Obituary of William Joseph Burnham III

Ballston Spa, NY William Joseph Burnham III, 71, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on January 20, 2011. Bill was born Feb. 6, 1939 in New York City, son of the late William Joseph Burnham II and Katherine Manion Burnham. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx and earned a B.A. at Manhattan College. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy where he led an EOD team at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, WA. Upon returning east, Bill and Pat settled in Ballston Spa, the town in which his father was born and grew up, and raised seven children. He had a fulfilling career of almost three decades at General Electric in Schenectady, NY. In retirement he devoted himself to his family and his grandchildren and enjoyed extensive traveling with Pat. For the past 10 years he volunteered with Caritas, a respite program, both as an in-home volunteer and board member. In 2010 the organization named him Director Emeritus, honoring his dedication and contributions to the organization. Bill was a longtime member of St. Mary's Parish in Ballston Spa, serving as a lector for many years. Bill was an avid gardener, gentleman farmer, a die-hard Mets fan, and he loved nothing better than a good party with family and friends. His life embodied the qualities of a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and faithful friend. A man of generosity and good will, his life will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him. He was predeceased by his brother Clement P. Burnham, and his brother-in-law Dr. John Lloyd. Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Coen Burnham, his children: Jennifer Nardacci (Michael) of Arlington, VA, Rebecca Burnham of Saratoga Springs, Julianne Gaynor of Albany, Mary Rose Burnham (Steven) of Saratoga Springs, William Joseph Burnham IV (Mary) of Onancock, VA, Emily Burnham (Fred) of Brooklyn, and Benjamin Burnham (Kristin) of Fairfield, CT; his sisters, Suzanne Gallagher (John) of Ossining, NY, and Kathleen Lloyd (John) of Clinton, NY; nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Calling Hours will be on Sunday January 23, 2011 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Burnham home, 28 Columbia Avenue, Ballston Spa A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday January 24, 2011 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. The family requests donations to St. Mary's Parish and School, 167 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa or Caritas Services 142 Bay Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 To light a candle, visit us at www.mevecfuneralhome.com.