William Henry Harrison

Rotterdam - William (Bill) Harrison, 83, lifetime resident of Rotterdam, NY passed away on Thursday, May 11. Bill was born November 9, 1933, the son of William J. Harrison, Loretta Y. Newton, and step son of Philip M. Autelitano. Bill graduated from Draper High School in 1952, retired from General Electric after 38 years working in LM&G as a winder and connector. He was a volunteer member of Carman Fire Department for many years. He served in the U.S. Army from June, 1954 to June 1956 as a SP3 with the 529th Field Artillery Observation Battalion as a morse code radio operator in Germany. Bill loved baseball, the Mets and Bud Lite. Known as Fuzzy to many, remembered for his sense of humor and love of his vegetable garden; making balsa wood model planes; and doing cryptograms and word searches. Enjoyed bus trips and family vacations and was an expert trunk packer. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends especially Luc and Matthieu. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brothers David “Butch” Harrison, Rudy Harrison; and sister Geri (Harrison) Clay. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Janet Cramer Harrison; and three children Kathleen A. Haas (Thomas), McDonough, NY; Eileen M. Bureau (Richard), Delanson, NY; and William H. Harrison, Jr, Guilderland, NY. Also survived by siblings Marie J. Przekop (John), Duanesburg, NY; Dianne Cox (David), Corinth, NY; Donald Harrison (Nancy), Greenfield Center, NY; and special sisters-in-law Frances Rabbe, Rotterdam, NY; and Judy Harrison, Ghent, NY. He was also survived by his grandchildren Luc and Matthieu Bureau; Sarina Haas; Sierra Haas; and Shawna Bailey; and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Special thanks to Kingsway Arms Nursing Center for their excellent care for the past 6 weeks especially Woodlawn A-Wing, nurse manager Teresa Lowe, and all her staff with special thanks and love to his “buddies” Carmen and Michelle. Also thank you to Dr. Robert Joy and Dr. Wm. Tetreault for their excellent care over the years. Calling hours will be from 2 pm – 4 pm on Tuesday, May 16 at the Carman United Methodist Church, 2350 Hamburg St, Rotterdam, NY with funeral service and reception to follow. Burial with military honors will take place on Wednesday, May 17 at 10 am at Memory’s Garden, Watervliet Shaker Rd, Albany, NY. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Bill may make contributions to the Carman United Methodist Church.