William F. Fennell

Bill's funeral at Salem United Methodist Church on July 15, 2023 at 2PM.

West Sand Lake - William F. Fennell, 77, died on July 8, 2023, at home with his loved ones by his side after a 10 month battle with cancer.

He was born in Yonkers, NY, to William and Helen Fennell. After graduating from Gorton HS he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1963, rose to the rank of sergeant, and was honorably discharged in 1967. He then pursued a degree in Physical Therapy at UConn, becoming P.T. class president. He moved to Albany and worked at St. Peter’s Hospital, meeting the love of his life, Kathy. They married in 1981 and cherished 41 years together.

Bill went on to teach at Maria College and worked at several area nursing homes. He especially enjoyed his years at Villa Mary Immaculate and Childs NH. He was always a true advocate for his patients while at their lowest points. He finished his career at Eddy Visiting Nurse Rehab Association, working alongside Kathy once again. 

His proudest accomplishment was the birth of his sons William and James, and cherished granddaughters Drew and Leigh. As a family, they all enjoyed summers at their camp on Snyder’s Lake, Lake George RV Park, and especially the North Pole and time at Lake Placid. 

Bill loved his West Sand Lake community, being a faithful member of Salem United Methodist Church, serving on many committees, waitering at church suppers and attending adult Sunday School. He supported his sons in Boy Scouts, serving as charter liaison, and was proud to see James achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He was one of the early founders of Averill Park Road Runners and was head coach for many years, enjoying road trips to Junior Olympics, and eventually to watch William compete at Ole Miss.

He was proud of his Irish heritage, traveling to Ireland and Scotland with Kathy. Together they hiked the Grand Canyon with his sister Peg, cruised many times to Bermuda and attended the 1980 Olympics with faithful friends Trish and Adrian Cooke. He truly loved exercise and sports and spent much time at the YMCA, biked the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, and enjoyed x country skiing and boating/water skiing on Snyder’s Lake. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife Kathy; sons, James of Troy and William (Natasha) of Bigelow Arkansas; granddaughters, Drew and Leigh; sister, Margaret of Sedona; and nephew, Victor of Phoenix.

We wish to give special thanks to Lisa Lemery, EVNRA, for helping facilitate Bill’s return home from AMCH. Thanks to the staff of AMCH, NYOH, Eddy VNRA, and hospice for their kind care. 

Relatives and friends may call at Salem United Methodist Church  Shaver Road West Sand Lake on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 4-7PM.

Funeral service will be held Saturday at 2 PM at the CHURCH.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Averill Park Road Runners, EVNRA Buffaline patient fund, or Salem United Methodist Church memorial fund. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome..com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.

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