ALBANY – William J. McSpedon, 60, of East Berne, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2015 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Bill was born in Dobbs Ferry, and raised in Carmel. He lived in Lake Hopatcong, NJ for several years before moving to the Albany area. He attended Colgate University, and was employed as a heavy equipment operator first by Local 137 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), and later by Local 825 of the IUOE. He then changed careers, and became a lobbyist in support of unionized workers, first for the New Jersey AFL-CIO, then the New York AFL-CIO, followed by the New York State Conference of Operating Engineers and then the IUOE as Regional Political Director, where he retired in 2013. Bill enjoyed playing the drums, and also loved spending time with his family boating on Lake Champlain and vacationing on Block Island, Rhode Island.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife Elaine M. Nault McSpedon; his children Alexandra McSpedon of Brooklyn, and Nicholas McSpedon of East Berne; his mother Sonia Friberg McSpedon of Newcomb; his brothers Jack McSpedon (Elaine) of Temple, TX, and James McSpedon of West Palm Beach, FL. He was predeceased earlier this year by his father William J. McSpedon, Sr.
Calling hours will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Sunday from 3-6 pm. Relatives and friends are invited. There will be no services. Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helderberg Ambulance Squad, PO BOX 54, East Berne, NY 12059-0054; or to the Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd, Rensselaer, NY 12144. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Butch Weaver
December 18, 2015 at 2:15 pmElaine, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Keep your family close and the good memories closer. I’ll keep you in my thoughts.
Butch Weaver
Doreen Von Essen
December 18, 2015 at 5:49 pmElaine I am sorry for your loss. Asking that God would surround you with His Love and comfort you all. Please send love to Bills mom, Aunt Sonia. Jack and Jamie and families My Prayers and condolences.
Kathy & Mike Gaffney
December 19, 2015 at 6:39 amTo the McSpedon Family,
Our deepest regrets and sympathy goes out to your family for your loss.
Elizabeth and Kirk Thomas
December 19, 2015 at 7:20 amAunt Sonya we were so sorry to hear of your loss.
Please know you and your family are in our thoughts.
Elizabeth and Kirk
Rick Rybinsky
December 19, 2015 at 2:26 pmGod Im so sorry It’s been a long hard road for you. Bills in a better place. No more pain and suffering. My deepest sympathys god be with you.
Helen Willette
December 19, 2015 at 4:56 pmMy sympathy to Sonia & the boys. I have the fondest memories of Bill & all of you. Blessings & loving thoughts.
Jon Secor
December 19, 2015 at 6:09 pmDear Elaine, I remember you both when we were kids. It has been many years now, but I remember everybody loved Bill, especially you. If there is anything I can do let me know. Gods speed.
Mary Austin
December 20, 2015 at 6:18 amWe will miss you Billy,I remember how you helped me thru my own negotiations at the hospital.I know you are with Michael now,and surrounded by love from your Dad,our Mom and Dad.I feel that those who have died,know all the answers now.(like where Nick hid your car keys)..mary
Tony Goudie
December 20, 2015 at 12:21 pmElaine:
Our sincerest condolences on Bills passing; he was a good friend and He will be missed.
Tony& Donna
Katherine Raltz
December 20, 2015 at 1:18 pmTo Elaine , Nick and Alex, and the extended Mc Spedon and Nault families
We will all miss him .If anyone ever deserved to rest in peace , Billy has earned that. He was a unique person and Veronica was right – Tony at Smalley’s would definitely remember him . My thoughts are with all of you today .
Bob Marino
December 21, 2015 at 11:35 amI have known Bill for many years, he had an office in the building where I work, the NYS AFL-CIO. Bill always greeted me with a smile and we would talk and laugh about the craziness of life. He was a good man and I will miss him. Rest well Bill, until we meet again.
Dave and Diana Bowers
December 21, 2015 at 12:18 pmDear Elaine, Alex, and Nick; Jack, Jamie, and Mrs. McSpedon –
Sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. He was like a brother, and a major influence on my life…Dave
Mary O'Brien
December 21, 2015 at 6:46 pmDear Elain and Family,
Am so very sad to hear about Bill. Please accept my deepest, heartfelt prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
Warmest thoughts,
Mary
Jeff Kroboth
December 22, 2015 at 8:57 pmI knew Bill through out High School and Jr. high. Most of the times we started our school days from the same home room. We were in musical groups in and out of school from time to time, and hung out socially. After High School, is where we lost touch as so many of us have. This video presented by the Funeral Home is an amazing ‘swatch’ of Bill’s journey through his adulthood. It was very well done and brought tears to my eyes to view a glimpse of an old friend who grew up and lived a life after I knew him. God bless all his family that survives him, and just as a side note, Bill was a great drummer, and a really nice guy to always be around back in the High School days. Rest In Peace my old friend.
Enar Friberg
December 24, 2015 at 6:13 pmAunt Sonia, Jack, Elaine,
God must have his reason, compassion comes to my mind. Aunt Sonia I pray for you Jack and Elaine to find the strength and peace you all deserve.
I am so glad I got to see him recently, despite the circumstances! I am sure he and his dad are in the embrace of the lord. And they will find a “Rock” in Heaven to overlook you all until you are rented.
Bless you all!
Enar
Linda Prendergast
March 8, 2016 at 2:09 pmDear Elaine, Sonja, Jack and Jamie,
I just got the news and wanted to extend my sympathy. Your family is an important part of my life and my thoughts are with you during this time of healing. I hope the memories of both Bills bring smiles to your faces soon. Love, Linda