William (Bill) A. Ducey, age 85, of Ripley, NY passed away at his home on May 22, 2025.  Born in Easton, PA, the only child of Raymond Ducey and Aurelia E (Weidner) Ducey of Pen Argyl, PA.

Bill graduated from Pen Argyl High School in 1958, then enlisted in the US Navy.  He served 11 years attaining the rank of Radioman First Class.  After the Navy he worked construction in several areas in PA, eventually settling in Erie County in 1970.  He became acquainted with Ken Pulling of Ripley, NY and became the farm manager, where Ken taught him about running a dairy farm and grape vineyards.  He was a member of the Growers Cooperative Grape Juice Co of Westfield, NY for over 40 years.  Bill was so proud of finally owning his own vineyards and building our home on Rt 5 in Ripley, NY, where he resided for the last 25 years. 

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael R. Ducey of Easton PA; an Aunt Bridella Pritchard and his cousin Jeff Pritchard of Bangor PA.  He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathleen J (Dolan) Ducey; a son Adrian R Ducey of Phoenix AZ; a cousin Gwen Pritchard of Bangor PA;  4 brothers-in-law – CO Dolan(Joan) of Seabring FL; Mike Dolan(Paula) of Pahrump NV; Tom Dolan of Lake Havasu AZ; Roger Moyer(Mary) of Aspen CO;  4 sisters-in-law – Mary Jennings(Mark) QLD AU; Karen McCarthy(Terry) of West Palm Beach FL; Martha Dolan of North East PA; Helene Martinez(Marc) of Lafayette CO.   Also survived by close nieces and nephews – Denise Eller(Eric) of North East PA; Helene Waldemarson of North East PA;  Angela O’Rourke(Brian) QLD AU; Katie Jennings QLD AU; Becky Moore(Dave) S.A. AU; Jamie Waldemarson(Erica) Warren OH; Nick Waldemarson(Loreine) North East PA; in addition many other nieces, nephews and great nieces & nephews.  A special mention to Andy Wittman and Steve Blodgett for years of friendship and being like sons; dear friends Fred and Margaret Beers who are like family.  Many thanks to the many friends and neighbors who have supported us over the years and during this journey. 

The family thanks the Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPC) staff for their wonderful support.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home in North East, PA and can be accessed online at www.bowersfuneralhome.com.  There will be no view hours and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life scheduled on June 7, 2025 at 3:00 pm-8:00 pm at the Ripley Hose Co#1 Fire Hall at 11 So. State Street in Ripley, NY.

Memorials my be made to the CHPC at 20 W. Fairmont Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750 or to the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue (NCCR) at 7540 N Gale St, Westfield, NY 14787.