DEXTER – William “Bill” Cherniske, 67, husband of Amber (Knowles) Cherniske, died peacefully Nov. 17, 2009, at his home after his heroic, year-long battle with cancer. His beloved wife of 26 years, Amber, was at his side. Bill was born Oct. 19, 1942, in New Milford, Conn., a son of William and Rose (Shanks) Cherniske. He graduated from Henry Abbott Technical School, Class of 1960. After serving in the U.S. Army he worked with his dad as a master mechanic for the family business, Berkshire Sales & Service, Danbury, Conn. He moved to Dexter in the ’70s and began Cherniske Brothers Construction Co. and settled into his home, Misty Blue Acres on Lake Wassookeag. Bill had a great passion for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, horses and working on his farm, where he raised Hereford beef cattle and bred Morgans with his beloved stallion, Hyland. Bill also loved to tell stories, laugh and meet new people. In addition to construction, Bill also spent many years trucking for Hartt Transportation, UPS, Eastland Woolen Mill, Lyle Pierce Inc., Herrick Construction, S.D. Wilbur Trucking Inc., Fleet Car and Craft Transportation Co. He was known by many as “Dancin’ Diesel” and “Wild Bill.” After 30 years on the road he worked for Motor Supply Co., Dexter. Bill had a unique talent for figuring out how to fix just about anything. He will also be remembered for lending a hand to neighbors and strangers alike, and for his love of dancing. He is survived by his children, William Cherniske of Coventry, Conn., Cynthia Sturm of New Fairfield, Conn., and Amie Smith of Dexter; seven grandchildren, William, Christina and Addeline Cherniske, Grace and Lauren Sturm, Makayla and Morgan Smith; and his siblings, Mary Powers of Auburn, Patricia Cherniske of Saco, Gail Ferraro of Exeter, N.H., and Timothy Cherniske of Shoreview, Minn. Graveside committal services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Corinna Village Cemetery, Corinna. A gathering of friends and family will be after the service at Dexter Fire Station, Church Street, Dexter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Dexter Fire Department, care of Everett Hibbard, 148 Elms Road, Ripley, ME 04930 or Alfond Cancer Center of Maine, 361 Old Belgrade Road, Augusta, ME 04330. Those who wish may leave written condolences at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
WILLIAM H. CHERNISKE
