William J. "Billy D." Donofrio, 68, of Auburn, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, at the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, FL. Bill was born January 22, 1946 in Auburn, NY to John and Theresa (Spina) Donofrio. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1964 and went on to receive a bachelor' degree from Morehead State University in Kentucky then a master' degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. Bill began his career in education as a teacher at Holy Family School in Auburn. He then worked as a teacher at Auburn Correctional Facility, before becoming an Educational Supervisor at Cayuga Correctional Facility. He retired in 2003 after a thirty year career with the New York State Department of Corrections. Soon after his retirement, he and his wife, Wynn, became "snow birds". They spent the next six winters in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina and the past five in Clermont, Florida. Bill was an avid golfer, playing with his golf buddies several times a week. He was a devoted Notre Dame fan and enjoyed attending many football games in South Bend. He was looking forward to connecting with high school friends at his 50th reunion this summer. Bill also volunteered at Auburn Memorial Hospital where he was a favorite of the nurses. The highlight of his day was "holding court" over a cup of coffee with his buddies at D&L Truck Stop. Above all, Bill treasured every moment he spent with family and friends at his home on Owasco Lake. He loved to sit on the porch, reminisce, and tell great stories. Bill was a very special man ? a loving husband, devoted father, and loyal friend. He was loved and respected by everyone who met him. When you were in his company, you simply felt better and laughed a lot. He faced his illness with decency, grace, and courage. His friends said it best when they noted his kind heart, easy smile, quick wit, fun-loving spirit, and forgiving ways and pointed out that the world could use more people like him. Bill is survived by his wife of 41 years, Wynn; son, Brian; daughter, Alison and her boyfriend, Greg; mother, Theresa; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Mark Dooley; brother-in-law, David Weaver; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Susan and Grant Sharpe; several nieces and nephews, countless friends and beloved dog, Rudy. He is predeceased by his father, John Donofrio; father-in-law, Harold Weaver; mother-in-law, Winifred Weaver; and brother-in-law, Joseph Weaver. Bill' family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Mike Conley Hospice House for their care and unwavering compassion. In memory of Bill, kindly consider donations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at http://www.mskcc.org/giving or to Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778-9983. BECKER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Clermont, FL. Telephone 352-394-7121. (beckerfamilyfuneral.com).