William Johnson

William R. Johnson, 69, of Locust Avenue, Amsterdam, New York, passed away Saturday evening August 31, 2013 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Amsterdam.

Born in Amsterdam on January 20, 1944, he was the son of the late Leon and Lorraine Raes Johnson. Bill was a lifelong resident of the Rockton neighborhood for over six decades, establishing many friendships.

Bill received his education in the Amsterdam school system and was a 1962 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School.

Bill was a member and honorably discharged from the New York State Air National Guard in Schenectady, New York where he held the position of Load Master.

Bill was employed by Capital District Off Track Betting as head of Maintenance and Development, retiring in 1998. He was also the owner and operator of Red & White Confectionery and grocery store, the Rockton Y and Shelly’s Supermarket all in Amsterdam.

Bill was a member of the United Methodist Church on Golf Course Road in Amsterdam.

He also served as a Montgomery County Supervisor for several years. He was one of the founders and a member of GAVAC, Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America in Amsterdam and Past President of the Amsterdam High School Booster Club. Bill also went to the Olympic Trials in 1964 for Speed skating.
Bill is survived by his wife, Theresa Aragosa Johnson at home, two sons, Gary Johnson (Marquettea) of Buffalo, New York and William “Will” Johnson of Amsterdam, two daughters, Michelle Peltier of Albany, New York and Jacquelyn O’Keeffe (John ) of Waterford, Ireland, two sisters, Jacqueline (Alan) Pulsifer of Annapolis, Maryland and Patricia (Edward) Mooney of Bullhead City, Arizona. Ten grandchildren, Samantha, Joseph and Thomas Peltier, Patrick Graham, Tyler, Hayden, Connor, Paris, Paige and Jenna Johnson Bill is also survived by his best friend since Kindergarten, Jim Dence. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Cremation was held at Parkview Crematory in Schenectady, NY.

A memorial services will be held on Thursday morning at 11:00 at The United Methodist Church, Golf Course Road, Amsterdam, New York, with Pastor Greg Desalvatore officiating.

Calling hours are Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, New York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Bill’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Healthcare Palliative Care, Maria Hall, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, New York 12010.