Obituary of William Buono

William "Bill" Buono, 77, of Alexander Drive, Rotterdam Junction, died after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at Ellis Hospital with his family by his side. Born on March 11, 1931 in Schenectady, he was the son of the late Lewis and Mary DiGilarmo Buono. A lifelong area resident, Bill was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School. He later attended and graduated from Columbia College in Chicago with a bachelor's degree in communications. In 1951 he enlisted with the United States Navy and served until his discharge in 1955. Bill was employed by RTA Distributors in Albany as a salesperson. In the 60's, Bill was a radio personality on T.R.Y. He loved his family dearly and cherished his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His loving family includes his wife of 41 years, the former Mildred Isabel, whom he married on August 13, 1967; two daughters, Karyn Cognetti and her husband Marc of Ballston Spa and Jacqueline Frank and her husband Kevin of Rotterdam; one son, William Buono and his wife Tonna of Charlottesville, VA; one sister, Lorraine DiCristofaro of Rotterdam Junction; and four special grandchildren, Dominic, Gianna, Jameson and Mikaela. He was pre-deceased by a brother, Ronald Buono. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial which will be offered on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 10 o'clock at St. Margaret of Cortona Roman Catholic Church in Rotterdam Junction. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 or to St. Jude's Children's Cancer Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam.