Obituary of William Taft

William H. "Bill" Taft, formally of Queensbury, NY. died peacefully Saturday August 9, 2008 at 7:15 AM at Ellis Hospital, knowing his daughters were close by him. Born on March 24, 1924, in Whitehall, NY, he was the son of Christine and Henry Taft. Bill was a World Word II Pilot, whose love of flying was known to all who knew him well. Bill was a Master Craftsman, with a strong vision of what could be accomplished, demonstrating creativity and physical accomplishments well into his later years. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his young daughter Maria Renee, grandson Christopher, brothers Ronnie and Russell, and his sister Connie. Survivors include, his daughters Cynthia Alexy and her husband Don of Marathon, NY, Martha Hernandez and her husband Dr. Ivan of Schenectady, NY, Andrea Gray and her husband Larry of Lake George, NY and Anita Chiaravalle and her husband Luigi of Lake George, NY. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Bill, Jennifer, Gretel-Ann, Dolores, Debbie, Ivan Jr, Adam, Ashlee, Angela, Rob, Emily, Alyssa and Victoria, nine great-grandchildren and his fist wife Ann Buckley Taft. Bill is also survived by sisters Luella Linehan, Joanne Levack, Cynthia Wilcox and his brother John, A Catholic Service will held at St. Alphonsus Church, corner of Pine & Broad Streets Glens Fall, NY, on Saturday August 16th at 11:00 AM. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be private and at the discretion of his immediate family. Bill's daughters would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Glendale Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Peter Weinberg, the Staff at Ellis Hospital Emergency Room and Beulah Hinkle Intensive Care Unit. They wish to express their deep appreciation for the love, care and professionalism that was shown to their beloved father in his last days. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joan Nicole Prince Home, which is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days, PO Box 2122, Scotia, NY 12302, or to the Ellis Hospital Foundation, 1101 Nott St., Schenectady, NY 12308.