Straney, William “Bill”

ALBANY - William J. "Bill" Straney, 84 of Albany, passed away on Wednesday, August 12th at St. Peter's Hospice Inn. He was the son of the late Charles F. Straney and Helen (Dooley) Straney and is predeceased by his wife, Maureen (Legler) Straney and his son, Sean T. Straney. Born in Albany, Bill was a graduate of the Christian Brothers Academy and SUNY Potsdam. He served in the United States Army from 1956 -1959 and spent his professional life as a computer programmer for the NYS Department of Social Services. After retirement, he could be found covering the early shift of the front desk at the YMCA in the Empire State Plaza Concourse for many years.

A lifelong lover of music, he shared his wonderful tenor voice with various choirs in the Capital District including, St. Francis of Assisi/St. James, Mater Christi, and the Mercy choir at the Convent of Mercy. His beautiful rendition of "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof was enjoyed by many wedding guests over the years. Bill was also passionate about learning. He was rarely seen without at least one book and he enjoyed taking courses well into late adulthood. He also firmly believed that donuts and ice cream were essential to a life well lived.

Bill will be missed by many for his enthusiastic, loving spirit, quick smile, fondness of conversation, and his ability to make every person feel special.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Caillin (Straney) Furnari and Sherron (Straney) Winkler, his beloved granddaughter Alexandria Furnari and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Out of an abundance of caution, due to the COVID pandemic, Services for Bill will be celebrated at a later date and time to be announced.

Please visit www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com for updates.