William Fowler

William Fowler was born January 5, 1949 in Bradford, Pennsylvania and passed away on August 11, 2024 at St. Peters Hospital in Albany NY while under hospice care. He was 75 years old. At the time of his death William lived had lived in a community residence for many years operated by the Center for Disability Services including Reagan House in Albany and previously in Avon, NY and Bradford PA.
Prior to his move to that Albany area, William lived in Rochester NY with his family where he attended Middle and High school. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1967 and would later complete his Associate degree from Hudson Valley Community College.
William had many talents and interests. He was a part of CR "Center Stars" acting troupe, and he studied public relations which included public speaking. In fact, he was provided an opportunity to give an impactful motivational "Locker Room" speech to the Siena college men's basketball team!
William was the recipient of the Center's, "Circle of Excellence Award", and he would help teach new employee orientation for the organization, because he wanted to make an early impact on their careers and influence their approach to servicing people with disabilities.
William was an extremely powerful advocate for people with disabilities and would relay his personal experiences about the service delivery system for the disabled.
William was a fan of country music particularly Johnny Cash, and a model car and Train enthusiast. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates Fan.
William enjoyed having CB radio "conversations" with the truckers, boating, camping, snowmobiling and in recent years he had learned how to fish, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
William participated in many different jobs over the years, including switch board operator, furniture construction, assembly line worker, film stripping for recycling, and customer service at Crossgates Mall. He also volunteered at the Center for Independence in Troy NY where he helped people to vote and demonstrated various adaptive equipment.
William will be remembered most for his self-advocacy and his advocacy of others and for his nonstop drive to influence and improve the services for people with disabilities. He had an infectious smile, and quickly made friends wherever he went. He will be missed by all who knew him.
William is predeceased by his mother Phyllis Cleghorn and sister Judith Ann Fowler.
He is survived by his Step-father Blaine Jacox (Myrna); Sister Sandra Beare (Frank); Niece Jennifer Beare Ketterman (Brett); Nephew Michael Beare; Great Niece Bethaney Ketterman; Great Nephew Jesse Ketterman
William's funeral services will be held on Friday August 16, 2024 with viewing hours at 10am and services to begin at 11:30am at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N Allen St. Albany NY 12206.