Obituary of William J. Gihr

William J. Gihr Pine Bush, NY William J. Gihr of Pine Bush, NY passed away on Tuesday March 3, 2015 at Orange Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was 91. The son of the late Karl R. Gihr and Cecelia O. LeMaire Gihr, of Pine Bush, Bill was born on October 15, 1923 in Pine Bush. Bill dropped out of High school at the age of 17 to enlist in the Navy and serve his country as a Tailgunner in WWII where he was stationed in the Pacific. Following the war he honored his promise to his mother and graduated from Pine Bush High School. He met and married Helen Holterman on January 9, 1949 and together they raised their three daughters. Bill was a partner in Bements's Market in Pine Bush until 1980 at which time he went to work in the produce department at the Thruway Market in Walden until his retirement. After retiring he continued to enjoy traveling, reading, working around the home, gathering for family dinners and holidays where he continued to carve the main course up until this past Christmas and attending seniors meetings. One of the highlights of Bill's retirement years was going on the inaugural Hudson Valley Honor Flight with several other WWII veterans to Washington DC. Bill was a member of the American Legion and also a past commander. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Helen at home, his daughters; Dawn Sears and her husband Max of Texas, Jean Dolan of Walden, and Constance (Connie) Gihr and her fiancé, John Nelson of Pine Bush. 1 granddaughter, Shawna Dolan of Walden, as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his siblings, Cecelia Brown, Karl A. Gihr, Kenneth Gihr, Evelyn Saracino, Fran Terwilliger, Ella Kelly, and his son in law Mark Dolan. Visitation will be held on Sunday March 8, 2015 from 2-6pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd. Funeral services will be offered on Monday March 9, 2015 at the Church of the Infant Saviour at 10am with Fr. Niranjan Rodrigo officiating. Burial will take place in New Prospect Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hudson Valley Honor Flight. Att: Donations, PO Box 375, Walden NY 12586. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com