MOHAWK-William F. Abeline, age 78, formerly of Creek Road, passed away on Sunday afternoon, May 5, 2002, in Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica. He was born on November 24, 1923, in Herkimer, son of the late Charles and Cora Parker Abeline. A lifelong area resident, Bill was educated in Saint Francis deSales School Herkimer and Herkimer High School. A US Army veteran of World War II, he served in the 128th Infantry, third Battalion in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. Bill was a recipient of the Bronze Star for his heroic service in connection with operations against the enemy, a Purple Heart along with other awards and medals, and was honorably discharged in 1945. In October of 1946 he married Kathryn B. Backell in Saint Francis deSales Church, Herkimer. A loving union of fifty years until her passing on July 9, 1997. He worked as an assembler for Remington Arms Company, Ilion, and later for Chicago Pneumatic retiring in 1982. Bill had a strong love for the outdoors and nature. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of Saint Francis deSales Church, Herkimer, a life member and Past Commander of American Legion Post #38 Herkimer and a life member of Michael Pliseck VFW Post 4915 Herkimer. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving are three sisters, Ann Caswell of Herkimer, Jenny and her husband, Raymond Pettingill of Ilion, Barbara and Richard Aubin of Titusvile, Fl; a brother-in-law, Earl "Bud" Backell of Herkimer; one sister-in-law, Joann and her husband Kenneth Graham of Virginia Beach; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and wife Kathryn, he was preceded in death by a sister Margaret LaFountain and two brothers John "Buster" Abeline and Charles "Bunky" Abeline. Funeral service will be on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc. 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The Reverend Mark Cunningham, Pastor of Saint Francis deSales Church, Herkimer will officiate. Mr. Abeline will be laid to rest with military honors in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, town of Little Falls. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Wednesday form 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Masonic Home, Utica, or the charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Members of Michael Pliseck VFW Post #4915 are asked to meet at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. for services. Members of American Legion Post #38 Herkimer are asked to meet at the funeral home Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m. for services.