Obituary of William Stanavich

William Stanavich, 79, of Sanford Avenue, passed away Sunday afternoon at Ellis Hospital. Born in Amsterdam on May 20, 1931, the son of the late Joseph and Edna Vitas Stanavich. He retired in 1999 from the New York State Department Of Transportation Canal System. During the Korean War, he served with the US Air Force, receiving the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Bill was a Woodrow Wilson School Scout Leader, coached Wee Men's Little League, Little League Basketball, and the Night Softball League. For a number of years, he himself was a ball player. Bill was a parishioner of the former St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church. On November 13, 1955, he was married to the former Stephany Kulpa who survives as well as two sons, Rodney and his wife Alice Stanavich and Wayne and his wife Wendy Stanavich all of Amsterdam; grandchildren; Rebecca, Joseph and Brittny; great grandson Mason Russo; sister in law Josephine Sargalis of Amsterdam and nieces, nephews and cousins and his four legged friend "Mr. Smith". In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by a sister, Julia Kruger, brother, Robert Stanavich; granddaughter Trish Raab, and infant grandson Jason Stanavich. A Vigil service will take place Wednesday evening at 6:45 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave. Fr. Stanislaus Swierzowski officiating. The Legacy Candle Ceremony will follow at 7pm. Calling hours are Wednesday from 5pm until the time of the service. Interment will take place Thursday at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fort Johnson with military honors. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Girls And Boys Town, in care of the funeral home office.