Many friends, family, loved ones and community members came to show their love and support of William J. “Uncle Willy” Guldy Jr. on Saturday, July 6, in Kingston’s Rotary Park. Guldy was Ulster County’s self-appointed showman and cheerleader at parades, parties and festivals for many decades. I will always remember him in his green leprechaun outfit for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. He always carried a bullhorn and waved to the crowd while walking down Broadway. I swear he knew everyone along the parade route!
Uncle Willy passed away on June 23 at the age of 85. He left behind his ex-wife, Beth Capen-Guldy, his daughter Beatrice and her husband, three grandchildren — Harper, age 3, Foxx, age 2, McCartney, 3 weeks old — and his father-in-law Rev. John Capen.
Back in the 70s, Uncle Willy owned two bars in Rosendale, The Well and the Astoria. He gave many hometown musicians a chance to perform and friendships started that lasted until he died. One friend, Mary Beth Davis Steyer, recounted the night of the “Rosendale Riot” at The Well, and musician friends Willi Amrod, Jimmy Eppard and Vito Petroccitto played for the crowd, including “Peace and Love” and “Farewell My Friend.”
Join the family! 
