Obituary of William J. Regan

William J. Regan, 71, died Tuesday, December 2, 2014 surrounded by his family at home after a heroic fight with cancer. Bill leaves his wife of 46 years, Linda (Hoop) Regan; his daughter, Jennifer (Sean) Regan; his son, Brian (Antonia) Regan; his daughter Laura (Jack) Gomes; five grandchildren: Jackson, Katelyn, Lily, Connor, Aiden; and many close friends. The son of the late Lawrence G. and Ruth (McGury) Regan, Bill was born and raised in Chicago with his younger brothers, John L. Regan and James P. Regan, and his younger sister, the late Geraldine Regan. Bill's strong work ethic and generosity were evident at an early age. He held a variety of jobs in his youth, including working in a canning factory, caddying and delivering holiday flowers just in time to pay for his family's Christmas presents. A graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep, Benedictine University and the University of Michigan, Bill attained several degrees and had a distinguished career in business. He held numerous executive positions in Chicago and was the CEO of CMP Industries in Albany for 20 years. Bill was always passionate about education and enjoyed teaching strategy and marketing courses as an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Empire State College, where he also formally mentored students in the areas of business, management and economics. Prior to his retirement from CMP Industries, Bill lent his extensive international trade and manufacturing experience to the founding of the Tech Valley Global Business Network (GBN) and to the development of the Chief Executives Network (CEN). A man of deep faith, Bill was a communicant of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, where he served as a lector and CCD instructor for many years. Bill will especially be remembered for his incredible sense of humor and legendary storytelling. He was the quintessential family man; an avid traveler who never shied away from a good road trip; a DJ known as "Daddy Be-Bop" who was the life of every party; a train enthusiast, a bridge and board game aficionado and a bird lover. Whether it was in his role as husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, colleague or teacher, he was devoted and generous-hearted. All who knew him were the better for it. Friends may call Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., (at McClellan St.), Schenectady. A Mass of Christian burial will be Friday morning 9 AM at St. Kateri Parish, 1803 Union St., Niskayuna. Burial will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at New York Oncology Hematology and The Community Hospice. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may direct donations in Bill's memory to St. Ignatius College Prep, 1076 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60607.