Rhinebeck, New York
1940 - 2013
William J. Gifford
Rhinebeck, NY - William J. (Bill) Gifford of Rhinebeck died on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie following a courageous 3-year battle against brain cancer. He was 73.
Born November 15, 1940 in Concord, NH, he was the eldest son of William R. and Arline Drapeau Gifford.
On November 12, 1960 in Concord, NH, he married Patricia Knowlton, who survives at home in Rhinebeck. They previously resided in Salt Point, and Staatsburg.
Bill was a 1958 graduate of St. John High School in Concord, the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Manchester, and Marist College. He worked as a System Quality Assurance Engineer for IBM in Poughkeepsie from 1961 - 1993, and then as a technical consultant and auditor for Det Norske Veritas (DNV) from 1993 until his retirement in 2010.
Bill enjoyed poetry and studying history, and was active in various outdoor activities throughout the course of his life. He held a Private Pilot flying license and was a lifetime member of the Neighbors' Gun Club in Rhinebeck.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, of 53 years, survivors include four children, Catherine A. Keim and her husband Terry of Williston, VT; David J. Gifford and his wife Mathilda of Germantown, NY; Russell V. Gifford of Plano, TX; and William E. Gifford and his wife of NH; four grandchildren; 2 sisters, Karen Stillman and Ellen Ayer; 2 brothers, Edmund and Ronald Gifford; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the care and kindness provided over the past 3-years by Dr. David Cho, Dr. John McNulty, Baron Heisey, RPA-C, Dr. E. Farhingi and staff at Hudson Valley Radiology / Oncology, Dr. R. Kancherla and staff at Hudson Valley Hematology / Oncology, and the Emergency Room staff and the Respiratory Care Unit nurses and staff at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
Calling hours are 1 to 3 PM on Sunday, November 17, with a memorial service at 3 PM at Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck, NY.
Interment will be in the Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord, NH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 45 Reade Place, Poughkeepsie NY 12601, or to the Rhinebeck Rescue Squad, 76 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.
To sign the online register please visit Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W. Market St., Rhinebeck.
So sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He was a very quiet and extremely intelligent classmate. I connected with him 5 years ago through the internet and enjoyed hearing about his family and his accomplishments. I'm sure you all have many wonderful memories to keep him alive in your hearts. Carol and Joe Alosa
November 23, 2013
So very sorry to hear Bill passed. I live up the street and for years, whenever I saw him walking, I would stop and chat with him. He was such a nice man and I will greatly miss seeing him out on his walks or rides.
Christine O'Han
November 20, 2013 | Rhinebeck
So sorry to hear the sad news.
Condolences to all the Gifford family.
Carole Gifford Dillon
November 19, 2013 | Nottingham, UK
At times like this, it is hard to find the words that will comfort you and your family. Bill was a classmate of mine and I have many happy memories of years gone by too fast. We are both thinking of you now and share this loss with you.
Rocky and Sandy Vezina '58
November 17, 2013 | Ellenton, FL
Karen, Ellen, Ron, Teddy,
We are so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts an prayers. I pray that you will find peace during this most difficult time.
Love,
Lydia, John, & Lynda
Lydia Perry
November 17, 2013 | Contoocook, NH
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
The Entire Staff of Waters Funeral Home
November 17, 2013 | Concord, NH
Pat, am sorry to hear that Bill passed away. I will remember both of you in my prayers.
Dodie Graney
November 15, 2013 | Hyde Park, NY
We are so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I know how much his classmates from St. Johns cared about him and respected his intellect. Jane met him just once and thought he was a great guy. He will be remembered lovingly. Averill and Jane Cate
Ave and Jane Cate
November 15, 2013 | Contoocook, NH
Cathy and family, I am so sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a lovely gentlemen to work with, always respectful and willing to offer his knowledge to help others. I hope your memories of him will help sustain you at this time. Please know you are in my prayers.
Ann Ruby
November 15, 2013 | Port Saint Lucie, FL