In Memoriam - Richard A. Bills
Reprinted from the The Times Union
Richard A. Bills
WATERFORD - Richard A. Bills passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on
Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the age of 82.
Born on October 12, 1926 in Watervliet, Dick was the son of the late Alfred and
Elizabeth Bills.
Dick spent his youth in Green Island with his surviving brother Alfred Bills of
Waterford and his sister, the late Marybeth Currier.
Dick was a man who sincerely enjoyed learning. He graduated from Waterford-Halfmoon
High School in 1944 and in the 1970s received his associate’s degree from
Hudson Valley Community College.
After graduating from high school, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly
served as quartermaster third class from 1944 until 1946.
Upon returning home from his naval duties, Dick joined GE Silicones as a
production engineer. Dick was a true pioneer of the plant and was a loyal and
dedicated employee until his retirement in 1987. Those who were fortunate enough
to work with Dick will surely remember him as a clever and intelligent man who
took great pride in all that he did.
On December 7, 1947, Dick married his beloved Emma Mary Castracani Bills. As
those who knew him know, there is truly no greater love than that which was
shared by Emma and Dick. The genuine respect, admiration and eternal devotion
that they felt and showed each other every day of their lives serve as shining
examples of what it really means to be husband and wife. Dick and Emma’s union
was one in which they honored both each other and God. They were married for 62
years.
Dick and Emma’s love grew into a beautiful family and they were blessed with
five children, Richard Bills (Georgina), Daniel Bills (Laurie), Michael Bills
(Julie), Marcia Hancox (Marc) and Janice Dort. Dick was incredibly proud of all
of his children and was always there for them as a source of strength, sage
advice and love.
Dick was adored as ‘Poppy’ to 15 grandchildren, Richard Bills (Amie),
Kristin Blake (Timothy), Rebecca Bills (Nolan Kline), Joshua Bills, Jacob Bills
(MaryLou), Danielle Bills, Michael Bills, Nicole Bills (Joseph), Christopher
Bills, Julie Desso (Jonathan), Robert Hancox (Jennifer), Claire Hancox, Grace
Hancox, Alex Hancox and Mackenzie Dort. Dick was also cherished by his five
great-grandchildren, Hannah and Emily Bills, Timothy Blake, Robert Hancox, and
Camilla Desso.
Dick took great pleasure in spending time with Emma at their home in East
Orleans on Cape Cod. Their cottage, “Blue Heaven,” was a place that the
whole family looked forward to convening at every summer. Dick and his family
made and shared memories on the Cape that will keep Dick alive in their hearts
forever.
Dick also loved to fish with his three sons, fly planes and sing in the choir at
St. Mary’s Church in Waterford, where he was a communicant for over 50 years.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 9 a.m. from the Philip J. Brendese Funeral
Home, 133 Broad St. (Route 32) in Waterford, and at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the
Assumption Church. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterford.
Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.