William J. McDonald Jr.

May 28, 1952 - November 25, 2018

William J. “Bill” McDonald, Jr., age 66 of Johnstown, passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at Nathan Littauer Hospital, Gloversville. He was born on May 28, 1952 in Schenectady, the only child of the late William J. McDonald, Sr. and Lorena Voll McDonald of Hiawassee, Georgia, who survives. Bill was a graduate of Scotia-Glenville High School. He received his Associates Degree from Adirondack Community College and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Cortland. Mr. McDonald also attended the New School in New York City and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. Bill worked for over 23 years as a Disability Rights Advocate for RCIL in Amsterdam until his retirement in 2017. He was of the Methodist faith and an integral member of the North Main Street United Methodist Church. Bill was a lay leader, lay speaker and served on multiple chairpersonships within the Church. Mr. McDonald also volunteered for the Mountains to Miracles Veterans Foundation in Amsterdam. In addition to his mother, Bill is survived by his wife Sheila L. Bombard McDonald who he married on August 6, 1983, one sister-in-law Sherry Jerome (Earl) of Amsterdam; two nieces Julie Bablin (Chris) of Ballston Spa and Michelle Lanoue (Nicki) of Palm Bay, Florida; great nephews Nicholas Bablin, Joshua Bablin and Matthew Bablin and his two feline companions Mollie and Cody. A graveside service was conducted on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at Fern Dale Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial services for Bill will also be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the North Main Street United Methodist Church, 316 N. Main Street, Gloversville, New York with Rev. David E. Smith officiating and Rev. Alan Rhodes and Rev. Chris Hamm assisting. A reception will immediately follow the service at the Church. Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the North Main Street United Methodist Church, 316 N. Main Street, Gloversville, New York 12078, NYOH, 1700 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, New York 12010 or the animal shelter of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown. Condolences may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com.