William Anthony "Bill" Papura

Papura, William Anthony "Bill" AMSTERDAM William Anthony Papura, 71, of Amsterdam, entered into eternal rest on November 1, 2007, at his home. He was born April 25, 1936, to Olga (Kuchark) and William Papura of Amsterdam. Born and raised in Amsterdam, he was a 1954 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam. After graduation, Mr. Papura enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from November 1954 to September of 1957. He later attended Hudson Valley Community College, working briefly for Mohasco Industries in Amsterdam before completing a 37 year career with the New York State Department of Transportation as a mapping technologist, highway, structural and railway designer until retiring in 1998. He was a member of the Amsterdam High Marching Band, Mohawk Mills Band and Tony Brook's Band of years past. He was a coach of the Amsterdam Little League baseball for years while raising his children. Mr. Papura was predeceased by his parents, William and Olga Papura; sister, Nadia Tuman and brother, Robert Papura. Survivors include his loving wife, Muriel E. (Cook) Papura of Amsterdam, whom he married on December 2, 1961; three sons, David W. Papura and wife Debbie of Mechanicville, Thomas R. Papura of Broadalbin, Peter A. Papura of Nikiski, Alaska, and a daughter, Elizabeth A. (Betsy) Craig and husband Jim of Amesbury, Mass. He is also survived by an aunt, Ann Kuchark of Broadalbin; two grandchildren, Katelyn M. Papura of Broadalbin, Joseph W. Papura of Mechanichville; and four step-grandchildren, Brian, Meghan, Sarah, and Connor Craig of Lisbon Falls, Maine; many nieces, nephews; cousins; and his canine friend and hiking buddy, Olaf. There will be no viewing or funeral services. A memorial service will be held on November 10, 2007 at 10 a.m. St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Amsterdam, N.Y. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Community Hospice of Amsterdam for the creation of a Hospice Home in Montgomery County, or the charity of their choice.