BURNT HILLS — William Gately, age 81, of Burnt Hills, passed away on April 8, 2022, surrounded by family.
Born on July 8, 1940 in Milford, CT, Bill graduated from Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School and attended Hudson Valley Community College. His work at General Electric’s Research and Development Center saw Bill awarded several patents and membership in the GE Quarter Century Club. Bill served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1969 as a military policeman in France for 18 months.
In 1967, Bill and Rosemary eloped and were married by the Justice of the Peace in Chestertown Town Hall, which is now Main Street Ice Cream Parlor. They visited each year on their anniversary.
Bill was a staple in the Burnt Hills community and was known for his helping spirit. He could always be found at Fo’Castle Farm Country Store- something he’d done since he was a young man. Bill loved to line dance with Kevin Richards, was active with the GE Retirement Club and enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid gardener and could always be found using his “Big Red” International tractor helping others on Kingsley Road. He loved fishing and knew the best local fishing spots. His favorite retirement pastime was sitting on the neighbor’s porch with his “adopted grandkids” counting cars, waving to folks he knew and sampling homemade baked goods. Bill will forever be remembered and greatly missed in the many hearts that he touched.
Survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Rosemary (Mullen) Gately; his sister Sharon Meyer and nephews, Scott (Lauren) Meyer and Robert (Liz Mulholland) Meyer. Bill was predeceased by his parents Ralph G. and Minnie R. (Wescott) Gately and brother Alan R. Gately.
Friends and family gathered to remember him on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Townley and Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake. Interment with military honors will be on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Burnt Hills.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Ballston Lake Emergency Squad, 1123 Ballston Lake Rd., Ballston Lake, NY 12019; the Ballston Lake Fire Department P.O. Box 1148, Ballston Lake, NY 12019; Burnt Hills Fire Department P.O. Box 37, Burnt Hills, NY 12027, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on William’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com
