MECHANICVILLE — William J. Garland, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29 with his loving family by his side. Son of the late Emma and John Garland, Bill was born on January 15, 1929 and was a lifelong resident of Mechanicville.
He attended Mechanicville schools before enlisting in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) in 1946 and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by the NYS Department of Transportation, Division of Canals, retiring in 1982 after 32 years of service.
An avid Red Sox fan, Bill was also known and loved for his gift of candor. He was devoted to working with the young people in his community where he was involved with the Youth Center, the Mechanicville-Stillwater Little League and Pop Warner Football programs. Bill was a member of the Mechanicville Stillwater Elks and Disabled American Veterans. Previously he was a member of the Mechanicville Fire Department, Knights of Columbus and Rotary Club. Bill was a faithful parishioner of All Saints on the Hudson parish, where he and his wife would attend mass every Sunday until he took ill. After retiring, he enjoyed playing golf, taking trips to the casinos and the Saratoga Race Track and spending some time in Florida.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rosemary, and their three children, William (Theresa) Garland Jr., Kathleen (Glenn) Powers of Mechanicville, and Timothy (Christina) Garland of Ballston Spa. He was Poppy to seven beloved grandchildren, Maggie Powers, Kaylyn, Kara, and Devin Garland of Mechanicville and Sean, Jonathan and Patrick Garland of Ballston Spa. Bill is also survived by his sisters Rosemary Delano of Rexford and Catherine Strubel of Mechanicville as well as many dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Jack.
