boulder Country Club and the general manager at the University Country Club. He moved back to the east coast in the early 70's. He was a maître d at the Kenwood Country Club in Bethesda, MD and moved onto the Indian Spring Country Club as a director of private events in Silver Springs, MD. In 1978, he moved to Oneonta, NY to take on the role as the general manager of What's Your Beef. Bill and his wife, Diane owned and operated Billy Beefs from 1992 until 2000. Bill was one of the first business owners in the area to introduce karaoke. For over 20 years this establishment became a second home to many in the community. A place you could walk in, be treated like family and share many laughs with friends. Bill and Diane always went the extra mile to satisfy their customers. Many great memories were had at "the Beef". He then bought Pyramid Liquor Store and finally retired at the age of 80. He was an avid golfer and known to be quite good. On a nice warm sunny day, you could expect to find him on the golf course with his golfing 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); 9 grandchildren, Ashley (Brad), Nicholas (Hi-Tavia), Makaila, Ty, Kamden, Isaak, David, Scarlett and Hayden-Marie; 5 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 to 7 p.m. on April 5th at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

The Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. on April 6th, at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Mickiewicz, officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catskill Area Hospice, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Online condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com