HUDSON FALLS – William “Bill” Howard Appling of Hudson Falls, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at the age of 85, at the Glens Falls Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born on April 3, 1932, in Granville, and was the son of the late Howard William and Dorothy E. (Waite) Appling
Bill grew up in Shushan, N.Y. on the family dairy farm, and attended Washington Academy in Salem, N.Y. In 1951, he enlisted in the Navy and served for four years during the Korean Conflict. He became a 2nd Class Petty Officer and specialized in maintaining engines and equipment.
While stationed in Norfolk, Bill met his wife of 62 years, Gracie Christine Sitterson. They were inseparable companions throughout their marriage. They lived in Plymouth, N.C., on Gracie’s family’s farm, before moving back to Shushan, N.Y.
Bill and his family moved to Hudson Falls, where he became an apprentice with Clark Refrigeration, then onto US Catheter (currently Bard) as an electrician, where he retired after 30 years.
Bill was most proud of his family with whom he enjoyed spending time with. Bill enjoyed building and rebuilding all different kinds of machinery. He was known to never throw anything useful away, and was able to make things out of nothing. To him everything had value. Bill loved to share his vast knowledge and to help others. He was a member of the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company for many years. He was also a member of the Barnstormers snowmobile club.
In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his daughter, Barbara (Appling) Cherry; and his sister, Helen Jeannie Brandt.
Survivors include, his wife, Gracie Sitterson Appling of Hudson Falls; his two daughters Brenda Smith (Ken) of Cullen, V.A., and Rebecca Bodkin (Randy) of Cassayuna; his son, William Appling (Laura) of Hartford; his grandchildren, Shawn Sherman, Jennifer Marks, Justin Malmgren, Jessica Mills, Nicholas Bodkin, Matthew Bodkin, Miles Appling, and Leslie Appling; his five great-grandchildren; his sister, Betty Steele of Shushan; his special cousin, David Waite; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends and Family are invited to call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A service will take place at 1 p.m. immediately following calling hours at the funeral home, with the Reverend Derek Hansen officiating, pastor of the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church.
A special thank you to the staff at Glens Falls Hospital and the C.R. Wood Cancer Center for all your care.
Donations in Bill’s name may be made out to the C.R. Woods Cancer Center, 102 Park St, Glens Falls, NY, 12801, or the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church, 227 Main St, Hudson Falls, NY, 12839.
Sending our love ❤️, prayers 🙏 And sincere condolences.
My utmost condolences on the loss of Bill. I was employed with C.R. Bard for 15 years and had much interaction with Bill. He was a unique individual and I could always count on a great and positive conversation with him. I am deepply sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person.
Dear Becky & Family,
We were sorry to hear of your Dads passing. We’re never prepared no matter what the situation is. You are in our hearts & prayers. God Bless you all. Don, Marcia Bain, & Elisa Mussi.
Aunt Gracie so sorry for your loss. Love and condolences to your family.
Grace and family. I am so sorry for the loss of Bill. He was a very good friend to both Larry and myself. I will miss him greatly. It was always a comfort to know he was there if I needed help. My love and prayers to all of you.
Bill was an amazing neighbor always there to lend a helping hand in any project we had. He will be greatly missed by all of us here. Anything you need Grace we are always here.
Our thoughts and prayers go with you, Gracie, and your family at this very difficult time. Looking back, I remember the first day that Bill came to work for my dad.