William (Bill) G. Menter

1948 - 2025

William (Bill) G. Menter, 77, of Camden, formerly of Rome, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on September 18, 1948, in East Stroudsburg, PA, the son of the late Wanda Andrewski Menter. He was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. In 1971, he married the former Rose M. Smith, and together they raised three wonderful children. Later in life, Bill married the former Ellen Benjamin, with whom he shared two stepdaughters.

Bill worked for many years at Rome Manufacturing as a mechanic until a back injury forced him to leave that career behind. Refusing to be idle, he enrolled in the Utica School of Commerce, where he graduated as valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He later accepted a position with Oneida County, where he worked until his injury eventually led to an early retirement.

Calling Bill an avid hunter and fisherman would be an understatement—he truly lived for the outdoors. He spent countless days in the woods and on the water (especially for walleye pike and trout), often taking his grandchildren along for the adventure. He loved teaching both neighborhood kids and his own the value of hard work and responsibility, always rewarding their efforts with a fishing trip, berry-picking, mushroom hunting, breakfast at a local diner, or a ride to “check out a new spot,” which frequently ended with ice cream. Bill was never too busy for his family; they meant the world to him, and he showed it every day.

He was deeply involved in his children’s activities, especially their sports. He never missed a single game and videotaped most of them. He also served as president of the Rome Colts Pop Warner league and was a father figure to many of his children’s friends.

Bill is survived by his wife, Ellen Menter; his children, Tammy (Eric) Colvin, Bill (Nancy) Menter, and Bob (Robyn) Menter; and his stepdaughters, Jennifer Benson of New Berlin and Melissa (Steve) Lawrence of Albany. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Eric Colvin, Emily (Kevin) O’Neill, Stone Colvin, Nathan Menter, Hagen Menter, Vivian Menter, and Sylvia Menter, as well as his great-grandchildren, Kevin and Teddy O’Neill and two great friends in Roque Gonzalez and Pat (Donna) Romeo.  He was predeceased by his mother, Wanda Menter, and his former wife, Rose Marie Menter.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Oneida ECF and especially the dedicated caregivers on the 4th floor of Oneida Hospital for their compassion and care during Bill’s illness. 

Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN, 38105-9959, or online at stjude.org/donate.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome on Thursday December 04, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.