William D. Neaton

Neaton, William D. COHOES William D. Neaton, 76, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Born and raised in Watervliet, he was the son of the late Paul and Doris (Clum) Neaton. He was predeceased by his brother, Larry Neaton and is survived by his sister, Terry Marra (Dominick). He is also survived by his loving and caring wife, Ruth (VanAlstyne) Neaton; three children, Kimberly Neaton (Chris Jordan), Terri Rokjer (Rick) and Robert Ames (Tracey); six grandchildren, Cherilyn Faraci (AJ), Derrick Rokjer (Tori), Nathan Rokjer (Emily), and Alexis, James and William Ames, along with seven great-grandchildren. In addition, Bill leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins and a lifetime of great friends and teammates. He now joins his friend, Marty Stienhilber, while leaving behind Robert Butler and Thomas Bain, their two other partners in fun and trouble, whom he was friends with for over 60 years. Bill graduated from Watervliet High School in 1964 and went on to join the U.S. Marine Corps. where he served in Vietnam. After being discharged from the service, he worked on the railroads, first at D&H, then Conrail eventually retiring as an engineer at Amtrak for over 20 years. He was an avid sports fan, always cheering on his N.Y. Yankees, San Francisco 49ers and N.Y. Rangers. He also participated in sports throughout his lifetime, from being a high school athlete to umpiring local high school baseball and little league. Until he was unable, he played golf with friends and played in softball leagues both locally and in he and Ruth's winter home of 10 years in Pompano Beach, Fla. Bill was a proud member of American Legion Post 1450, the Veterans of Lansingburgh, VFW 729 in Watervliet, the Watervliet Elks and Cohoes PAA. At all of them he spent many hours enjoying laughs with countless friends. A loving man with a caring heart and generous spirit who will be missed by many. Semper Fi. Bill's family would especially like to thank his home health aide, Mary Davey and his hospice nurse, Gail for their care, love and support during this difficult time. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 105 Vliet Blvd., Cohoes. Interment will follow with military honors in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waterford. Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS, 66675 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. To express your sympathy please visit, Fitzgeraldfuneralhomeltd.com