William D Brownell

William D. Brownell, 83, formerly of Rotterdam, passed away peacefully in his home at the Judson Meadows Assisted Living Center in Glenville on Thursday June 8, 2017. Born in Cambridge, NY, he was the son of the late Earl and Nellie Rose (DeNaro) Brownell. Bill was a graduate of Albany High School. He served his country in the Army from 1954-56. Bill worked two jobs to support his family, he was employed for 35 years as an X-Ray technician for the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany. He was also employed at the same time, as an X-Ray technician at St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady for 25 years. Bill was an active member of the Rotterdam United Methodist Church in Rotterdam. He served on the church's Stephen Ministry program. Prior to attending Rotterdam United Methodist Church, Bill attended the former Broadway United Methodist Church in Schenectady. For many years Bill was an active lay leader and taught the lay speaker course with his wife, Marilyn. At Broadway, he served the church community as Trustee and Lay Leader. Bill was active in his community. He served on the Board for the White Birch Condominiums. Bill also volunteered in pastoral care at Ellis Hospital. He also was a member of the VFW 1895 and the Disabled American Vets. He loved summers at his place at Sacandaga Lake and later enjoyed his winters in Florida. His greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities. He is predeceased by his loving wife Marilyn W. (Wait) Brownell whom he married February 9, 1954 and one daughter in law Joan Brownell. Bill is survived by three loving children Glen W. Brownell of Galway, Janice R. Brownell of Rotterdam and Karen S. Lancto (Kenneth) of Rotterdam; one loving brother Frank Brownell; three loving sisters: Rose Waters of Granville, Phyllis Shaw of West Fort Ann and Carmel Northup of Texas. He is also survived by seven loving grandchildren: William Brownell (Cassandra), Jeremy Brownell, Shane Brownell, Kenny Lancto, Katelyn Lancto, Kristen Lancto and Kyle Lancto and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services for Bill will be Tuesday June 13, 2017 at 10AM at the Rotterdam United Methodist Church 195 Helderberg Avenue Rotterdam. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours will be Monday evening 6-8PM at the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady. Interment will be in Memory's Garden in Colonie. Contributions can be made in Bill's memory to the Rotterdam United Methodist Church 1915 Helderberg Avenue Schenectady, NY 12306. The family would like to thank the staff at Judson Meadows for their kind and considerate care of Bill.