William J. Grosso

NISKAYUNA- William J. Grosso, 70, of Schenectady, NY, born to parents Henry and Ida Grosso, passed away on June 2, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family after his battle with lung cancer.  Willy had a strong Christian faith as a minister of the Gospel, an immense love for people, especially his family, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His late parents, Henry and Ida Grosso, emphasized the importance of family, which Willy exemplified to his own family, Betsy, Matthew and Alyssa. After he graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1971, Willy received a Bachelor of Science/Business Administration degree in 1975 from the Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduating from college in 1975, he started his career as Vice President of Boulevard Rug Company Inc. in Schenectady.  Willy then became President and Proprietor of the company from 1977 until 2006. Also during that time, he was Vice President of the Christian Group Builders Inc. from 1977-1983, Board of Director Member of the Schenectady County Home Builders Association Inc. from 1977-1980, Board of Director Member of the Schenectady County Hospice from 1980-1983, High School Religions Educational Teacher, Head Usher, Lecturer, and Member of the Retreat Team at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Schenectady from 1978-2001, as well as Chaplain at Ellis Hospital also in Schenectady in 2004.  In 1986, he had the great privilege of being Coach, Board of Director Member, and Vice President of the Niskayuna Baseball LTD until 2003.

From 2002-2011, Willy began his full time walk with the Lord. From 2002-2006, he was Assistant Pastor for Rehoboth Ministries and Adjunct Professor at the Rehoboth School of Theology in Schenectady, NY.  From 2006-2010, he became a Licensed Minister through the Conservative Congressional Christian Conference, then was ordained in 2010.  Beginning in 2006, he served as Senior Pastor for Christ Community Church in Schenectady, NY and received his Honorary Doctorate in Divinity in 2011 from the Rehoboth School of Theology. Willy’s gift of sharing the Gospel with everyone he met will always be remembered.

Willy and his wife Betsy were married at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Schenectady in 1978 and began their life together on Kingston Avenue with their first child, Matthew, followed by their second child, Alyssa. Soon after, they moved to their current home on Morrow Avenue in Niskayuna. Both children attended Niskayuna School District. Loyal and caring parents as they were, Willy and Betsy attended many baseball games and dance recitals. Dinner with the family was always important and they always enjoyed that time together.  Family vacations included summers on Cape Cod, where fishing and going to Bank Street Beach were regular occurrences. For many years, Willy and Betsy generously hosted family and friends at their Cape Cod home, creating unforgettable memories.

Survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ferguson Grosso and his treasured children, Matthew (Corrie) Grosso of Wynantskill and Alyssa Grosso of Niskayuna. Willy is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Emma Lynn, Clara Anne and Brayden Henry. He is also remembered by his siblings, Jeanne Grosso of Niskayuna and Pamela (Patrick) Corbett of Burlington, VT. Also remembering him are his nephews, Adam Howe of Loudonville and Conrad (Marta) Howe of Niskayuna, along with his niece, Lee (Dave West) Corbett of Burlington, VT.  A memorial service will be held 3 pm Thursday June 6th at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY. Calling hours will precede the service from 1-3 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences are welcomed at demarcostonefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, by phone at (800) 805-5856, or online at stjude.org/donate.