
Pittstown- William J. “Bill” Powers, 74, a lifelong resident of Pittstown, died peacefully, Friday, December 9, 2022, in the comfort of his home with his loving wife and family by his side following a long illness.
Born in Troy, December 27, 1947, Bill was the son of the late William A. and Helene (Morris) Powers and, for over 47 years, the husband of Jo Ann (Auernig) Powers of Pittstown, who survives. Bill and Jo Ann were married on June 14, 1975.
Bill attended various one-room school houses up to 4th grade, Parker School, and later was a graduate of Tamarac High School.
For over 36 years, Bill was employed at the Watervliet Arsenal, where he attended several training schools and as an apprentice tool maker. While working his way up to the position of master tool maker, Bill’s attention to detail became evident to his supervisors, and he was awarded several certificates and cash awards for beating project deadlines and helping to provide a higher quality product than contractors expected. He retired in September 2004.
Bill was a communicant of the former St. George’s Catholic Church in Pittstown. He was also active from a young age in scouting and had earned the prestigious Order of the Arrow Award from the Boy Scouts of America. As a younger man, he enjoyed bowling and playing golf. He was a lifelong recreational motorcycle rider who took day trips with his wife and friends traveling as far as Cape Cod. Up until his retirement, he took great pride in being “Mr. Fix-it,” assisting with fixing computers, electronic devices, and mechanical repairs, refusing to take any compensation because he saw it as a joy to help his relatives, friends, and neighbors.
In addition to his wife, Jo Ann, Bill is survived by three sons, Nicholas, William J. Powers of Margaretville, and Lewis A. Powers (Amanda Bastidas
O’Donal) of Melrose, a sister, Charmaine Morizio of Troy, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna and Tom Grant of Babcock Lake, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, the late Philip Birmingham.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home Inc., 2237 New York Route 7, located in Raymertown. A memorial service led by family friend Rev. John Roberts will follow at 6:15 p.m. Burial at Maple Grove Cemetery in Hoosick Falls will be held later this spring 2023.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144, or to Pittstown Volunteer Emergency Corps., 60 Parker School Road, Johnsonville, NY 12094, in memory of William J. “Bill” Powers.
Born in Troy, December 27, 1947, Bill was the son of the late William A. and Helene (Morris) Powers and, for over 47 years, the husband of Jo Ann (Auernig) Powers of Pittstown, who survives. Bill and Jo Ann were married on June 14, 1975.
Bill attended various one-room school houses up to 4th grade, Parker School, and later was a graduate of Tamarac High School.
For over 36 years, Bill was employed at the Watervliet Arsenal, where he attended several training schools and as an apprentice tool maker. While working his way up to the position of master tool maker, Bill’s attention to detail became evident to his supervisors, and he was awarded several certificates and cash awards for beating project deadlines and helping to provide a higher quality product than contractors expected. He retired in September 2004.
Bill was a communicant of the former St. George’s Catholic Church in Pittstown. He was also active from a young age in scouting and had earned the prestigious Order of the Arrow Award from the Boy Scouts of America. As a younger man, he enjoyed bowling and playing golf. He was a lifelong recreational motorcycle rider who took day trips with his wife and friends traveling as far as Cape Cod. Up until his retirement, he took great pride in being “Mr. Fix-it,” assisting with fixing computers, electronic devices, and mechanical repairs, refusing to take any compensation because he saw it as a joy to help his relatives, friends, and neighbors.
In addition to his wife, Jo Ann, Bill is survived by three sons, Nicholas, William J. Powers of Margaretville, and Lewis A. Powers (Amanda Bastidas
O’Donal) of Melrose, a sister, Charmaine Morizio of Troy, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna and Tom Grant of Babcock Lake, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, the late Philip Birmingham.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home Inc., 2237 New York Route 7, located in Raymertown. A memorial service led by family friend Rev. John Roberts will follow at 6:15 p.m. Burial at Maple Grove Cemetery in Hoosick Falls will be held later this spring 2023.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144, or to Pittstown Volunteer Emergency Corps., 60 Parker School Road, Johnsonville, NY 12094, in memory of William J. “Bill” Powers.