William Markham

Colonie- William H. Markham, 86, passed away after a short illness on Friday, May 12, 2006 at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Albany, he was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany. Bill's love of music was a central theme throughout his life. In his youth he played in local dance bands. After graduating from C.B.A. he enlisted in the Army. Being an excellent musician, he was assigned to the West Point Band. In 1940 Bill was selected to become a member of the first Army Air Corp. Band at Mitchell Field, LI. With the outbreak of WWII he was assigned to the 13th Air Force and served in the South Pacific as a Chemical Technician. Bill was the Recipient of the American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon. After returning from his service Bill went on to work for Gulf and Western Industries as a Factory Representative. Upon his retirement, he resumed his musical career playing in the Guilderland Town Band, Colonie Town Band and the Albany Senior Symphony. Bill was a member of the Saratoga Battle Chapter of the Son's of the American Revolution. He is predeceased by Agnes Markham, his beloved wife of 52 years, his sisters, Grace, Julia and his brother Walter.
Bill is survived by his two sons, William Markham and his wife Christine of Guilderland and David Markham and his wife Margaret of Lee, MA. Mr. Markham is also survived by six cherished grandchildren, Brian, Allison, Deanna, Michael, Christopher and Amy, his sister Remi Flikkema; several nieces, nephews and many treasured friends.
Funeral services will be held on Monday at 8:15 AM at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.), thence to the Church of St. Clare at 9:00 AM where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 in memory of William H. Markham. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to www.newcomerfamily.com