William A. Kohlbrenner passed away peacefully on February 14th at the age of 99.   

Bill was a life-long resident of Syracuse.  He graduated from St. Anthony of Padua High School and briefly attended Lemoyne College.  He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in the Philippines during WW II.   He had several jobs after the war that ultimately led to a 36-year career at the Syracuse Herald Journal where he was involved in assembling the daily newspaper.  In this role he was deeply involved in implementing the new printing technologies that evolved during the 70’s and 80’s.  Bill was always a devoted family man.  He and his wife, Kathleen (Brogan), were married in 1948 and raised a family of nine.   They were communicants at St. Ann’s Church in Taunton for decades.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of 60 yrs, Kathleen; a brother John and a sister Mary Ann (Kosty).

He is survived by his nine children:  William (Claudia); Robert; Dianne (Jim) McLaughlin; Kathleen Tracy; Teresa Holder; Daniel (Jeanette); Michael (Diana); James (Sara) and David (Becky).  He also leaves behind 21 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and an extended family of cousins and other relatives who will miss him greatly.  

A mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday February 21, 2026 at St. Charles-St. Ann’s Parish, Westvale. Calling hours will be held Friday February 20, 2026 from 4-7pm at the Edward J. Ryan & Son Funeral Home. Burial In Onondaga Valley Cemetery. Donations to the Francis House @ 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse 13208 can be made in lieu of flowers.