Email  Print

Wilfred ‘Willy’ Joseph LeMay Jr.

  Wilfred “Willy” Joseph LeMay Jr., 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Sonoma surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife, Diane.

  Willy was born in San Rafael, on May 21, 1948. He moved to Sonoma Valley with his family when he was 7-years-old. He attended local schools and graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he became a private in the 47th Airborne.  Willy was honorably discharged after two years of service. In 1970, upon his return home from active duty, Willy married Diane Kohnhorst, who was also from the Sonoma Valley. They made their home here, raising their three daughters, for the last 41 years. During their first year of marriage, Willy worked for Nicholas Turkey Ranch until he made the decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and acquired a job with PG&E. During his 40-year employment with PG&E, Willy would work long hours and sometimes weekends away from his family to gain the recognition and title of sub-foreman.

  Willy was an avid hunter and fisherman. On any given weekend or an occasional evening, one could find him with his fishing tackle heading out to the sloughs with his best friend, Donny Harrah, or his younger brother, James LeMay. Every summer, Willy would take his wife and three daughters to their annual fishing/camping trip to Lake Davis. Willy taught his three daughters the proper way to bait a fishing line and how to land those beautiful rainbow trout. When the weather turned cold, Willy would be up before the sun, headed to the local coffee shop to meet up with his fellow duck hunters, and then head off to his favorite duck blind.

  Willy is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Diane LeMay, of Sonoma; his three daughters, Jennifer Jaymot, Amie Gutierrez (Jose), and Christina Pagh (James), all of Sonoma; his seven grandchildren, Nathan and Ava Jaymot, Nicholas and Jacob Gutierrez, and Caleb, Layla and Hailey Pagh. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Rovetti; and his best friend of 55 years, Donny Harrah. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred J. LeMay Sr. and Eleanore LeMay; and his brothers, Thomas and James LeMay. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. James Price and staff and Willy’s sister-in-law, Pamela Aldrich.

  At his request, no formal services will be held. Inquiries can be made to Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476 at 996-3655 or at www.duggansmissionchapel.com.

Duggan’s Mission Chapel

Mission Cremation Service

525 West Napa Street

Sonoma, CA 95476

707-996-3655