William Goree

William Goree - Bill Goree, a life long resident of Petaluma, passed away at his Petaluma residence on June 14, 2010. Devoted husband for 63 years to Helen Goree of Petaluma. Loving father of Scott Goree and his wife Michele of Penngrove and the late Ross Goree. Cherished grandfather of Rachel Goree of Penngrove and Renee Goree of San Francisco. Dearest brother of Geraldine Groves of Petaluma. Dear father-in-law of Diane (Honey) Hotaling. Bill will be remembered for his dry humor, his honesty, his integrity, self-reliance, and being a great person to play a round of golf with. As per his request, there will not be a service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA, 94952 or COTS, 1500 Petaluma Blvd. So., Petaluma, CA 94952. After graduating from Petaluma Senior High School, Bill attended USF in San Francisco, playing football and rugby. When WWII broke out he left school to become an ensign in the U.S. Naval Air Corps from 1943 until 1946 at which time he was a fighter pilot, flying with the VF Silver Squadron 181. After the war he attended Santa Rosa Junior College, again playing for the football team, subsequently transferring to UC Berkeley. However, before starting school his father convinced him to come home and join him running Goree Cleaners in Petaluma, which he ran until selling in the 70â??s. Returning to his home town, Bill resumed his football passion, playing for the Petaluma Leghorns. Upon leaving the dry cleaning business, he became a realtor in Sonoma county, retiring in 1985.