Thomas W. Usherwood

Thomas William (Billy) Usherwood, age 78, unexpectedly passed away on February 22, as a result of an apartment fire.  His beloved cat Pyewacket was also lost.

He was born on May 5, 1943, to Louis F. and Anne M. (Brown) Usherwood, Syracuse, NY. Mr. Usherwood attended Valley High School. In 1965 he became an elevator technician, working with Otis, Davis, Schindler/Millar, Midstate, and Dover companies through the International Union of Elevator Constructors. He continued until 2004 when he retired. In 1970 he founded Valley Pizza Villa located in Syracuse and then relocated to Oswego, NY in 1974 to raise his family and open the Pizza Pub located at 141 W. Bridge St., where it continued until 2010 when he retired, after 40 years in business.

As a young man, Billy loved boating, skiing, scuba diving, and playing hockey with the Lauren Kirkby Hockey League in Syracuse. As an adult, he traveled often throughout New York State and especially loved Alexandria Bay. He truly loved his career in elevators and was continuously fascinated with their inner workings. He had a rigid work ethic and held at least two jobs at all times. Billy adored his immediate and extended family and remained as close to them as possible. Billy had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing small pranks on friends and family members. He took interest in others and enjoyed socializing. Over the years he became an avid fan of country music and spent hours listening to it. But mostly, Billy quietly enjoyed the outdoors and wildlife as he spent hours feeding squirrels and walking with his dog. His last contribution on this earth was to fully care for his partner in life, Linda Bartosek. Linda passed in November of 2018 after her long battle with cancer.

Mr. Usherwood is survived by a daughter, Lisa A. Usherwood Licitra (Carmen) Baldwinsville NY, grandchildren - Matthew and Nathan Licitra of Baldwinsville, step-daughter Jennifer Bartosek Johnson former spouse, Sharon R. Usherwood, Baldwinsville, brother Charles I. Usherwood, Sr., Cicero, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Usherwood is predeceased by his daughter, Lori L. Usherwood, his partner in life, Linda Bartosek, brother George B. Usherwood, sisters Jane E. (Usherwood) Tanner and Noreen A. (Usherwood) Bishop, and his much-beloved dog, Princess.

Arrangements for Mr. Usherwood have been made by the Dowdle Funeral Home in Oswego, NY.  While there are no calling hours, a celebration of life will be held for both Billy Usherwood as well as Linda Bartosek on May 23rd at Onondaga Valley Cemetery at 11:00. If you'd like information on attending the celebration please email the family at: LLicitra36@gmail.com.

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