SARATOGA SPRINGS — William H. Harrison II, 82, passed away Wednesday, August 13, of complications from Melanoma.
Born March 11, 1932 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late William H. Harrison and Helena Smith-Harrison. Bill was living his dream as a permanent resident of Saratoga Springs with his wife, Maria, of 30 years.
Bill graduated from Brooklyn Preparatory High School, Holy Cross College, and received his Master’s Degree from New York University. At Brooklyn Prep and Holy Cross he was a gold, silver and bronze medalist in track events. After graduation, he worked for Gray Advertising and Franklin Simons as an accountant. He then became a computer technology and accounting teacher at Bryant High School, Beach Channel High School and LaGuardia Community College, all in New York City.
Bill served in the U.S. Air Force as a paratrooper, making 11 aerial jumps. He was an extraordinary volunteer for the Airline Ambassadors International, bringing humanitarian aid to those in need in the United States and abroad. As a teacher-leader for the People To People Student Ambassador Program for 11 years, he and his wife, Maria, led student trips to countries around the world.
Bill was also an avid Rotarian in Rockaway and Saratoga, serving as treasurer and a member of St. Clement’s Catholic Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Cathy and husband, Bob Speciale of Rochester; William and wife, Denise Harrison, of Manalapan, New Jersey; Susan and husband, John Coffey, of Hobart, Indiana; and Doris Ann and husband, Gregg McPhee, of Santa Barbara, California. His stepchildren are Stephen and wife, Tina Chindamo, of Saratoga Springs and Frank Chindamo of Los Angeles, California. His grandchildren are James, Sara, Daniel, Robert, Christina, Stephanie, Daniel, Ray, and step-grandchildren Robert and Sara Rose.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Mary’s Haven, 35 New St., Saratoga Springs, and/or www.AirlineAmbassadors.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
