We Say Goodbye to Korean War Vet Bill Dover

 Today there was a service for Korean War Veteran Bill Dover at the cemetery in Calcium, NY. He was 91 years old. Mr. Dover owned and operated a small country store in the hamlet of Calcium, the place where I grew up. His daughter Nora and I are the same age, graduating together from Indian River High School in 1972. Most people in Calcium interacted with Mr. Dover in one way or another on almost a daily basis. The store was the hub of the community and he, along with his wife Angie,  became iconic figures. Outside the store and after he retired he was helpful and kind. The following obit says it all. 

I had the honor of attending Bill Dover's 90th Birthday.

William A. Dover Obituary

William A. Dover, 91, formerly of Calcium, NY, passed away on May 26, 2025, at Samaritan Nursing Home, where he had been a resident.

He was born on January 5, 1934, in Toccoa, Georgia, the son of James K. and Winnie Ruth Rickman Dover. William graduated from high school in Toccoa, Georgia, and entered the U.S. Army in March 1951. He served as a medic during the Korean War and was honorably discharged after being wounded in action on March 19, 1954. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars.

While stationed at Camp Drum, he met Angelina Lago. The couple married on March 21, 1954, in Toccoa, Georgia. In 1963, they moved to Calcium, NY, where they owned and operated Dover’s Grocery Store for 32 years. During that time, William also worked for Loblaws for 20 years.

William was an honorary member of the Calcium Fire Department, an avid gardener, a collector of coins, and a true jack-of-all-trades.

He is survived by two daughters and their husbands: Nora M. and Mark K. Cloonan of Calcium, NY; and Cheryl A. and Francis A. Montressor Jr. of Calcium, NY; five grandchildren: Ryan Montressor, Jade and Jamie Montressor, Jerick Montressor, Gabrielle and William Mayfield, Brittany Widrick and fiancé Greg Essenlohr; and great-grandchildren Gavin, Logan, Sasha, Joseph, Aydriana, Cameron, Levi, and Brielle.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Angelina Dover, who passed away on August 21, 2023; his brother, James Ray Dover; and three sisters: Evelie Walrup, Willie Ruth McCracken, and Sally Mae Dover.

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