William "Fork" A. Forkhamer, 87, of Liverpool, NY passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Anne, at his side on October 21, 2022. He was just shy of his 88th birthday and would have spent the evening enjoying a meatloaf dinner followed by chocolate cake. Fork was born and raised in Syracuse by the late Alois J. Forkhamer and Marjorie R. Forkhamer (Allen). He was a graduate of St. Vincent De Paul School and later went on to earn his BS degree from LeMoyne College. In 1957, he married his sweetheart, the former Anne Freisinger and together had three daughters he was so proud of. After graduation, Bill enjoyed a successful career at Carrier Corporation for 32 years and was the recipient of multiple awards and accolades. His proudest achievement was implementing a gainsharing program called Improshare.

Fork's most memorable achievements were achieved through a 40 year career with the 174th Fighter Wing of the New York Air National Guard. Upon joining in 1953, he was activated to France (Berlin Crisis) and then later to assist during the Pueblo Crisis in 1968. One of his proudest moments was when the 174th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron won the prestigious Air Force Maintenance Effectiveness Award in 1982 under his leadership.

In 1991, the "Boys from Syracuse" were deployed during the Persian Gulf War, and Fork was appointed to Base Commander. His family will never forget the strong sense of pride, patriotism and relief he felt when all F16 fighter pilots safely returned home to the 174th Base. Fork's service concluded as Logistics Group Commander. He was a humble leader who valued every member of his team, regardless of rank or stature. Bill was honored to be retired as a Brigadier General and enjoyed being a participant at Memorial Day parades or ribbon cutting ceremonies (most notably, "Carousel Mall").

He was an exceptional athlete and played basketball for St. Vincent's and became team captain of Carrier's Syracuse YMCA Industrial league team. Basketball wasn't his only sport. Comically, he was asked to sub on the Carrier softball team and after hitting 3 home runs, they gave him a uniform. He also loved golf and spent many hours on the course with his buddies from the Camping Crew.  A spreadsheet of golf scores from '75-'96 was just discovered.  We will never share who was in the lead…

Bill and Anne shared an innate curiosity about the world and enjoyed traveling with their friends. They cherished family vacations that will never be forgotten.  His daughters will miss the tenacious level of organization in the planning especially the handwritten driving directions and the ever present white 3-ring binders detailing the travels.

He is survived by Anne (Freisinger), his loving wife of 65 years, three daughters; Debbie (Tim) Krohl, Karen Ahmadipour, and Kristin (Dan) Tessier. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren; Ashley (Mike) Masucci, Bradley and Brian Krohl, Nicole, Katrina and Jami Tessier and two great-grandchildren; Michael and Olivia, sister, Kay (Jack) Kurtyka and a niece, Brenda (Doug) Willard and their two children; Emily and Sarah.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Kim and Janice, for their exceptional care and compassion while helping with Bill's care. They were truly a blessing.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Maurer Funeral Home, Inc., 300 Second Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.  Burial will be private in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a charity that means the most to you.

Please sign the funeral home on-line guestbook for William "Fork" to express your condolences to his family.