It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Allen Wester, 56 of Cazenovia, on August 16, 2026. He was born December 29, 1969 in New Hartford, New York to Bill and Sally Wester. Will was a 1988 graduate of Cazenovia High School, and received a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College. As a young college graduate with a strong work ethic, Will invested in himself by purchasing a herd of cows and running a dairy farm. He then began his career with the McIntosh Box & Pallet Company, where he started in operational positions including director of operations. He was known as a “servant leader” and became President of the company in 2013.

       Football played an important role in Will’s life, as a member of the Cazenovia High School team, captain at Hamilton College, proud St. John Fisher University football parent, and a lifelong fan of his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. For many years, Will played softball with the Cazenovia Men’s League, and enjoyed his monthly game of horseshoes with his buddies, where they coined the term “A Wester”, his signature move. Will took up skiing with his family at the Cazenovia Ski Club, and was a member of the Willow Bank Yacht Club. He became part of a group of sailors who would race the nearly 100 year-old schooner, Brilliant, out of Mystic, Connecticut to Martha’s Vineyard. Will reveled in their seafaring shenanigans, fondly called “bar-hopping in a museum”, though eventually winning the race twice.

       Will’s countless acts of humble selflessness are a testament to his unwavering integrity. As a devoted leader in his community, and a parishioner at St. James Catholic Church, he was always willing to extend a hand to others. Will valued the rural beauty of his hometown, and was proud to be a board member of the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, serving on their Land Use Committee. More than anything, Will was devoted to Deb, Gordon and Eleanor, and the beautiful life they created together.

       Will is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Deborah Dougherty Wester of Cazenovia; his children, Gordon William Wester and Eleanor Rose Wester both of Cazenovia; his parents, William “Bill” and Sarah “Sally” Wester of Fenner; his sister, Karen Godwin of Savannah, GA; his brother, Donald (Danielle) Wester of New Woodstock, as well as many nieces and nephews.

       Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2026 at St. James Church. A Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at St. James Church, 6 Green Street in Cazenovia. Contributions in Will’s memory may be made to the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, P.O. Box 627, Cazenovia, NY 13035 or online at cazpreservation.org. Condolences for the Wester family may be shared at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.