Driessen, Wilhelmus

Fairport October 24, 2022

Wilhelmus Gerardus Maria Driessen (“Bill” and “Wim”), age 91, of Fairport, NY, passed away suddenly on Monday morning, October 24, 2022, in Rochester, NY. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Sally Crump Driessen, in January 2003; his parents Martinus and Maria, brothers Harry and Leo, sisters Jacoba, Alda, Riet, Ineke, and his best friend, Marcel Blaakman.

Bill is survived by his siblings Theresia, Elisabeth, Jan and Henrietta; his brother and sister-in-law David and Claire, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Bill was the beloved father of Michael (Diana) of Cicero, Leanne (Jake) of Callaway, FL, Jacoba (Ron) of Palmyra and Erica (Greg) of Honeoye Falls. 

He was the proud “Papa” of Jennifer, Jason, Hannah (Russell), Christina (Wit), Theodore (Adrielle), Lydia (Clay), Kimberly, Holly (Eric), Michael (Erin), David, Josiah (Elise), Amber (Steven), Emma (Cameron), Thomas, Amanda (Andrew), Sara, and Paige. He was great-grandfather to Dean, Wesley, Charlotte, Felicity, Conrad, Emma, Cameron, William, Oakley, Constance, Anne, Moses, Callie, Ellen, Henry, Magnolia, and Aubrey. 

As a beloved uncle, Bill was fond of all his nieces and nephews and was especially close to his nephew, Mark.

Bill was born on January 12, 1931, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. He was a young boy when Holland was invaded by Germany in 1940. The years of occupation and recovery after World War II were difficult for Bill and the Driessen family. After completing high school, Bill went to trade school to learn tool and die skills. He then joined the “Korps Mariniers”, also known as the Dutch Marine Corps.  

When his enlistment was over, Bill realized there were better opportunities for employment in North America. In 1954, Bill and his cousin Alda sailed to the new world and took a job as a carpenter in Canada. Once he was able to obtain sponsorship in the U.S., he immigrated to America, where fate had a wonderful surprise awaiting him. 

On a blind date arranged by her aunt, Bill met his wife Sally, whom he adored. They married in Pittsford in 1958. They began life together and started a family in Oswego, NY. Bill earned his teaching degree at SUNY Oswego, while supporting the family by doing carpentry and contract work. 

Bill, Sally, and their children moved to Fairport, NY in 1963. The Driessen family quickly became an integral part of a neighborhood known as the Woodcrest community. Many friendships were formed, and the tight-knit neighborhood socialized often. There were Memorial Day breakfasts, camping trips, sledding on Riorden’s Hill, and euchre games. The neighbors looked after each other’s children and helped when there was a time of need. 

Bill was especially close to neighbors Tim Cady, Tom Ransco, and Jenny Gregory.

After settling in Fairport, Bill began a successful teaching career at the Webster Spry Middle School, and then transferred to the Monroe County BOCES in Fairport. “Mr. Driessen” was admired and respected by his students. 

Bill moved on to the Xerox Corporation in 1970. He worked in research and development for many years, obtaining several patents, and eventually becoming a quality control engineer for international manufacturing. His career took him all over the world including China, India, Brazil, and several European countries to support Xerox production facilities. He was fortunate to be accompanied by Sally on many of the business trips, including a lengthy stay in China. He developed several close relationships with his coworkers, and he frequently attended get-togethers with the Xerox “old-timers.”

Following retirement in 1996, he devoted his energy to carpentry projects at his residence in Fairport, his Keuka Lake cottage, and his children’s homes. Bill was generous with his time and his heart, and he made it a point to attend and support the endeavors of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bill loved to laugh and tell stories about his childhood and his travels abroad. His sarcastic wit and sense of humor were legendary. 

Bill was a devout man of faith and an individual of the highest moral character. He often said he trusted the Lord to lead and guide him through his life. After 91 years, the Lord decided that it was time for him to come home. 

Our Dad and Papa will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Family and friends may call on Friday, October 28 from 3-6 p.m. at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd, Fairport. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Pittsford Community Church, 421 Marsh Road, Pittsford, on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m. A livestream of the service may be viewed at bit.ly/driessenfuneral. A private interment will immediately follow the ceremony.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to the hospice of your choice in Bill’s name. Online condolences may be expressed through www.legacy.com.