Donald  "Bill"  M. Laraway, of Middleburgh, passed away peacefully to reunite with loved ones in Heaven on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

He was born 85 years ago at home in Huntersland, on December 10, 1939 to Marjorie (Wright) and Milford C. Laraway. Ever the gentleman, he allowed his twin sister Donna to be born first while Bill's birth was a complete surprise to Dr. Best and cost his father an extra $25, the going rate at the time.  And Bill was worth every extra dollar.  Bill kept his upbringing near at heart through his life, personally and professionally, understanding and empathizing with people and customers.  He looked forward to every day, contributing to his unwillingness to completely retire.

President of Laraway's Oil, Bill purchased the company in 1966 after working for Gridley's Oil since 1959.  His dedication to the business, to keeping the community warm and moving and most of all to his customers and families he served is unsurpassed.  And few oil distributors can match the shimmering dark green and eye piercing shine of chrome and stainless on Bill's Peterbilts.  Along with planting trees around the property, one of his favorite jobs was straddling the John Deere and making sure every blade of grass on the property knew who was in charge.

Bill enjoyed working on his antique vehicles and especially proud to have his 1941 Chevrolet judged nationally through the Antique Automobile Club of America, taking Senior awards and then to be selected and measured for a Franklin Mint Diecast model.  His passion and roots always brought him back to farming and vintage farm equipment, collecting diecast toys.  He also enjoyed coon hunting with his son and grandson.

Dedicated to the community, Bill was a lifetime member of the Middleburgh Volunteer Fire Department and also the Middleburgh Rod and Gun Club.

Loving Bill forever are his wife of 61 years: Marlene (Suits) Laraway; his sons: William (Melanie) Laraway, Sr. and Wesley (Darcy) Laraway; his sisters: Donna (David) Wood and Martha Lindemann; his grandchildren: William (Sean) Laraway, Jr., Carson (Renee) Laraway, Hannah (Travis) Laraway, Jacob Laraway and Emma (Joe) Laraway; 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.  Bill was predeceased by his parents, his sisters and brothers-in-law: Patricia and John White, Joan and E. David Hallock and Guy Lindemann.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Middleburgh Cemetery.

Bill's family requests memorial donations in his honor to any charity of choice.

Bill's kindness touched so many in so many different ways, please share an online condolences with Bill's family, write a note or a card with a memory of him and drop it by the business office at 169 Main Street Middleburgh or email Marlene at marlene@midtel.net for his family to read and enjoy.