Obituary for William D. Neaton
COHOES William D. Neaton, 76, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
Born and raised in Watervliet, he is the son of the late Paul and Doris (Clum) Neaton. He is predeceased by his brother Larry Neaton and 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 HS in 1964 and went on to join the US 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 NY Yankees, San Francisco 49ers and NY 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, FL. 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.
Funeral services will be held 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 Sunday from 12-3 p.m.
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.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105
Born and raised in Watervliet, he is the son of the late Paul and Doris (Clum) Neaton. He is predeceased by his brother Larry Neaton and 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 HS in 1964 and went on to join the US 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 NY Yankees, San Francisco 49ers and NY 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, FL. 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.
Funeral services will be held 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 Sunday from 12-3 p.m.
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.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105