William Rettie

William H. Rettie, 75 of Cobleskill passed away peacefully at home January 12, 2011, surrounded by his family. Born in Yonkers, NY, to his parents, Kathleen (Hillsinger) Rettie and William H. Rettie II, Bill lived in Cobleskill most of his life.

After graduating from Cobleskill High School, he spent 2 years in Japan serving in the U.S. Army before meeting Joanne on a blind date and subsequently marrying her 54 years ago. Over the years, Bill had several occupations, including bank teller, and insurance sales and service. Most recently though, he assisted others by working as a Medicaid driver. This was typical of his character.

Bill's music interest brought him to be a member of The Twilight Trio as drummer, entertainer and lead singer. Bill was also passionate about drum & bugle corps, and served as Drum Major and/or horn player for the Koble-Aires Senior corps, Vagabonds, Interstatesmen, Defenders, and Capital Brass. Bill was also an avid fan of many national corps, including the New York Skyliners. He was a leader and a mentor to the many area youths who participated in the Koble-Aires Jr. Corps, through his roll as director, music arranger and drill instructor. In addition Bill was actively involved in Boy Scouts, and served as Assistant Scoutmaster, Explorer Advisor, and District Commissioner in Delotscho district.

Family sing-a-longs were frequent, especially during camping trips and long drives. Bill's love of unique cars brought through several Austin-Healey Sprites and his favorite, Citroen.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne (Braun) Rettie; three children: Kathleen and Martin Thomas of Troy, NY, Barbara and Thomas Borter of Valley Falls, NY, and William E. and Renee Rettie of Cortland, NY; his sister: Eleanor "Norrie" Wright of Schenectady; three grandchildren: Erin and Joseph Trimarchi, Jennifer and Mark Collins, and Jeffery and Jennifer Borter; two great-grandchildren: Madelynn Collins and Katherine Trimarchi; his aunt: Lena Hillsinger of Cobleskill; two cousins: James Hillsinger of Cobleskill and Bruce and Rhonda Sonn of Virginia Beach, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation to be held from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, January 15, at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill. A service will immediately follow at 4 PM with Rev. Jared Van Wagenen IV officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 795 East Main Street, Suite 11, Cobleskill, NY 12043; Cobleskill Regional Hospital, 178 Grandview Drive, Cobleskill, NY 12043; or NY Skyliners Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, c/o Bob Gironda, 4108 Lindsay Court Freehold, NJ 07728.

Exclusive Providers of Veterans & Family Memorial Care