William J "Bill / Papa" McEachern, 87, a resident of Chatham, passed peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 28th 2021. He was born in Mohawk NY on March 14, 1934 the son of Francis and Josephine (Corcoran) McEachern. Bill attended Mohawk High School, graduating in 1952. He served in Panama with the US Army. After serving he moved to Redfield NY where he met his bride Beverly (Falvey) and they were married on August 11, 1962 at St. Marys Church in Florence, NY. He was a Highway Engineer for NYS until his retirement. A long time Scouter, he was Scoutmaster of Troop 29 in Herkimer NY, where his love of the outdoors was shared by many a Scout. He was a member of St James in Chatham NY and St Joseph's A long time Elk in Herkimer NY, he was Elk of the Year in 1989. His voice could be heard at the numerous sporting events played by his grandchildren - his love for them knew no bounds. He became everyone's grandfather, and was known by all as Papa. He is preceded in Heaven by his wife Beverly, his son Shawn McEachern and his sisters Jane Smith and Elizabeth Volk. He is survived by his son Timothy McEachern and wife Andrea Gabel of Spencertown, his daughter Tracy Tassinari and husband Samuel Tassinari of Spencertown and his grandchildren William, Frieda, Jack, Emma (McEachern) and her husband Ian French, Alice, Helen, and Lucy Tassinari, Joseph and his wife Hannah Cozzolino, Thomas Cozzolino, Joseph and Jacob Gabel. He will be fondly remembered by his many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends Friday, October 1st. from 4 to 7pm at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, NY. A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday at noon in St. Mary's Cemetery, Florence, NY. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Chatham Rescue Squad. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.