William E Tucker

William Edmond Tucker, 85, died peacefully at the Health Alliance Hospital, Broadway Campus, in Kingston, NY on Monday, August 21, 2017.

He was born into a large family in the Midwest on a farm in Long Rapids, Michigan. As early as 10 years old, Bill shared the responsibility for farming the land, breaking horses and milking the cows by hand. He graduated from Hillman HS in 1951and during that time he played on the teams for basketball, baseball and football.

Bill enlisted in the US Air Force at 19 years old.  He was promoted to Airman First Class as a Air Traffic Controller both in Narsarsuaq, Greenland and at Stewart Air Force base during the Korea War. In 1952, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. 

Bill and Jean Amato married on June 21, 1953 at Mt Carmel Church in Poughkeepsie and celebrated 64 years together this summer. They had three children, Susan of White Plains, NY, Melanie (deceased in 2010) Bill in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. And Patrick Williams, Accord, NY (husband to Melanie) They also have two grandchildren, Liam and Fiona. All of whom he loved dearly.

In 1955, Bill was hired by IBM and was an employee for 50 years. He was awarded multiple awards for design and being an outstanding manager. In 1986, he received the Data System Division Award, followed by the IBM Large Scale Computing Division General Manager’s Award for Outstanding Employee in 1993, in addition to, numerous IBM Suggestion Awards throughout the years.

Bill was a member of the St. Mary’s school’s financial board and also a Boy Scout Master for the parish, in addition to collecting for Catholic Charities.

After 39 years of service with IBM, Bill retired. He joined H & R Block as a part-time tax advisor, while also joining the landscaping staff at the Dutchess Golf and Country Club.

After 4 years in retirement, he was asked by IBM \to return to his prior job as a Manufacturing Engineer for an additional 10 more years of service.

Bill’s lifetime hobbies included rebuilding cars and anything with motors, and also handcrafted cabinetry.

Additional interests included a love of astronomy, and constellations, and the great outdoors. He was an avid athlete well into his 70’s enjoying cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, rollerblading, bike riding and ice climbing. And for many years, Bill enjoyed indoor roller dance skating with his wife, Jean.

Bill was a member of the Appalachian Trails Conference. He maintained and marked trails, climbing all 32 Catskill peaks summer and winter. He was a lifetime avid walker, including 6 miles round trip every day to work at IBM regardless of the weather or season.

He always enjoyed travelling with his family in the U.S.A. He and Jean also made trips to be with their son and family in Asia visiting Nepal, China and Thailand.

He loved to be with people and was a great listener. His philosophy was “you learn more by listening than talking”. Bill had a strong work ethic. Work to him was a labor of love. He was devoted to his family and they to him.

Bill was a devout Catholic and a peace loving man who would avoid confrontation at all costs. He was willing to help anyone in need. His mild manner was admired by all who knew him. Bill was an extraordinary individual. a devoted husband, and a loving father.

In addition to his parents, William T. and Isabel Edmonds, Bill was predeceased by brothers: MacArthur, Lloyd, and Bernard, and sisters: Elizabeth, and Nora. Surviving siblings are sisters: Joan Myers, St Clair Shores, MI., Shirley Hering, Hubbard Lake, MI., Gladys Bennett, Hillman, MI brothers: Cecil, Goshen, IN., Thomas and Maurice, Hillman, MI. along with many nieces & nephews.

The family would like to extend heart-felt gratitude to the Ten Broeck Commons Community especially the Foxhall Unit for their kindness, consideration and excellent care that was always given to Bill throughout the time of his stay.

To the Health Alliance Hospital, Broadway Campus, Kingston, NY Emergency Department’s ICU staff, doctors & nurses, our sincere thanks for the care and comfort given to Bill in his time of need.

Bill, was a quiet man with an easy smile, whose presence could always be felt. He will be deeply missed in this life and will forever be remembered for the amazing person he was. God bless you and rest in peace, Bill.

Contributions in Bill’s Memory can be made to: www.lymedisease.org (Advocacy for Education & Research)

 Calling hours will be held at the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, 51 Market St., Rhinebeck, NY, on Thursday, September 7th 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Friday September 8th 12:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Good Shepherd Church, 3 Mulberry St., Rhinebeck, NY. Burial will follow in the Rhinebeck Cemetery.

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