William Schwartz, 82, died on October 12, 2022 and left behind a host of family and friends that will mourn his passing. Bill frequently told people he “lived to serve” and dedicated hundreds of hours of service to his community as a teacher, administrator, and volunteer who always had a ready smile and a willing heart. Bill saw the very best in people, and they thought the very best of him.

 

Bill was born September 13, 1940, in Schenectady to Irving Schwartz and Belle (Fisher) Schwartz. His mother died shortly after his birth, and sometime later Sylvia (Podhoretz) Schwartz joined the family and raised him as her own.  By all accounts, he was a mischievous child. Even his father only took him to one Brooklyn Dodgers game because Billy just could not sit still.

 

As Bill grew up, he focused on a career in education and became an English teacher. He served several school districts but spent the majority of his years serving the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school district. He spent 13 years there as superintendent with a people-first philosophy and knowing everyone—from teachers, students, and janitors—by name.

 

Bill was a member of the Ravena Lions Club for 50 years. After retirement, Bill amped up his volunteer service. He volunteered for HIICAP, a program that helps educate seniors about Medicare. Bill founded a nonprofit called the STARS Intergen Program, which connected seniors with students at RCS Schools. He also served on numerous committees at the synagogue where he was a member, B’Nai Sholom.

 

But perhaps the people Bill served the most were his family, who will miss him dearly. Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sheila, two children, Jennifer of Irmo, South Carolina, and Dave (Shannon) of Chaska, Minnesota, and three grandchildren, Jacob, Jack, and Evelyn. They will miss his silly songs, his love for a good Diner breakfast, his listening ear, and his steadfast advice. He is survived by one brother, Robert (Paula) Schwartz of Boston, Massachusetts as well as a host of family members and friends including Bill’s caregiver and friend Corinna Gager who loved him. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters and their spouses, Sally (Max) Tiller and Gilda (Stanley) Levy.

 

Services at The Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave. Albany, on Sunday October 16th at 1:00 pm, interment will follow at The B’nai Sholom Cemetery grounds of Elmwood Cemetery, 51 Belle Avenue, Troy, NY.

 

Those wishing to remember William in a special way can make memorial contributions in his name to The Community Hospice of the Capital Region.