Ilion William F."Bill"Pickett, 87, son of Heenan and Ella (Whalen) Pickett, passed into eternal life on November 2, 2020 at Foltsbrook in Herkimer. In his younger years he graduated from Ilion High School and served as an altar boy at the Church of Annunciation. He had a strong devotion to God and his religion. Bill worked most of his life at Remington Arms. He was a figure in the community, serving in local politics and he was instrumental in starting Pop Warner Football in the area. Everyone knew Bill. Bill married his high school sweetheart Shirley (Rasmussen) Pickett on June 23, 1956 and the two were inseparable for 64 years. He is also survived by three sons Billy of Farmington, NY, Jeff and his husband Tom of Hackensack, NJ and Andy of Ilion; a daughter Lisa Sweet and her husband Leigh of Canandaigua, NY; a sister Margaret Deptehereos of Watertown. Four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brothers Jack and Joe and a sister Mary. Bill will be remembered for the love and kindness that he gave to everyone in his life. A memorial mass for Bill will be held on Tuesday November 10, 2020 at 10:30 at the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion, Fr. Paul Catena will officiate. A graveside service will follow at the Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. Friends may call on Monday November 9 from 2 to 4 pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego St. in Ilion. COVID guidelines for services will apply. To leave an online condolence please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com.