George William Ayers

FULTON – George William Ayers, Jr. “Bill,” 63, November 11, 1962 – June 24, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Ayers of Oswego, New York. Bill was born in Oswego and most recently resided in the Fulton/Hannibal area with his wife of 21 years, Mary Trapasso-Ayers. Together, they shared their lives with three French Bulldogs: Bella (12); Hero (3); and Lily Mae (2). Their two beloved Frenchies, Frankie and Archie, passed before him.

Bill was born to George William Ayers, Sr. and Barbara Louise (Murabito) Ayers in Oswego, New York, on November 11, 1962. He grew up on Governor Street with his only sibling, Gregory Paul Ayers. Bill attended Oswego High School and graduated in 1980. He made many friends throughout his life and was blessed to receive their love and support during his battle with terminal cancer. Friends such as Dev DeLucia, Sue Cook, Annie Tuttle, Paul Murphy, Brenda Barlow, Gloria Ihle and new friend Cynthia Knight-Smith are a few among many who meant so much to him.

Bill was especially blessed by three remarkable men who were like brothers to him and became his lifeline and main support system. We could not have gotten through it without them and their wives: Joe and Anne Miuccio of Oswego, New York, Bill and Lisa Reedy of Cicero, New York, and Bob and Karen Baldwin of Oswego, New York. They were there for Bill and Mary every day, without wavering.

Bill served in the U.S. Navy aboard a submarine from 1980 to 1984. He later met and married Michele Meleo of Rochester, New York. They had two children, Danielle M. Ayers (41) and Brendon W. Ayers (38). Bill resided in Rochester for a number of years. He later met Erika L. Molin and resided in Belmont, New York. Together, they had a son, Samuel B. Ayers (25).

Bill eventually returned to Oswego, and while working in Fulton, he met his beloved, Mary Beth Trapasso. They were married on April 14, 2005. Though they had no children together, Bill became step-parent to Mary’s children: Brian T. Bateman (42) of Phoenix, New York; Jaime Leigh (Robert C. III) Reardon Fravor (39) and their two children, Robert C. Fravor IV, (Bubba – 14) and Addison E. Fravor (11) of New Bern, North Carolina; Michael J.R. Reardon (38) of Fulton, New York; Jonah C. Reardon (36) of Cortland, New York; and Vivian E. Roberts (33) and Luke J. Roberts (32), both of Fulton, New York. Bill and Mary are also parents-in-love to Sara B. (John) Tice of Phoenix, New York, and grandparents to Sara and Brian’s children, Joseph S. Bateman (17) and Constance A. Bateman (14). They are also Gpa and Gma to Sara and John’s three little boys, Lucas, David, and Daniel Tice.

Bill was an avid sports fan who especially loved racing, football, and golf. He could be found at Oswego Speedway every summer and also enjoyed NASCAR; his favorite driver was #24, Jeff Gordon. He was also a devoted Buffalo Bills fan. Bill loved watching or attending sporting events whenever possible and enjoyed any conversation about sports. He could recall statistics from years past with ease. He also loved attending his nieces’ and nephews’ high school games when he could, and he enjoyed playing golf whenever he had the chance.

Bill worked for AAA for a number of years before becoming permanently disabled. He also worked as a call-taker and dispatcher for Scotty’s Towing, a local company owned by Robbie Gunther, who also became a good friend.

One of Bill’s most recent passions was being a fur-dad to five Frenchies over the years. They brought him great joy, laughter, and companionship, especially near the end of his life.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, George William Ayers, Sr. and Barbara Louise (Murabito) Ayers of Oswego, New York; his in-laws, Benny J. and Catherine P. (Hubbard) Trapasso of Fulton, New York; his sister-in-law, Kathleen R. (Trapasso) Neal; and her son, Benjamin J. Neal of White House, Tennessee. Bill was also predeceased by his paternal uncle Charles “Jay” Murabito of Bristol, Tennessee and paternal aunts, Lydia DelCorpo of Williamstown, New Jersey and Barbara Ballou of Oswego, New York.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Trapasso-Ayers of Fulton, New York; Mary’s children and grandchildren previously listed; his brother, Gregory P. Ayers of Oswego, New York; and his children, Danielle M. Ayers and Brendon W. Ayers, of Rochester, New York and Samuel B. (Natalia Hill) Ayers of Owego, New York.

He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Timothy L. (Susan Pollock) Trapasso of Farmington, Connecticut, John W. Neal of White House, Tennessee, and Christopher M. (Erin Roy) Trapasso of Oswego, New York; his sister-in-law, Carrie M. (Craig) Halladay of Phoenix, New York; his former sister-in-law, Teresa M. (Hudson) Trapasso of Marblehead, Massachusetts; and their children and grandchildren.

Bill is also survived by his dearest friends Joseph (Anne) Miuccio, William (Lisa) Reedy and Robert (Karen) Baldwin; his maternal uncle, Ronald (Peggy) Murabito of Glen, Mississippi, and maternal aunt Theresa (William) Perry of Shiloh, North Carolina as well as paternal uncles James Delcorpo of Williamstown, New Jersey, Peter Slotterback of New York, NY; and paternal aunt Jeanne Adams of Sapulpa, Oklahoma as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

There will be no calling hours or funeral service. A memorial gathering will be held later this summer and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to any animal rescue organization of your choice.

James A. Menter Funeral Home has care of arrangements.