Obituary of William M. Pacelli

William M. "Bill" Pacelli, of the Town of Amsterdam, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady following a long illness. Bill was born in Amsterdam on May 13, 1936 the son of the late Anthony Pacelli Sr. and Edith Marnelli. He graduated from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School class of 1954, where he was a star athlete in track and football. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Army (ASA) and served during the Korean War from 1955 to 1957. Following his service to his country Bill then began what would be a long career in the property/casualty insurance business. He held management positions with several insurance companies including General Accident, Cigna, and most recently was underwriting manager for Merchants Mutual in Albany. In 1978 he married his sweetheart Donna (Coppersmith) McCallum. Following his retirement Bill was involved in community theater, acting in and directing the Hagaman Players for many years until the onset of his illness. Bill was a Godly man devoting himself to God and his church, He was a member of the Amsterdam United Methodist Church where he served as Lay Speaker and for the last 10 years, as Lay Leader. In addition to his wife, survivors include his sister, Isabel (Joseph) Czech of Amsterdam, brothers, Anthony (Phyliss) Pacelli Jr. of Sickerville, NJ, and John Pacelli of Woodbury, NJ. Many nieces and nephews, a special friend Jennifer Filbrich and his beloved pets Molly and Sassy also survive. Funeral services will be held on Friday July 15, 2016 at 11:00A.M. at the Amsterdam United Methodist Church, Golf Course Rd., Amsterdam with Rev. Judy Humphrey-Fox presiding. Burial will follow at a later time at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday July 14, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA or to a charity of one's choice.