William A. Wood

William A. Wood of Chatham, NY passed away June 14th, 2018 at Van Rensellaer Manor. Born February 9, 1932 in Boston, MA. he was the son of the late Alfred H. and Jenette Agnes Snow Wood. Bill grew up in Chatham and served in the US Navy from 1950 till 1970. After the service he had worked as a Deputy Sheriff in Columbia County, had been associated with the Am Trak and Berkshire Rails and was active member and Past President of the Ocean Fire Co #1 of the Chatham Fire Department. Bill was the oldest active member having been a member for over 50 years. Bill was a member of the Columbia County and Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association, FASNY, life member and Past Commander of Post 5933 VFW, Past Commander of Post 42 American Legion, Jr. Vice Chairman and life member of Post 184 Disabled Veterans of America, Fleet Reserve Association Branch 15, life member of Chatham Rescue Squad, member of the Columbia Car Show, the Tin Can Sailors Assoc., and the Kinderhook Elks Lodge 2530. Bill is survived by his companion Rose Russell, sons Michael Kowalik, Tom Kowalik, Fred Kowalik, John Kowalik, Robert Kowalik, daughter, Linda (Junior) Stevens, nieces; Lori Daigneault and Sandra Welsh, also survived by his grand daughter Katie and many other grandchildren and great grandchildren, and several cousins. He was predeceased by his wife of 19 years Edith Wood. Family will receive friends at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham , on Monday June 18th from 4 to 7 pm. Services will be held Tuesday at the funeral home at 11am. Interment and military honors will follow at the Chatham Rural Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in Bill's name to the Ocean Fire Company, 10 Hoffman Street, Chatham, NY 12037. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com