WILLIAM P. KARPINSKI
FAIRPORT – William (Bill) Karpinski passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026 at Aaron Manor, at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Anne Karpinski (nee Erenstone), sister, Jo Ann Loney (John) and brother Robert (Sara). Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Bill spent summers moving furniture in order to pay his own way through Cornell University where he graduated with Honors with a degree in Engineering. Following college he served as a Damage Control Officer in The United States Navy. His ship, The USS Samuel Gompers, was tied up in San Diego. While in port, in between Pacific crossings to Japan, Bill developed a passion for sailing that continued throughout his life.
Years later, he earned his Merchant Mariner Captain’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Following his tour in the Navy, Bill returned to Cornell to earn his Master’s Degree in Engineering.
During his subsequent career, he worked as an Industrial Engineer, a Manufacturing Engineer and a Program Manager in a variety of venues. When Bill eventually retired, he became part of the original group who planned and developed The Tool Thrift Store in Fairport. He proudly managed the successful operation for ten years.
Bill was a lover of learning. Whatever his interest was he would thoroughly delve into it. He was a collector… of books, of knives, of tools. He could “jury rig” and fix anything. Bill was a lover of dogs and prided himself on his “dog managing skills.” Bill was a lover of Maine and often wished he could live there and sail the days away.
The family would like to thank Aaron Manor and Cherri Hawkins for the wonderful care they provided for Bill.
Memorial services will be on Friday March 20 at The All Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park. (11:00 am).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lollipop Farm or WXXI. Public Broadcasting Council.
9 responses to “Karpinski, William P.”
Bill & Anne are a very important part of my life. I will miss Bill dearly and talking to him.
Anne, I am here for you always. Love you
I am so sorry I forgot to mention Tiki & Ezzie are also an important part of my life too. I am so glad Anne has them to comfort her
Dear Anne, family,& friends, so very sorry for your loss.
Prayers of comfort and peace at this difficult season of life.
I wish I had been able to meet Bill… The Picture….His smile
said it all! His face radiated love and kindness as yours did on that cold airplane ride back to Rochester!
God bless you, Theresa
Mrs. Karpinski,
I am very sorry for your loss. I never met Bill in person but knew him through the Lollypop Farm’s Donation Box Program. He was so generous with his time and the number of boxes he became responsible for. I appreciated his participation with our volunteer group. He is now at peace with no worries and will forever be in your hearts.
Marge Winner,
Lollypop Farm Volunteer,
Neighborhood Representative Coordinator
Opened and worked with Bill at the Fairport Tool Thrift Shop back in the day. An easy going and dedicated individual. RIP my friend.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in William’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
Our thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends at this sad time.
Anne:
So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. We were classmates in the graduate program at Cornell where we both received our MBA’s in 1974. We stayed in touch and always spent Mother’s Day weekend at Lake George. I will miss that smiling face.
Dear Anne,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Bill and Mark became friends and colleagues through the Tool Thrift Shop, where they loved donating their time and talents! May he rest in peace and may you be comforted by your family and friends.