William Milham

William “Bill” Milham, 82, passed away, at home, with his loving family by his side, Tuesday, August 1, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with heart disease.

Bill was born in Utica, September 27, 1940, a son of the late Abraham and Minnie (Deep) Milham. He was educated locally and a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, class of 1959. On April 20, 1968, Bill was married to the former Mora Joseph. The couple shared a devoted, loving relationship, working together and raising their family.

Bill was the third generation to own and operate the family business, Milham’s Food Market on Rutger St., where he was known as the “Pepper King”, until July 2011, when he retired. Family was everything to Bill and one reason he took care of the family store. He loved his flower and vegetable gardens, with which he distributed throughout the neighborhood. In earlier years, he enjoyed dirt biking and fishing. A community oriented person, he spent many hours giving back to those in need, but never expected anything in return. William Milham will always be remembered for his produce, hard work, long hours, being a dedicated family man, and his smile…

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Mora; daughter, Michele Milham; son, Bill Jr. and Gayle Milham; daughter, Deborah Milham and Mel Hathaway; and daughter, Melissa Milham-Wilkosz and Michael Wilkosz; grandchildren who referred to him as Jiddo, Mckenna, Karrington, Brandon, Julia, Ava, Addison, Alexandra, Matthew, Alexander, and Isabella; siblings, Millie Tamer, Libby Merhib, and Lonnie Deon; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill was predeceased by his grandmother, Fahda Milham, with whom he worked, lived, and took care of until her passing; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Beverly Milham; and brothers-in-law, Albert Tamer, Frank Deon, and Joseph Merhib.

The Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be held on Friday, 11 a.m., at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, with Abouna Boutros El Hachem, officiating. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may call on Thursday (today), 5 to 7 p.m., with The Prayer of Incense held at 6:45 p.m., with Abouna Boutros El Hachem, at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Longo, for his decades of care, friendship, and continuously going above and beyond in every aspect of his relationship with Bill.

For those wishing and in Bill’s memory, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., at hospicecareinc.org

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