Obituary of William J. Charlson

CLIFTON PARK

Charlson, William J. (Bill)

Bill Charlson, 88, died peacefully at Kingsway Nursing Home on March 3, 2018, after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer's Disease.  He was predeceased by his wife, and lifetime partner, Joan E. Charlson and son, Brian Charlson.

Bill was born in Buffalo, NY and raised by his mother, Rose Lent.  He graduated from St. Anthony of Padua High School in Syracuse, NY.  He was a Korean War veteran, serving four years in the Navy Reserves and two years active duty as a yeoman 3rd class aboard the USS Myles C. Fox.  He attended LeMoyne and Siena Colleges, graduating with a Business Degree.  Bill worked at Niagara Mohawk for 43 years in a multiple supervisory roles.  He also taught business courses at Hudson Valley Community College and SUNY colleges at Albany and Cobleskill. 

Bill served as a member of the United Way while employed at Niagara Mohawk.  He was also a board member on the Hudson Valley Chamber of Commerce.  In retirement, he volunteered at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady, NY and at his voting center in Clifton Park, NY.

Bill was a long term member of St. Mary's Church in Clifton Park, NY and later at Corpus Christi Church in Round Lake, NY.  While at St. Mary's, he served as a lector and provided religious instruction.

Together Bill and Joan raised eight children, six boys and two girls:  Mark Charlson, Gail Charlson, Joyce (Kent) Buschle, Peter (Sheila) Charlson, Brian Charlson, Stephen Charlson, John Charlson, and Paul Charlson.  Their grandchildren include:  Christopher Colpoys, Matthew Charlson, Meghan (Charlson) Polhemus, Carissa (Buschle) Kutz and Kent Buschle.  Great grandchildren include:  Joanie and Peter Polhemus. 

At his home in Clifton Park, where he and Joan spent 45 years together, Bill could often be found puttering in his vegetable garden.  Bill had a soft spot for animals – especially dogs, and was known to have taken in many a “stray” over the years (much to Joan's dismay).  He enjoyed bird watching, and was a history buff (esp. Revolutionary and Civil Wars).  He loved classical music.  And, he had a real sweet tooth!  He and Joan dined out regularly and were familiar faces at many local restaurants.  Some favorite vacation spots were Cape Cod, MA, Cape May, NJ, Myrtle Beach, NC and Destin, FL.  Bill and Joan also fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Ireland.

Those who supported Bill and his family are too numerous to mention.  Family particularly thanks Bill's brother-in-law, the Reverend Robert Chryst, Anthony Marinello, MD and Michael Perrotti, MD, the Alzheimer's Center of Albany Medical Center and Kingsway and Hospice Staff. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 9, 2018 at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake, NY 12151. 

A private burial for family will take place at Saratoga National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to the Alzheimer's Association or the ASPCA.

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