Mechanicville, NY - William J. Garland, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, with his loving family by his side. Son of the late Emma and John Garland, Bill was born on January 15, 1929, and was a life-long resident of Mechanicville. He attended Mechanicville schools before enlisting in the U.S. Navy (Seabees) in 1946 and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. After being honorably discharged, he was employed by the NYS Department of Transportation, Division of Canals, retiring in 1982 after thirty- two years of service. An avid Red Sox fan, Bill was also known and loved for his gift of candor. He was devoted to working with the young people in his community where he was involved with the Youth Center, the Mechanicville-Stillwater Little League, and Pop Warner Football programs. Bill was a member of the Mechanicville Stillwater Elks and Disabled American Veterans. Previously he was a member of the Mechanicville Fire Department, Knights of Columbus and Rotary Club. Bill was a faithful parishioner of All Saints on the Hudson parish, where he and his wife would attend mass every Sunday until he took ill. After retiring he enjoyed playing golf, taking trips to the casinos and the Saratoga Race Track, and spending some time in Florida. Bill is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Rosemary, and their three children, William (Theresa) Garland Jr., Kathleen (Glenn) Powers of Mechanicville, and Timothy (Christina) Garland of Ballston Spa. He was Poppy to seven beloved grandchildren, Maggie Powers, Kaylyn, Kara, and Devin Garland of Mechanicville and Sean, Jonathan, and Patrick Garland of Ballston Spa. Bill is also survived by his sisters Rosemary Delano of Rexford and Catherine Strubel of Mechanicville as well as many dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Jack. Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Monday, February 3, 2014 at All Saints on the Hudson South Church, (St. Paul's), 121 North Main Street, Mechanicville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at All Saints on the Hudson South Church. Burial with military honors will follow at 12:30pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to the All Saints on the Hudson Endowment Fund or a charity of your choice in memory of Bill Garland, Sr. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.