Obituary of John William Elmendorf

John William ?Bill? Elmendorf, 88 of Lindsay Street, passed away Friday evening at the Edward L. Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility. Born in Amsterdam on May 30, 1917, he was the son of Robert and Charlotte ?Lottie? Carr Elmendorf, he lived in Amsterdam his entire life. He was a 1935 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Bill served his country during World War II with the US Army 375th Air Service Division and the 812th Air Engineer Squadron where he was a B24 mechanic. He later began his career with Mohawk Carpets retiring as a sales personnel trainer, after thirty-eight years of service. He later worked for the Ryan Burial Vault Company before he retired in 1982. A loving family man, Bill was happiest when he shared special times with them at his summer home in Piseco, or boating on the Sacandaga Lake. Bill was a member of the United Methodist Church in Amsterdam, the Sacandaga Boat Club, The Amsterdam Masonic Lodge #84 for over fifty years, serving on its degree team, and the 32nd Degree Shriners. His loving family includes his wife of nearly seventy years, the former Florence ?Connie? Grayson. They were united in marriage on June 18, 1936. Two daughters; Debby C. Elmendorf of Cairo, NY; and Dawn E. and her husband Walter Ryan of Mayfield; a sister, Doris Schuyler of Frankfort; and a granddaughter, Carey Ryan of Hoboken, N.J.; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will take place Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave. with the Rev. Paul Moyer, officiating. Interment is in the Hagaman Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 6-8 pm at the funeral home where a Masonic service will take place at 6:30 pm. Contributions may be made to the Shriner?s Children?s Hospital in care of the funeral home, Amsterdam 12010. Please sign the family?s guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.