Gerard, William F. Jr.

ALBANY- William Francis, Jr. 63,

while surrounded by family, February 10, 2013 Billy Gerard passed from his girlfriend Shelley's loving arms and comforting embrace of his oldest brother Bobby into the welcoming arms of his father and the presence of Our Lord.

Son of William F. Gerard, Sr. (deceased) and Mary Louise Donohue Gerard, father of Amie Gerard Carr (Andrell), granddaughters Mackenzie and Bailey. Brother of Robert (Shan Lawton), Catherine Gerard Moorman (Joe), Thomas (Cheryl), Peter (Patty), and Michael (Christine). Also survived by many Donohue aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Billy was greatly loved and will be greatly mourned by his 22 year girlfriend, partner and best friend Shelley Bennett and her family, Raymond (deceased) and Patricia Kalendek, sisters Marcy Rollis (Steve), Beth Kalendek, Kathleen Mosley (Michael), brothers Raymond Kalendek, Jim Bennett and two nieces and two nephews. Billy was a very treasured member of Shelley's family and will be sorely missed.

Billy will also be mourned by very close friends Marty Nash, Ray McDermott, Cliff Nolan, Jim Dollery, the barstaff of the Hibernian Hall/CDIAA and the whole Capital District Irish American Association community.

Billy attended St. Catherine's Elementary School, Hackett Junior High and Albany High School. He was an enthusiastic sports lover, playing Little League baseball, Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball, and being a star member of the Golf Club.

He had a very valued 40 year career as an auditor for NYS Comptroller's Office as well as a distinguished second career as a professional bartender. Billy was handpicked to serve many notables, including former President Gerald Ford, several New York Governors, Roman Catholic Arch Bishops, legislators and Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes. He bartended for charitable causes alongside Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings and Albany County Comptroller Mike Conners.

A big heart was one of Billy's many attributes, he constantly contributed to many worthy causes and helped conceive and found many charity events and the Celtic Rays of Hope Foundation. He volunteered his time and efforts on behalf Irish 2000 Music and Arts Festival and The Capital District Irish American Association, where he served as a Board Member and former Treasurer. Billy was also instrumental in providing joy and assistance to many needy families at Christmas, he helped to rescue and support many worthy animal rescue organizations, as well as personally owning several rescued dogs and cats. He was a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Irish Northern Aid.

Billy's greatest assets were his wonderful personality, his ready smile and his interest and compassion for his fellow man. He was truly one of the nicest guys you could ever meet and his treatment of friends, acquaintances, coworkers, and strangers were exemplary and inspirational. Billy was a huge "people person" and anybody he interacted with felt appreciated, valued and heard. He was a remarkable man, a living legend to his younger brothers, friends, bar patrons and golf buddies. He was a true and valued friend to so many. He was passionate about golf, horse racing, southern rock music, spending time with Shelley and their animals and loved to read and barbeque.

Billy was a joy to be around and even during his illnesses and battles with cancer he handled himself with grace, class and humor. His passing is a loss for humanity. Billy Gerard was an original and he will be supremely missed.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 15, 2013 at 10:30 am in St. Francis of Assisi Parish (former St. James Church) 391 Delaware Ave. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc., 490 Delaware Ave. on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 4-8 pm. We sincerely hope in lieu of flowers friends make a contribution in Billy's name to Community Hospice of Albany County, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205, or Orange Street Cat Rescue, 139 Potic Creek Road, Earlton, NY 12058.