Obituary of William J. Nalli

Anyone who ever had the chance to know him can boast that they knew the first and original “BOOMER.” William J. “Boomer” Nalli Jr. was born on February 12^th 1924 on Mohawk Street in Canajoharie to William Nalli Sr. and Mary Fontanella Nalli. The house he was born in was directly across the street from the railroad tracks behind Beech-Nut plant two. As a very young lad, Junior Nalli would test out his throwing arm by tossing large stones at the railroad cars and exclaim “BOOM” when they hit. The old guys coming out of Joe's Tavern next door would see him and say “There's that little Boomer”-Thus his nickname would change from Junior to Boomer and follow him the rest of his life.

         

He attended the West Hill School and then got to use that throwing arm on the baseball and basketball teams at the High School on Erie Blvd. He not only excelled at those games, but also started playing golf at an early age, becoming the Nick Stoner Caddy champion in 1940. He continued to play golf into his 90s and won a Championship at Canajoharie Country Club 50 years after that first one in 1940.

       

The war prohibited him from graduating from High School as he became part of the U.S. Army Air Corps in Belgium. And so, he becomes the second to last man standing in a group of WWII veterans called the Last Mans Club. Post war, Boomer started work at Beech-Nut and worked in many different capacities until his retirement.

 

On August 28, 1948 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, whom caught his eye at Sherman’s in Caroga Lake.  Angelina Colasanti Nalli and Boomer spent 72 wonderful years together and raised three children.  She predeceased him on July 10, 2020.  He was also predeceased by his siblings Richard Nalli and Peggy Bowmaker.

   

In addition to the sports of baseball, basketball, golf and bowling, Boomer's passions included outdoor sports and gardening; mostly hunting and fishing. The family was rarely without wild game, fish and tomatoes. His green thumb insured tomatoes from his garden, canned by him and Lena (literally by the hundreds each year) would supply the base for spaghetti sauces created by both him and Lena. They constantly were competing for bragging rights as to which sauce was superior. He greatly enjoyed baking pies and making fresh homemade pasta, gnocchi and ravioli.

     

Always active in the community, Boomer was a cook at scout weekends, little league coach and umpire, high school basketball referee, part time police officer, and served as a member of the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years.

 

He is survived by his sons William (Bill) Nalli III (Libby Amoia Nalli), John H. Nalli, and Philip J. Nalli (Connie Kuntzsch Nalli); grandsons William Michael Nalli, Christopher J. Nalli (Elizabeth Lazarou), Ryan L. Post (Amanda Bernhardt) and Philip Nalli Jr (Allysa Parks); one granddaughter, Elyse Marie Nalli (Randall Hogue); three great granddaughters, Cleo Jean Nalli, Emmalee Post and Atleigh Elisabeth Post; one great grandson Luke William Post; nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

The family of Boomer would like to express their extreme gratitude the entire staff of the St. Johnsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent, loving care of Boomer for the duration of his stay. Their compassion, dedication and love is greatly appreciated .The area is very lucky to have a group of dedicated professionals to care for their loved ones. We will forever be grateful for the love and care of our father and grandfather. Thank You All!

 

We request no flowers to be sent. Should there be anyone who would like to honor Boomer's memory, donations in his name may be sent to the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department, 75 Erie Blvd, Canajoharie, NY 13317 or the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.

 

Services are private.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com    

  

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