Fund Established in Memory of William “Obie” Obernesser Jr. to Support Local Students and Community Programs
The William (Obie) J. Obernesser Jr. Memorial Fund was recently established in memory of William “Obie” Obernesser Jr. to honor his life and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, students, athletes, and community. The fund will carry forward Obie’s legacy of positivity, encouragement, and service by supporting students and giving back to the community he cared deeply about.
Throughout his career as a teacher, coach, referee, and mentor, Obie recognized the strengths and potential in young people and encouraged them to persevere, both in and outside the classroom. He served as head coach of the Ilion boys basketball team from the 1990s through the early-2000s and most recently coached the girls’ tennis and golf teams. Obie also worked as a teacher and later as a substitute teacher, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and families throughout the Central Valley community. Through each of these roles, he brought positivity, humor, and dedication to helping others succeed.
The fund will continue that commitment by providing support to students who have faced learning and/or physical challenges, demonstrated perseverance and a positive outlook, and are pursuing employment or vocational, trade, technical, or apprenticeship training. Its mission extends beyond educational support through fundraising, community partnerships, and charitable giving to assist local individuals, programs, and organizations that reflect Obie’s commitment to helping others.
A fundraising event honoring the life of Obie is scheduled for Sunday, October 4 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Frankfort Marina, 166 Fox St, Frankfort, NY. Attendees can expect live music, food trucks, vendors, children's activities, raffles, basket drawings, and more. Proceeds from the event will go towards the fund.
To make a charitable donation, visit www.foundationhoc.org/obernesser or send checks payable to the William (Obie) J. Obernesser Jr. Memorial Fund to the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502.
