Esperance – William L. Whitney, 80, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 6, 2008 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.

He was born May 7, 1928 at the family residence in Elk Creek, NY, the son of William A. and Dorothy (Bilby) Whitney.

Bill and Lois J. Dutcher were married September 15, 1950. Lois predeceased him in September of 2006.

He attended a one room school house in Elk Creek and graduated from the Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus.

He served his country in the Army from 1947 – 1951 of which two years were spent in the German occupation forces.

Bill and Lois lived in the Schoharie area since 1956, at there present home since 1973.

He was a supervisor and Methods Specialist in Airfoils for General Electric until his retirement in July of 1990.

Bill was a member of G.E. Quarter Century, American Legion Post #1261, F&AM Masonic Lodge # 491 at Schoharie and a life member of the Power Generators Professional Employees Association.

William is survived by one daughter, Valerie Duffy of Lake St. Louis, MO; a son, Andrew L. Whitney of Japan; a sister, Jane Beams of Schenevus; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

William was predeceased by both parents; one sister, Martha Meuhl and a brother, Clark.


Services will be held in the Elk Creek Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in memory of William, may be sent to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 327 West Main St., Suite #3, Cobleskill, NY 12043 or the Central Bridge Ambulance Corps, Central Bridge, NY 12035.

To sign the guest book or to send an on line condolences may be made to the family at www.hellerfuneralhome.com

The Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., Schenevus, is serving the family.