William E. Robertson

May 16, 1923 - April 15, 2015

William E. Robertson, 91, of Philmont, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Pine Haven Nursing Home in Philmont. Born on May 16, 1923 in Hudson, he is the son of the late William and Mary (Johnson) Robertson. He was also predeceased by his wife, Gloria (Craver) Robertson. Bill served in the US Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 and survived being shot down over Europe. He earned the European African Middle Eastern Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Air Medal with 1 Bronze Cluster, and 1 Overseas Bar. He was employed by General Electric in Pittsfield, Mass in the Naval Weapons Division retiring in 1985. Bill was an avid athlete and loved snowmobile racing. He played and coached basketball, softball, baseball, and soccer. He was also a lifelong resident of Columbia County. Bill is survived by his daughter: Donna Robertson of Philmont, two grandchildren, Allison Robertson of Catskill and William C. Robertson of New York City, his sister, Kathleen Beecher of Claverack, three great-grandchildren, Emonnie, Dasean, and Joseph, and his sister-in-law, Delores Almstead of Philmont. Calling hours are 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Thursday at the Bates & Anderson – Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Services will follow at 1:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mellenville Union Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Philmont VFW.