William H. Stoddard Jr.

William H. Stoddard, Jr. passed away on June 29, 2024, with his loving family at his side. He was 91. Bill was born on August 12, 1932, at his family home in Schenectady, NY to Harriet (Van Vechten) and William H. Stoddard, Sr. He married Marie (Palmieri), on October 6, 1957. A quiet man of deep faith, Bill graduated from Concordia Collegiate Institute Preparatory School and matriculated for 2 years at Concordia College, both in Bronxville, NY. He was also a medic Honorably Discharged from the National Guard. Bill helped his father start the W. H. Stoddard & Son Paint & Wallpaper Store, which became a landmark on Union St. in Schenectady. He worked for 42 years at General Electric, starting at the main plant in 1953, and transferring to the Research & Development Center in 1959, where he worked until 1995 and was named on numerous technical papers and 17 patents. Bill’s greatest love was his family. A devoted husband and father, he supported and enjoyed watching and hearing about his grandchildren’s academic, artistic, and athletic endeavors, and recently, spending time with his great grandchildren. Bill was an avid woodworker and outdoorsman. He enjoyed making furniture for his home and family and each grandchild came home to a cradle he lovingly made. His family treasures these heirlooms. Bill particularly enjoyed restoring the Dutch wooden ship Onrust. He was also a member of the Northeastern Woodworkers Association and enjoyed the annual Saratoga Exhibition, taking classes, and the annual Wood & Tool auction. He also enjoyed time with his brother Gene at the Iroquois Rod & Gun Club and hunting with his friend John Lochtefeld. Bill actively volunteered with the Cub Scouts & Boy Scout Troop 32 for many years and was a longtime communicant of St. Madeleine Sophie Roman Catholic Church. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marie, and their children William (Kimberly) Stoddard III of Sparta, NJ, Caroline Stoddard of Chicago, IL, Robert (Laura) Stoddard of Schenectady, NY, Arlene (Martin) Donohue of Wilmette, IL; grandchildren William & Nathaniel Stoddard; Robert (Sophia Margiasso), Zachary (Marlana Fleres) & Rebecca Stoddard, Gabrielle (Nathan) Ryan & Nicholas (Jennifer Demczar) DiCerbo; Liam and Erin Donohue; great-grandchildren Belle, Bryson, Logan & Miles; sisters Janet Hugo of Lynchburg, VA, Thelma Moyer of Melbourne, FL, Elaine (Al) Lutzeier of Beech Mountain, NC, brother Gene Stoddard of Schenectady, NY; sisters-in-law Barbara Stoddard and Lillian Karian of Schenectady, NY; & many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Wayne Stoddard, brothers-in-law Allan Hugo, David Moyer, Joseph Karian & sister-in-law Virginia Stoddard. Visitation will be on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY. On Saturday, July 13, 2024, a brief prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m., immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Madeleine Sophie, 3500 Carman Rd, Schenectady, NY, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow immediately at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie, NY. The funeral mass will be livestreamed at https://smssgabparish.org. Scroll down to the middle of the home page and click the play arrow under the Eucharistic Adoration section. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Sleep In Heavenly Peace at PO Box 664, Mechanicville, NY 12118, or online at https://shpbeds.org/chapter/ny-mechanicville/. This organization makes and delivers twin beds to children in need. Rest peacefully, Bill, your warmth, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed and be forever cherished by all who knew you.