William Asher

William E Asher passed away peacefully at home on August 23rd at the age of 91.

Born in Rhinebeck on June 12, 1934, he was the son of Louis R Asher and Helen (Wetzler) Asher.  He is predeceased by his brother, Robert L Asher of Clayton, NC, and survived by his sister, Marilou Asher of Plainville, CT.

He is also survived by his wife of 69 years, Patricia Hamm Asher and their five children.  Robin P Santoroski (Stephen), Ann-Marie Asher, William E Asher II (Karyn), Kevin J Asher (Rebecca), and Daniel L Asher (Tara).

Nine grandchildren, Travis Proper (Marissa), Kelly Smith (Brent), Shannon Quinn (Patrick), Haley Asher, Ryan Asher, Ryan Cirrincione, Jacob Asher, Amanda Jochum, and Alexandra Mead as well as six great-grandchildren.

William was a 1951 graduate of Rhinebeck Central School after which he worked as a Carpenter until he entered the United States Army on Election Day in 1956.  Shortly after, he and Patricia got married and moved to Alabama where he attended Helicopter Flight School at Ft. Rucker and graduated top of his class.  Soon after he attained the rank of E-5 while serving with the 8th Transportation Battalion of the 7th Army.  During this time while stationed in Oberschleißheim, Germany as a Helicopter Crew Chief, he played on the US Army basketball team traveling all over army bases in Europe.

William was a Master Carpenter with Wolcott Builders for 42 years and a 71-year member of the Rhinebeck Fire Department.  Within the department, he served on the board of directors and was Assistant Chief for six years.  He later received the Commissioners Award for service.

He was a fourth-degree member of Hyde Park Knights of Columbus and a lifelong dedicated member of The Church of Good Shepherd in Rhinebeck, NY. 

He loved hunting, fishing, cruising, and traveling, but most of all he loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

The family wishes to especially thank William’s caregivers at Hudson Valley Hospice who were patient, kind, compassionate and just an overall bright light in the room every time visited.

In place of flowers, donations can be made in Memory of William Asher to your local Fire Department or to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Avue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

Mass to be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rhinebeck on Friday August 29, 2025 at 10 AM followed by a celebration of life at the Red Hook VFW at Noon, Elizabeth St., Red Hook, NY 12571.

Arrangements under the direction of the Dapson Chestney Funeral Home, Rhinebeck, NY.

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