William Atkinson

1923 - 2024

Atkinson, William
LATHAM - William T. Atkinson, formerly of Elizabeth St. passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024, just six days shy of 101 years old.
Bill was born in Cohoes on October 21, 1923, and was the son of the late John W. and Dorothy (Graham) Atkinson. He graduated from Waterford High School with the class of 1941. He then volunteered in WWII from 1942-1946, serving in the Navy Air Corps. and was honorably discharged with the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate 1/C. He joined the General Electric apprentice program and graduated in 1950. That same year, Bill married Rita (Ryan) on May 6. He was employed at G.E. Schenectady until 1966 and then at Mechanical Technology Inc. until his retirement in 1989. He was past Vice Commander of the Cohoes VFW and a past member of the American Legion in Clifton Park. Bill had also served as the chairman of the American Society of Lubrication Engineers in 1979.
Bill had a great love of the outdoors, nature and travel. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family and took many trips to Alaska and Canada as well as ventures to Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.
He was predeceased by his wife, Rita, on April 25, 2010; his sister, Barbara (Dooley) on December 1, 2004; and his nephew, Steven Alix on October 25, 2023. He is survived by his three daughters, Donna, Karen and Margaret (Geoffrey Horine); three sons, William (Sarah), Bryan and Thomas (JoAnne); two grandchildren, Emma Rose and John William, and one step-grandchild, Andrew Coonick (Jackie). He is also survived by his sister, Norma (Alvin) Alix; and several nieces.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 28, at 11 a.m., in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Those attending should gather at the cemetery entrance at 10:45 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, Va. 22312
To express your sympathy, please visit Fitzgeraldfuneralhomeltd.com