Daniel R. Willey

Daniel R. Willey, 88, passed away on January 28, 2023 after a brief illness. Daniel was born on February 23, 1934 son of the late Daniel Willey Jr. and Mary Charlotte Devine.

A devoted family man and loyal husband, Dan was a talented and hard working man who gave of himself far more than he took.

As a child and young man, Dan loved to fish on Lake Champlain with his father and brother, play baseball with his brother and cousins, and he played fiddle in his father's band at age 5. Eventually Dan would learn to love cars and taught himself how to fix them. He also got into boxing for a bit and continued to play baseball as a capital district star lefty pitcher. When his grandsons came along he loved going to their games and teaching them how to pitch.

Dan was an accomplished musician and in addition to the fiddle, he also played saxophone, clarinet, banjo and guitar. In 1956, Dan was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served in Seoul, South Korea. There he met a friend who introduced Dan to the music of Chet Atkins, and he taught himself how to play fingerstyle guitar until he sounded just like Chet. His children often would not be able to tell if an album was playing or if it was Dan practicing.

A store manager for Endicott Johnson for over 30 years, after retiring he went on to drive a truck, inspect tires and make deliveries. Dan liked to be busy and productive and through a correspondence course in the early 70's he taught himself how to fix televisions. He ran his own TV repair business for many years. He was an avid gardener who grew many vegetables in his backyard garden. His specialty was his abundant and absolutely delicious tomatoes.

Daniel was married to his beloved wife, the late Florence A. Willey for 64 years. Dan and Florence's father's both worked at G.E. in Schenectady and they were introduced to one another when Dan and his father made a visit to Florence's Father's home. They were 14 and 18 years old when they met and were married four years later. They raised their family in the house that he built for them.

Once both Dan and Flo retired, they had a seasonal camp at Lake Woodstock where friends and family would gather for campfires, games and good fun.

Dan had a warm, witty and sometimes downright silly personality with those he loved most. His family was his heart and soul. He was always there for them as provider, protector and with wise advice when needed. He could fix nearly anything.

He is survived by his three daughters; Diane Willey, Jeanette Wager (Charles), and Colleen O'Brien (Matthew), his grandsons; Daniel Wager (Hali), Justin Wager (Ashley) and Ryan Wager (Kirsten), as well as five great grandchildren; Noah, Cora, Riley, Kinsley and Hattie. He is also survived by his brother, Alfred J. Willey (Nancy) as well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday February 10th from 5pm-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie NY. A service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday February 11th at 10am, Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.