William Corcoran "Bill" Stage

William "Bill" Corcoran Stage, 79, of Watertown, NY, passed away on February 8, 2026, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Bill was born on September 17, 1946, in Ogdensburg, NY, the son of William and Dorothy Reinetta (Corcoran) Stage. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1965 and proudly entered the United States Navy on September 25, 1966. During his service, he was stationed aboard the LST-1178 in Vietnam, where he served as a shipboard firefighter. It was there that he discovered his lifelong passion for firefighting. Bill was honorably discharged from active duty on September 21, 1968, and continued to serve in the Naval Reserves until 1972.

On November 23, 1973, Bill married the love of his life, Paula J. Clark, at Holy Family Catholic Church. The couple resided in Watertown for their entire married life.

Bill served as a firefighter with the Watertown Fire Department for 22 years until his medical retirement in 1989. Paula worked as a registered nurse at Samaritan Medical Center for 20 years and Samaritan Keep Nursing Home for 18 years.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bill was a full-time dad who was deeply involved in his daughters' and grandchildren's lives. He was extremely active in his community and church. Bill served as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Catholic Church and was a member of the Watertown Fire Department Benevolent Association, the Clayton Fire Department, and the Town of Watertown Fire Department.

Bill loved the outdoors-especially hunting, fishing, and boating. He enjoyed boating, going to Grindstone Island and Potters Beach with friends and family. He also worked as a fishing guide on the St. Lawrence River. Bill was a member of the Rainbow Rod & Gun Club, a hunting club in Harrisville, the Single Action Shooting Society, and the Sackets Harbor Sportsman's Club. Bill taught hunter education courses and volunteered with the New York State DEC Conservation Association.

He was also a member of the Jimmy Creek Inn Club, the Italian American Club, Watertown Elks Lodge #496 (where he served as a former officer), the Knights of Columbus (Past Grand Knight), the Watertown American Legion, and the Irish Festival Committee.

Bill and Paula enjoyed traveling throughout the world and spending winters in Florida.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Paula J. Stage; two daughters and a son-in-laws, Sarah K. (Luis) Gonzalez of West Melbourne, FL, and Susan C. O'Dell and her Fiancé, Jessica Power, Jarred O'Dell (Father of Willam and Alexander) of Mannsville, NY; five grandchildren, Jade LaGoy, Bailey (Kameron) Fisk, William Corcoran O'Dell, Jameson J. Gonzalez, and Alexander J. O'Dell; and one great-granddaughter, Kingsley J. Fisk. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Cynthia Stage of Chaumont, NY, Brother in-law and Sister in-laws, Michael (Penny) Clark, Margaret (James) Fraser of Watertown NY, And Mary Holm of Merritt Island FL, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held Thursday, February 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The Watertown Elks Lodge will conduct a service at 4 p.m. and the Knights of Columbus will conduct services at 6:45 p.m. during calling hours.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 20, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Clayton, NY, with military honors.

Donations in Bill's memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County or Holy Family Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.