William E. Byron

Albany-William E. Byron was born in Cohoes on July 13, 1917 to William and Theresa English Byron. He grew up on Quail Street in Albany. He was proud to be alumni of Vincentian Institute. His college years were devoted to art, and he graduated from the Pratt Institute. Bill lived the artist life in New Orleans for a few years, and then returned to Albany to teach art at his alma mater, VI. Bill served in the US Army in both World War II and the Korean War. He began his career in Public Administration with New York State. He met the love of his life Margaret O’Brien at Silver Bay, Lake George, and they were married in August, 1948. He put his art work on hold, and continued his career in government. Along the way he and Peg had three children, Paul, Susan, and Bill. He worked for the Office of Mental Hygiene under the Rockefeller Administration and rose to the title of Associate Commissioner for Administration. He was recognized as a leader in his field and helped develop programs in Hospital Administration which supplied many future leaders in health care. Bill retired after many successful years of State service to resume his art career. For the next thirty years he polished his water color skills and became well known in local art circles. He won a first prize in the yearly Cooperstown Art Show. In his latter years he enjoyed working with local school children, teaching and displaying their work in his art shows. He was kind and generous, and loved people. He served on numerous boards, including being the only non- lawyer President of the Legal Aid Society. Bill continued his many long friendships, enjoying favorite activities such as horse racing, bridge, traveling, and dining out. Special thanks to his caregiver Sally DeMarco, and the staffs of Pleasant Valley Infirmary, the Home of the Good Shepherd, and most recently Saratoga Hospital Nursing Home. Bill and his family appreciated the excellent care he received from all his caregivers in his elder years. He is survived by his three children, Paul (Carol) Byron, Susan (Jim) Towne, and Bill (Jan) Byron, six grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. J. Paul Byron of North Carolina. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He as predeceased by his wife Peg, and his brothers Frank Byron, and Rev. Joseph Byron. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, July 9, 2009 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Mr. Byron’s funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. July 31, 2009 at 11:30 pm in St. Vincent De Paul Church, Albany by his beloved brother, Rev. J. Paul Byron. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Cohoes, NY. Those wishing to remember Bill in a special way may send a contribution Saratoga Hospital Foundation, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. To leave the family a special message of comfort and support; obtain a Prayer Card or directions; share a photo with the family or send them an E-Card, please go to WWW.MCVEIGHFUNERALHOME.COM

Tributes

William E. Byron

July 13, 1917 - July 6, 2009