Obituaries

William George Foote, 81, a longtime resident of Fremont, passed away on January 31, 2018. Bill was born at home in Lonaconing, Maryland, on April 6, 1936, the oldest son of George and Elizabeth Foote. After graduating from Valley High School in 1955, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1955-1978. In 1970, Bill was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest rank for an enlisted service member. Bill was deployed many times throughout his career and served aboard three aircraft carriers: the USS Coral Sea, the USS Oriskany and, finally, the USS Enterprise. He retired from the Navy in 1978 and then took a civilian job at the Alameda Naval Air Station until he retired again in 1996. On October 16, 1960, Bill married Barbara C. Sappema at St. Joseph’s Basilica in Alameda. They made their home in Fremont where they had three children. After taking care of her for some years, Barbara passed away in 2010. Bill is survived by his daughter Theresa of Modesto, his daughter Christine Drayton of Walnut Creek, his son Jeffrey of San Francisco, and his grandchildren, Matthew and Claire Drayton, his sisters Jo Ann Willison (Paul) Frostburg, Juanita Stoutamyer of Fredrick and brother Robert Foote (Sonya) of Lonaconing and numerous nephews and nieces. Bill was a fixture in his Centerville District neighborhood and was known for helping his neighbors, friends and family; he truly would give you the shirt off his back. Bill could build and repair just about anything: houses, furniture, cars, and appliances. His children and grandchildren benefited tremendously from his attention and skills. Fair Winds Following Seas, Bill – you are loved and missed greatly. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to your local hospice.

Private service will be held by the family.