William "Bill" A. Coons, Sr.

ALBANY- William "Bill" Coons Sr., peacefully entered into Heaven on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at home with his family by his side.

Born August 3, 1942 in Albany, NY, Bill was the son of the late Alma Coons (Davis) and the late Loyola Coons. Bill is survived by his loving children: William Coons Jr. (Michele) of Guilderland, NY, Richard Coons (Christine) of Altamont, NY, Nancy Baker (John) of Colonie, NY, Steven Coons (Jackie) of Guilderland, NY, Constance Vassar of Scotia, NY, and Valerie Hynes (late Michael) of Niskayuna, NY. Bill is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 25 years, Joan Coons (Emerich); a daughter, the late Joan Coons-Diehm (Jim) of Manheim, PA; grandson, Patrick Arpei-Coons; brothers: Kenneth Coons, and Arthur Coons, and sisters: Carol Middleton, Norma Poleto, and Alma Mitchell. Bill will especially be missed by his best friend, Brian Unser (Terry) of Guilderland, NY and his dogs, Moose and Willow.

Bill was a car enthusiast and profound mechanic. He enjoyed restoring old cars--his most distinctive being his 1955 Crown Victoria. Bill began his career as an auto mechanic at 15 years old when he enthusiastically worked side-by-side with his father in the family auto repair shop, continuing his career in several auto repair shops throughout the years. Bill went on to open his own auto repair shop and taught himself auto body repair and painting.

Bill had a strong faith and love for God that carried him through many, many obstacles in life. As a child, Bill spent weekends helping his mother deliver altar flowers to shut-ins of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Albany, NY, where he also served as altar boy and in the choir.

Bill was an active Life Member of Christopher Yates Lodge, #971 (Schenectady Masonic Lodge #1174), Schenectady, NY. After years of dedication, Bill became Master of the Lodge in 1987. Bill celebrated his 50-year anniversary with the Lodge in April, 2024.

Bill took great pride in raising his seven children. Summer camping trips, fishing trips, Sunday car rides and little league baseball games were a few of the cherished memories Bill held dear to his heart.

In August 2002, Bill was honored to receive a heart transplant at Albany Medical Center. Bill proudly celebrated his new life each year for nearly 23 years!

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects to Bill on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of William Coons.