Celebrating Life. Cherishing Memories.
William J. VanGuilder Sr., 79, of Luzerne Road, passed away unexpectedly at the Albany Memorial Hospital on Nov. 18, 2011, following a short illness.
Mr. VanGuilder was born in Poultney, Vt., on Nov. 10, 1932, son of the late Walter and Helen VanGuilder, lived in the Queensbury area for more than 40 years.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and sharing his garden with his son, William J. VanGuilder Jr.
He was employed for many years with the Troy Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, retiring in 1995. His last employment was with Green Thumb, as a maintenance worker. He was an avid player of cards with his friends.
Mr. VanGuilder was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army in Korea, honorably discharged in 1953, and was a recipient of the Bronze Star. He was a member of the American Legion Post 574 of Hudson Falls, and a life member of the V.F.W. Post 6196 of Queensbury.
He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Helen VanGuilder; a brother, Leonard VanGuilder; and a sister, Edna Garvey.
Mr. VanGuilder is survived by his lifelong friend and mother of his children, Anna May of Granville; a daughter, Debra VanGuilder; a son, William J. VanGuilder Jr. and his fiance, Sandy Frisbie, of Queensbury; a brother, Walter VanGuilder of Poultney, Vt.; four sisters, Sylvia Pollard of Poultney, Vt., Frieda Wood, Elizabeth Bannister, and Mary Babtie; eight granchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
At Mr. VanGuilder’s request, there will be no calling hours, but a graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, with full military honors; family and friends are invited.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive, Wellsville, NY 14895.
Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com
ONLINE CONDOLENCES
11/21/2011 - Anna Mae, Bill, Sandy and Ryan: I am so sorry about your Dad. I worked with my “Papa Smurf” on the Northway for a year and enjoyed every second of it (I didn’t have to live with him!!!)
I adored him and his “stories” and am honored to have known him. He spoke of you all often. He was proud of his son, adored his grandson, and was very, very fond of Sandy. Even though his mind was often in the gutter ( I say that with MUCH love and affection) his heart was always in the right place. I will never forget him. I will hold dear his jokes and stories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Truly, Pam Fansler - thecake60@live.com
11/21/2011 - Bill, Kris and I are so very saddened by the passing of your Dad. I only met him a few times back when I had to pick Marc up at your Dads or when I took you home.
I’m sure that you have so many memories that will be what will sustain you in the days and weeks to come. Please know that Kris and I will be praying for comfort and peace for you and your family.
Remember that you mentioned a long time ago that you would stop by to say Hi. We still would love to see you again sometime. Please make a point of stopping by some time when you are free. We would love to meet your family.
With our love and prayers, Kris and Donna Fuller
11/21/2011 - Billy Joe, We are thinking of you and your sister. Your father was a very good man. If you need us we will be there for you. ~ TOM AND MARY
11/21/2011 - Dear Debra, So sorry for your loss thinking of you. What great times we had at your house growing up. Know I am thinking of you. ~ Michelle (Mitchell) Krieg
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