William T. Barnes

Bill Barnes, 82, a lifelong resident of Troy, passed away on February 28, 2021, at Saint Peter's Hospital after a courageous two week battle with COVID-19 pneumonia. He had many happy times on family vacations to Wildwood, spring break trips to Myrtle Beach and family time spent at Lake Bomoseen in Vermont. Later in life he enjoyed trips with his wife Dorothy to Maine, Nova Scotia and Las Vegas. Bill enjoyed the simple things in life. Some of his favorite things were Chevy cars, white T-shirts, a good war book, a well-done steak and a cold Coors Light on tap. His brother and sisters honored him through the years at birthday milestones. He was proud of both of his sons, John and Brian, for their accomplishments in life and loved them both very much. His most recent joy was his grandson Christopher, son of Brian and Michelle. Bill was a kind, gentle person who never had a mean word to say about anyone. He was married to Dorothy in 1973 and although he wasn't much of a traveler, except to go to the casinos, he let her go freely with her friends all over the world. Bill's companions, Bailey and Sugar, kept him company and of course Dorothy called him from wherever she was in the world. Bill was a 1956 Troy High graduate. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960 and in the National Guard from 1961 to 1963. He was a hardworking and dependable employee of Teledyne Gurleys in Troy for about 38 years. Bill was a member for over 40 years to the Troy Elks. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; sons, John and Brian (Michelle); grandson Christopher; his brother Charlie (Susan) Barnes; sister Kathy (Bob) Myers; sister Anne (Edward) Sheehan and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Mary Bylo Barnes and father Andrew. Military service and burial will be in Saint Mary's cemetery for immediate family only. Burial arrangements are in care of Purcell's Funeral Home in Troy. A memorial Mass and celebration of Bill's life will follow at a later date. No donations to any charity are requested. Bill would want you all to be good to one another because life is precious and we never know when it will be taken from us.