Obituary of William J. Kanard

Mr. William J. Kanard Jr., 85, of Lincoln Avenue, Amsterdam, passed away Saturday January 9, 2010 at the E.L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility in Amsterdam following a brief illness. Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 21, 1924 a son of the late William J. and Irene Ritzed Kanard Sr. He was a resident of New York City most of his life and was a graduate of New York City Schools. Mr. Kanard was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific Theatre. William worked for over 28 years for the City of New York, retiring in 1977. He also worked as a security guard at a Marina in Brooklyn, New York. William and his wife Veronica came to Amsterdam, New York in 1988. He then worked for over 9 years as a security guard at the Amsterdam Mall. He enjoyed fishing and boating and being with his family. He was a communicant of the former St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church and St. Mary's Church in Amsterdam. Mr. Kanard married Veronica Sasina Kanard on June 9, 1943. In addition to his wife he is survived by Three daughters, Claire King Eliot of Amsterdam, NY, Irene Kanard of Amsterdam, NY and Diane Wren Tom of Amsterdam, NY. Seven grandchildren, Erin, Brendan and Christopher Wren, Deborah Geiger, Regina Denton, Michelle Abatecola and Thomas Meyer. Several great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. William was preceded in death by a son Robert Kanard on December 7, 1989 and a daughter Carol Meyer on March 28, 1998. He was also predeceased by a grandchild, Joseph Arroyo, and by brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday January 13, 2010 at 8:15A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15A.M. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, East Main St., Amsterdam with Father Stanislaus Swierzowski as celebrant. Interment will follow with full military honors in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ft. Johnson, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday January 12, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home.