William (Bill) May

William (Bill) May, 79, peacefully left his life on earth on August 25, 2023. He passed at home surrounded by his loved ones. Bill was born on May 4, 1944 in Queens, NY. He was the son of the late Henry May and Edna (Jones) May. He moved to the West Hurley/Glenford area when he was a young child with his family after the death of his dad.

Bill worked for Onteora Central School District at the West Hurley Elementary School, for 36.5 years; retiring in 2000. Bill also worked a second job at Rudi’s Service Station from 1968 until 1981. Bill was a member of the West Hurley Fire Department, starting as a volunteer in his 20’s and working his way up through the ranks to Chief. Under his leadership as Chief, West Hurley built R66-52 (Ambulance/Rescue Unit/1978) and M66- 10, the Heavy Rescue Unit. West Hurley also started fundraising under Chief May by sponsoring spaghetti dinners, the very popular pancake breakfast, which continues to this day, and chicken BBQ’s. The profits from these well received fundraising events, as well as a door-to-door campaign, were put towards the Jaws of Life (1982), which was purchased and put into service on M66-10. Bill was always very community minded, and after moving into the Woodstock Fire District, joined Woodstock Company #4, having served the Woodstock community in many volunteer capacities for the past 11 years.

Bill was a die-hard Yankees and Giants fan. He also enjoyed working outdoors, as well as the sports of hunting and fishing. His favorite family vacation was the yearly camping trip to the Jersey Shore. He loved the Ocean; often remembering his early childhood family visits to it. He was a dedicated father; always very family oriented, supported his children and grandchildren through their many life experiences as they grew.

Survivors includes wife, Patricia (LaBarr) May, who celebrated 53 years of marriage in 2022; his daughters Tricia May (Katherine Tidwell) and Barbara May (Ignatius Burke); six grandchildren: Jarrett, Keely, Landon, Ian, Marena, and McKaylen, as well as many other close and extended family members. He is also survived by his four-legged constant companions, Buddy, Bailey and Lou who never left his side during his illness. Bill was predeceased by his brother Henry May, and his sister Leonora Carnright.

Cremation and memorial arrangements are under the guidance of the Keyser Funeral Home, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 starting at 1pm at Woodstock Fire Company #1, Route 212, Woodstock, NY, with his family receiving family and friends. A service will then be conducted at 3pm by Chaplain Steve Moniz. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made in his name to Woodstock Fire Company #4, PO Box 1415, Woodstock, NY 12498.