William C Yager

William C. “Bill” Yager, 78, died on October 23, 2024, after battling disabling heart disease for the past three decades. Bill was born on November 25, 1945 to William and Martha (Eats) Yager in Niskayuna, New York. He attended Niskayuna High School where he was a standout football running back, #45. It was there he met the love of his life, Geraldine “Gerry” (McDyre) who he married on August 14, 1965. He and his soulmate later renewed their vows in a Mass at St. Agatha’s in Brooklyn and renewed their vows again on their 50th wedding anniversary in 2015 in front of their family and friends.

Bill and Gerry bought their first home on Third Street in Scotia, where they remained until Bill’s final day. There, they raised their two sons, James “Jim” and William “Will”. Bill worked for 30 years as a machinist with General Electric in the turbine division.

Bill’s many joys included watching the NY Giants and the NY Yankees, rarely missing a game. He loved fishing on the Mohawk River, where he was a successful fisherman. (His fishing secrets went with him.) He loved gardening and took great pride in his home, garden and pond, the likes of which were the envy of anyone who laid eyes on them. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family members, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren or spending time in his yard with anyone who stopped by.

Bill was a wonderful man who enjoyed the simple things in life like a good story, a sunny day and good company…blessing anyone he met with his gentle smile and warm greeting. In addition to his wife of 59 years, Bill leaves behind his loving family: son Jim and his wife Karen of Rutland, VT and son Will and his wife Sharon of Charlton, MA. He leaves his six grandchildren: two grandsons Liam Yager and fiancee Kate, as well as Riley Yager and his wife Ashlee. Three granddaughters: Jamie Yager, Olya Yager and Kristina Arruda and her husband Carlos. Five great-grandchildren: granddaughters Lera and Mariya, grandsons Danil and Jameslee and an additional great-grandson on the way who is due in March. He also survived by his siblings: sister Patty Moser and her husband Dan, brother David Yager and his wife Marie, sister-in-law Midge Launsbach and her husband Chuck and sister-in-law Pat Johnson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lastly, he leaves his close friend and cousin, Jimmy Marx. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by several siblings: sister and brother-in-law Karen and Michael Kavney, sister-in-law Rosemary McGrath and her husband Phil and brother-in-law Bob Johnson. His grandson Alexander “Sasha” Yager also predeceased him in 2014.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 9, with a calling hour at 10am and a service following at 11am, at the Bekkering Funeral Home on Mohawk Avenue in Scotia. Ironically, although Bill’s weakest part of his body was his heart, his heart was the biggest part of his soul. All are welcome as we honor this truly special man. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree or flower in Bill’s memory or enjoy lunch with a friend and have a toast to Bill’s friendship.

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