Willliam Clinton Greene

COLONIE, NY – William Clinton Greene, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, September 15, 2008. He was born in Albany on July 4, 1915 and was the son of the late William C. and Jennie M. Chism Greene. Mr. Greene was a life long area resident. Bill was a graduate of Albany High School. He served in the New York National Guard before serving his country in the U.S. Army Air Force. While serving in the Army Air Force in the 442nd Air Service Group with both the American and European Theater, he received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal. Bill worked for Freihofer Bakery on a delivery wagon pulled by his horse, Molly before becoming a locomotive fireman on the New York Central Railroad. After serving his country Bill resumed his job as a locomotive engineer with the former New York Central Railroad. Bill loved life. He was known for his forever smile and outgoing, friendly personality. He was a very active man with many talents and abilities. He served his Lord for many years in the South Bethlehem Methodist Church as a lay leader, President of the Men's Club, Sunday School teacher, cook and tenor in the choir. His Christian service continued at the Clifton Park Baptist Church and Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where he was also a member of the choir and Sunday School teacher. Bill was a member of the National Railway Historical Society (Mohawk & Hudson Dept), Railroad Pensioner's Club, Past-President of Full Gospel Businessmen, Railroad Evangelistic Association (known as "toot-toot willy"), Steamship Historical Society (Hudson Valley Chapter), American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post #1520, V.F.W. Post #1019, Past-President of the Lion's Club in Selkirk, a charter member of the South Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Co, and a volunteer of South Bethlehem Ambulance. Mr. Greene enjoyed music, singing tenor solo with many choral groups including the Senior Coral at the Jewish Community Center, oil painting, bowling, woodworking and construction work. Bill is beloved husband of the late Elizabeth F. Greene. He is the devoted father of Nancy (Charles) Petkiewitz of Colonie, Lois (Buddy) Bishop of Tucson, AZ and Wendy L. Greene of Carlisle, NY. He is the cherished grandfather of Tami Lynch, Kimberly Palazzo, Melissa Calvanico, Colette Frederickson, Robin Suter, Roger Suter and Teresa Suter. Also surviving are 21 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Bill was the brother of the late Daniel Greene, Anna Broz, Frank Koempel and Ethel Engett.
Funeral services will be Friday morning at 10:15 at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-southe of Central Ave.) then to Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to Our Savior's Lutheran School, 63 Mountain View Ave., Colonie, NY 12205 in memory of William Clinton Greene.