Saratoga Springs, NY - Deacon William H. Gaul Jr., age 92 of Saratoga Springs NY and formerly of Albany, passed into eternal life on January 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Deacon Bill was born in Albany on February 22, 1930, the eldest of three children. Bill was the son of the late William H. Gaul Sr. and the late Violet B. Warner Gaul. He attended Blessed Sacrament in Albany and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1948. He attended Siena and Russell Sage Colleges. In 1949 he began working for the New York Telephone Company. Holding various positions in the company for 36 years he retired as a Sr. Right Of Way Agent. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Deacon Bill served in the US Navy during the Korean conflict. Upon his discharge he remained in the Naval Reserve for over ten years after which he transferred into the New York National Guard. He retired after 30 years of military service with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Deacon Bill was ordained a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church on October 9th, 1982. He spent his entire service years as a deacon assigned to St Clements Church with the exception of a short period at St. Joseph's Church in Greenwich. His ministry assignments included assisting at the St. John Newman residence, tending to the elderly priests who resided there.

Bill was active in the Boy Scouts of America program for many years. The son of a scoutmaster, his service dates back to his early childhood. He joined Troop 6 in Albany and at the age of 16 obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1989 he became a member of the Diocesan Committee for Catholic scouting. In 2003 Bishop Hubbard appointed him Chaplain of Scouting in the Diocese of Albany which included both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. In 1992 he was awarded the Bronze Pelican medal for his work with youth in the local area. In 1995 he was awarded the National St. George award. In 2003 he received the highest scouting award: The Silver Beaver. He was a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, The Veterans Scout Association and The Order of the Arrow.

Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 246 in Saratoga Springs, NY, having served as Grand Knight; The Fourth Degree Assembly 745 where he served as Faithful Navigator for two terms and The American Legion Post 70 in Saratoga Springs.

He was an avid golfer and worked at The Saratoga State Park as a starter for many years. He was a sports official from 1963-1981 for high school basketball and football and for semi-pro football.

After retirement from Verizon (formerly NY Telephone) he enthusiastically took on the role as Carousel Operator at the Wilton Mall; a job he truly adored, interacting with children who called him Mr. Bill. He incorporated the many great experiences with the children with his homilies and talks that he gave in his Deacon roles.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Alice Torjussen Gaul. Deacon Bill is survived by his children, William M. of Albany, James G. of Kinderhook, Jeffrey B. (Paula) of Niskayuna, Mary P. McCarty (Michael) of Birdsboro, PA, Clare E. Visk (Michael) of Troy, Sheila J. Carro (Manuel) of Germantown, TN, and Matthew W. (Karen) of Clifton Park, grandchildren, Christopher Gaul, Jacqueline Kosinski (Sam), Kathleen Gaul, Caroline Gaul, Michael Visk (Sarah), Eric Hill (Kim), Breanna Waliyyuddin (Omar), Colin Hill, Alec Carro, Andres Carro, Callista Gaul, 7 great grandchildren, and brother Kenneth Gaul (Karen) of Stillwater. He is predeceased by his daughter Doreen M. Gaul, his son Kevin P. Gaul, a sister Patricia A. Zibell, and a grandson Stephen J. Gaul.

Bill loved his Catholic faith, had a strong love for the Holy Eucharist, and had a great devotion to Mary, the Mother of God.

Calling hours will begin at 4pm Monday January 16, 2023 in St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs; relatives and friends may call at the church until 7pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am, January 17 at St. Clements Church.

Burial with military honors will take place January 17 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville, following a 1:00pm service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to St. Clements School or Blessed Sacrament School.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.