Saratoga Springs – William “Bill” O’Dwyer, born December 30, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving wife, family, and familiar sounds of his favorite traditional Irish music.
Bill grew up in Manhattan and spent weekends at the family country home in Montgomery, where he met the love of his life, Carole Backofen.
After graduating from the High School of Music & Art, Bill completed his undergraduate degree at Pace University in 1959. That same year, he and Carole married and set sail for Ireland. Bill attended The School of Medicine University College Cork (UCC) from 1959 to 1965. During those years, they welcomed their first daughter, Kerry. Bill, along with two classmates, established the UCC Medical School Alumni Association, helping to build connections between graduates from different countries.
Upon graduating from medical school, Bill completed his residency at Albany Medical Center, specializing in pediatrics. In 1966, he and Carole welcomed their second daughter, Deirdre.
Bill entered the U.S. Navy in 1968 and was stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina, caring for the families of the Naval community.
In 1970, Bill joined the practice of Dr. William Boland and Dr. William Petersen, forming Boland, Petersen & O’Dwyer, M.D.s, later known as Shaker Pediatrics.
Bill and Carole raised their family in Loudonville, where they made many friends through the Troy Country Club. In 1976, they built a second home in Chestertown, where they enjoyed year-round Adirondack activities and countless meals, holidays, and adventures at Brant Lake.
For more than 30 years, Bill cared for children and families throughout the Capital Region. He was a founding member of the Irish and American Pediatric Society, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, past president of the Whitney Young Health Center, and a founding member of Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP).
Bill remained deeply connected to his Irish roots and was active in organizations both in New York and Ireland, including the Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany and the O’Dwyer Cheshire Home and Forestry in County Mayo.
In 2003, Bill retired from pediatrics and moved with Carole to Chestertown. He was an avid skier and a proud member of the Backwoods Ski Club at Gore Mountain. Recognizing the need for greater healthcare access in the North Country, Bill was integral to the success of the Hudson Headwaters Health Network. In later years, he and Carole spent winters on Hilton Head Island, where they looked forward to visits from their children and grandchildren.
Bill’s commitment to caring for others extended well beyond medicine. He loved connecting with people, gave generously of himself, and asked little in return beyond their companionship.
In recent years, Bill and Carole moved closer to family in Saratoga Springs, where they enjoyed a new community and new friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Kathleen (Rohan) O’Dwyer, and his sister, Eileen (Tom) Hughes. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 70 years, Carole; his daughters, Kerry (Chip) Marrano and Deirdre (Michael) Ladd; his brothers, Rory (Kathie) O’Dwyer and Brian (Marianna) O’Dwyer; six grandchildren, Ryan (Kelsey), Connie, and Ricky (Ali) Marrano, Jack, Patrick, and Declan Ladd; and two great-grandchildren, James and Will Marrano.
Bill’s greatest pride was the family he and Carole created. He took enormous joy in watching his family grow, learn, and give back, and was a beacon of guidance throughout their education, careers, relationships, and life choices.
He cherished his time with loved ones, his red wine at happy hour, and political discussions. But most of all, he loved his wife.
He leaves behind a legacy of lived values – family, education, service, generosity, community, and unshakable loyalty. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency.
A private burial for immediate family only will be held at Saratoga National Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
