William Scott
William E. Scott, of Rome, N.Y., died June 25, 2025, age 85. He was born in St. Louis, MO, son of James Lucien Scott and Pearlie Mae Scott (both deceased).
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Jean Scott (Rome); his daughters Lisa Marie Jones (Alexandria, VA) and Kimberley Ann Njowusi (Greenbelt, MD); stepson Shawn M. Occhipinti and his partner Jeremy Carey. He is also survived by his brother James H. Scott and wife Cora Scott (Exton, PA); his sister-in-law Connie Scott, grandson Philip Njowusi (Greenbelt, MD) and granddaughter Kambria Occhipinti, nephews James H., Jr. (Greta and children Dillon and Brian), John (Laura), Damian, George, Jr (Danielle and children Keira, Shea); and nieces Indira (Walter) Lar-Moore, Mary (Erik), and Trish (children Nicole and C.J). He is predeceased by his stepson Mark Occhipinti; his brother George, and nephew Chevon.
Called affectionally “Bill” or “Scotty” or “Magic” by his many friends, he was instrumental to the growth of the new wave of rhythmic fast-dancing in Rome in the Fifties. He met the challenges of life with a friendly, outgoing demeanor, was known as a go-to friend, and was “at home” for years with his buddies at The Country Kitchen. He had a lifelong commitment to his Roman Catholic faith. Baptized at St. John’s Church, he was the first black alumnus of St. Mary’s Elementary School and St. Aloysius Academy High School (SAA). Beginning as an altar boy at St. Mary’s, he was later an active lay leader and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s until his death.
After high school graduation, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army, 69th Armor Regiment “Panthers”, and was honorably discharged as SPEC 4, in 1961. He was a member of the Henry P. Smith Post of the American Legion. He enjoyed a 36-year professional service career with the State of New York in various capacities in the greater-Rome area. Following the passage of his father in 1982, Scotty (with his wife, Bonnie) faithfully assisted his widowed mother in her adjustments and helped her achieve a comfortable, successful and independent lifestyle throughout her elderly years.
Bill was introduced to sports early in life by his father. He excelled as a star athlete at SAA, lettering at basketball and baseball (once hitting two home-runs in the same inning). An all-around athlete, he was elected to The Rome Sports Hall of Fame in 1997, for his bowling prowess, which he maintained into his 80’s. He excelled consistently for over six decades of competitive league bowling (oft-cited Rome Alley Ace, with multiple sanctioned 300 games and 800+ series). Notably, in one of his 800s he recorded his starting game with ten strikes in a row, followed in game two by starting with nine strikes in a row, and starting in game three seven in a row. He was also a solid competitive golfer, a prodigious driver of the golf-ball, and had a sanctioned hole-in-one to his credit.
He was a beloved husband, son, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather and will be missed by all including his family chihuahua (Eula). In his next life, he will enjoy catching up with old friends, and never missing a Mets game.
Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440, on Tuesday, July 8th from 4-7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 9th, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 200 N. James St., Rome NY 13440. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed in his memory to St. Mary’s and St. Peter’s Churches.
You may read the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com