William B. Pitcher of Chatham died Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at the Whittier Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center in Ghent with family by his side. He was 96 years old. He was born William Burling Pitcher II, named for his grandfather, in East Chatham on Aug. 16, 1919, to Stephen and Esther Pitcher. He graduated from the East Chatham School and the agricultural and technical college now known as SUNY Cobleskill. He married Ruth Laurel Lines of Granby, Mass., in 1942, took her for a honeymoon in Philadelphia, and departed three weeks later for a three-year tour with the United States Army in England, North Africa and Italy. He was discharged October 24, 1945 as a Staff Sergeant from the 751st Chemical Depot Co. When he returned, he built the family home at Hillcrest Orchard on Frisbee Street while raising their children: Beth (Daniel) of the Philippines, William (Peggy) of Gloversville, N.Y., James (Christina) of Ghent, N.Y., and Robert (Lynette) of Spencertown, N.Y. A natural mechanic, engineer and tinkerer, he first repaired farm machinery for William Cone, Inc., before opening Pitcher's Farm Machinery Repair & Welding on Route 66 in Chatham. He spent decades serving the Columbia County farming community, often accepting payment in eggs, meat and favors. While raising his family, he was active in the East Chatham Methodist Church and served on the Chatham Central School Board of Education. He is a past president, East Chatham Fire Co. He enjoyed his annual family vacation to Raquette Lake, swapping stories with veterans, cheering on his youngest sons at Lebanon Valley Speedway, and eating tomatoes and asparagus straight from his garden. In his later years, he appreciated trips down memory lane and opportunities to banter with the nurses and other staff at Whittier. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves a legacy of 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way, and many nieces, nephews and other loved family members. He was predeceased by a brother, Calvin, who died in 2012 at age 91. A viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19th.at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Ave., Chatham, N.Y. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 2 at Bible Baptist Church, 1323 County Route 21, Ghent, led by his son, Reverend William, pastor of First Baptist Church in Amsterdam, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chatham Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 352, Chatham, NY 12037. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.