Burkhard, William E.

SLINGERLANDS – William E. Burkhard “Bill” 87, passed on June 2, 2022 at St. Peters Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness. Born in Albany, he was son of the late Albert and Janet (Taaffe) Burkhard.

Bill graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, class of 1953 and attended Manhattan College and RPI. He served in the Marine Corp from 1954 – 1957.

Married to Mary Lou (McCann) Burkhard for 64 years, he is also survived by children William E. Burkhard Jr., wife Ellen (Greene)and children Carl and Kathleen; Matthew R. Burkhard, wife Judi (Arnold) and children Brian, Emily and Abby; Elizabeth Santella, husband Victor, and children Nicholas and William; Ruth Pillittere, husband Michael and children James, Michaela and Timothy. Bill was predeceased by his daughter Arlene, son James, and his brother Albert.

Bill worked for the State of New York for 37 years. He was active with St Thomas Parish as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Auditor and Usher, and Chairman of DDP. Bill was a Committeeman of the Bethlehem Democratic Committee and served on the Albany County Board of Elections. After his retirement, Bill served as an ambassador at the Albany County Airport.

He was Assistant Scout Master for Troop 58 in Elsmere, NY, and served on the Board of Directors for RSS for 42 years.

Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary Lou to Germany, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Hawaii, St. Thomas, Bahamas, St. Martin, Nassau and Aruba.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 6, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 35 Adams Place, Delmar. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands NY. Calling hours will be held at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY on Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 2-5 pm. The family requests all in attendance to wear a mask.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christian Brothers Academy, 12 Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12205 or St. Thomas the Apostle School, 42 Adams Pl., Delmar, NY 12054.