Saratoga Springs, NY – William (Bill) J. Main died Thursday (February 4, 2016).

Born in New York City, he was the son of the late William J.(Whitey) and Mary (Ponzer) Main and resided in Saratoga Springs most of his life.

Bill was a World War Two veteran, having enlisted with Co. L, 105th Infantry in 1939. He served in the Pacific theater with the 27th Division Ranger Battalion, the first troops to be sent under the command of Col. DiLisque. He received numerous citations from his commanding officers and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star for Valor, World War II Victory Medal and the Asiatic-Pactific campaign medal, following his honorable discharge in Oct. 1945. He also received a NYS Conspicuous Service Medal from the governor.

After returning home, he worked for General Electric Co. in Schenectady, NY for 32 years prior to retiring in 1977. He held numerous positions as foreman and superintendent on their second shift in the turbine division and was a member of the GE Quarter Century club. A life member (68 years) and former trustee of Gurtler Bros. Post 420 VFW, he was post commander from 2004-2005 and served for 14 years as a member of their Honor Guard. He was also a member of Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161, a life member of Dominick Smaldone Post 35 ITAM and American Legion Adir. Post 70.

Bill enjoyed playing golf and traveling. He married Elida Rhodes in 1950 and after her passing in September 1981, he later married Eunice Varney Harrington in 1986. He is also predeceased by two sisters, Elizabeth Natale and Frances Krone.

In addition to his wife Eunice, survivors include a granddaughter, Cynthia (Wayne) Martin of Ballston Spa; two great-grandchildren, Jessica and Clayton Martin; his sister, Ann Johnson of Plattsburgh and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 12noon to 1pm Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway 584-5373. A funeral home service will be at 1pm and burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland St., Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com