William Schools, 95, traveled the world, WWII vet

PHILMONT—William Henry “Bill” Schools passed away peacefully at Pine Haven Nursing Home, April 23, 2012.

Born in Boston, MA, August 2, 1916, he was the son of Clarence and Martha (Kinitt) Schools.

The family later moved to Stuyvesant Falls, where Mr. Schools grew up.

He is survived by: his daughter, Bonnie (Schools) Newkirk; brother, Carl (Alice) Schools; sisters, Marion Thorpe and Jeanette (Roy) Shannon as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Teresa (Secovnie) Schools; brother, Henry Schools; sisters, Ruth Novak, Alice Frick and Virginia Marchionne, and son-in-law, Calvin Newkirk.

Mr. Schools attended Stuyvesant Falls Grammar School, Martin Van Buren High School and worked on a Civilian Conservation Corps construction project during the Great Depression. While serving as a gunner on a merchant ship in World War II, he traveled around the world. Prior to his retirement in 1976, he was employed by two paper companies—Rossman Paper Mill in Rossman, and Columbia Boxboard Corporation in Chatham.

Mr. Schools was proud of being a charter member of Stuyvesant Falls VFW Post 9593 and was also a longtime member of both the Kinderhook Elks Club and Winding Brook Country Club.

Many older residents of Columbia County, remember him as the left-handed pitcher who helped the Stuyvesant Falls baseball team score many victories in the days of the Columbia County Baseball League. Other sports he enjoyed were fresh and saltwater fishing, rifle and bow hunting, and golfing. His hobbies included flower and vegetable gardening, cooking and wine-making.

He was a loving husband and father, very friendly, loved to sing and dance and truly enjoyed his nickname, “Wild Bill.”

A memorial service will be held in the near future. Memorial contributions may be donated to the charity of one’s choice.

To leave a message for the family, go to www.batesanderson.com.