William Niles Bashant Sr.

1939 - 2024

William Niles Bashant, Sr.

Nov. 11, 1939 - May 6, 2024

QUEENSBURY - William Niles Bashant, Sr., passed away on May 6, 2024 at his home in Queensbury, NY, in the arms of his loving wife, Sandy.

He was born November 11, 1939 in Utica, NY to Gordon, Sr. and Gladys (Perry) Bashant. Bill grew up in Utica and spent many summers of his youth camping, hiking the tracks, and fishing in Tupper Lake, NY with his family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bill and his brothers were lucky enough to reprise some of these adventures over the last few summers.

Bill was an Eternal Entrepreneur who pursued many successful ventures. As a teen he began working in many different roles at supermarkets, working his way up to become President of Chicago Markets based in Utica, NY. Due to his business acumen and vision, he was sought out as a Consultant and served on numerous Boards of local banks, community organizations, and companies. He was involved in numerous other businesses over the years, often in partnership with his wife who supported him in every endeavor. He was never interested in retiring and most recently, he was Owner/Broker of his real estate company, Premier Properties in Bolton Landing, NY.

Bill married Sandra Gamache on January 6, 1984. During their 40 years of marriage together they were a perfect match and enjoyed their family, gardening, cooking together and spending time with friends. They particularly enjoyed the time they spent together in Long Lake for the past 30 summers enjoying sunrises, sunsets, puzzles and walks to the lake.

Bill shared his love of the Adirondacks and the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He loved his role as a grandpa and enjoyed shared hikes, boat rides, and a visit to the diner. He always wanted to know what "the kids" were up to, especially regarding their hobbies and sports, work experiences and travels.

Bill was one of the most optimistic men alive. He had the ability to find a smile on rainy days, see an opportunity after a setback, and create a positive exchange with anyone he met. He enjoyed good conversation, good company, and later in life he enjoyed road trips with his friends: Scott, Bruce, and Michael.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, brother, Robert Bashant and granddaughter, Abigail Bashant.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sandy; his nine children: William, Jr. (Teresa), Ballston Lake, NY, Thomas (Brenda), New Hartford, NY, Paul (Karen), Guilderland, NY, Richard (Andrea Manion), Ballston Spa, NY, Christine Martinelli (Daniel), Albany, NY, John (Cara), Delmar, NY, Mary Breslin (Christopher), Alplaus, NY, Carolyn, Scotia, NY, Matthew (Amy), Clinton, NY; his 31 grandchildren: Katie (Christopher), Lee, Rob, Michael, Dan (Rebecca), Brandon, Gabrielle, Ben, Ava, Sam, Taylor, Julie, Landon, Eli, Caleb, Ruby, Silas, Santino, Cosmo, Isadora, Madeline, Sadie, Brendan, Lila, Violet, Megan, Charles, Rebecah, Elizabeth and Andrew; and great-grandchildren: Natalie and James; brothers: Gordon, Jr. (Nancy) Bashant, Gerald (Susan) Bashant and James (Carol) Bashant; sisters in-law: Marilyn Major, Elizabeth Connelly, Beverly Melitto, Gail Decker and Patricia Bashant; and many, many cousins, nieces, nephews; and countless friends.

Family and friends may call 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury. Funeral services will immediately follow calling hours at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to: Caldwell-Lake George Library, 336 Canada St., Lake George, NY 12845 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

For those who wish online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.sbfuneralhome.com.