William James May

Bill May had a good run and touched a lot of lives…he filled a room and always could find something to tease or laugh about. 

He never forgot a detail about an event, a family member, friend – or the results of the football pool.

He and Pat (Patricia Marie Sanford – Kingston) were married almost 70 years (4/10/55) and are so very proud of their children, grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. They loved and supported their family in so many ways –

He was very proud of his children; 

Bill’s son, Christopher (Denise) has two sons (James and Nathaniel) they are the west coast Mays.  James is a graduate of the University of Portland (OR) and Oregon Health Sciences  University.  He is a Lt. Commander, USN/ Reserves and is currently a Family Medicine Resident at the University of California San Diego.  He is married to Stephanie and they have two children – Evelyn and Jack. Nate (wife Gloria) is a graduate of Santa Clara University, CA and earned his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Michigan. He works for the Washington State Department of Ecology.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer (2007).  She was married to Joe Carnevale and they have two daughters who reside in Saratoga.

Emily is a graduate of Skidmore College and completed her Masters in Literacy from the University of Albany.  She is married to Jerome Mopsik and they have a daughter Lillian.  Emily is a second-grade teacher in Saratoga

Abigail is a graduate of Champlain College, VT and recently completed her Master in Social Work from the University of Albany and works for the Saratoga Schools.

Bill began his career as a graduate from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1950 and received an appointment to the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point NY.  He earned a BS in Marine Engineering, a Third Assistant Engineers License and a Commission as an Ensign in the USNR (1954)

In the initial years after college, he joined GE on their Engineering Test Program and served in the US Navy as an Engineering Officer on a destroyer, DH Fox DD779.  Returning to GE in 1957, he started as a Control Engineer in Schenectady’s Large Steam Turbine Department.  In 1970, he joined the GE Technical Services Company as a Sales Engineer – where he was part of the team responsible for worldwide technical installation, construction, service engineering and renewal/spare parts of GE’s international power generation, industrial and marine products. He went on to hold several managerial positions in sales, marketing and construction and retired after 41 years as General Manager and GETSCO Vice President.

During those same GE years, he became a member of their Quarter Century Club, President of Turbine Supervisor’s Association, ELFUN member and presented the Gerald L. Philippe Award.  While residing in Schenectady, Scotia Glenville and Saratoga Springs he was a volunteer member of the Thomas Corners Fire Department, the Edison Club, Ballston Spa Country Club and the   Lower Mohak Club Saratoga.  He enjoyed   20 years as an active member of the Boy Scouts of America where he was the recipient of the Wood Badge, Order of the Arrow Vigil and Silver Beaver. 

He enjoyed retirement – on the golf course, dance floor, time with family and certainly at the bar telling stories at Prestwick Chase in Saratoga Springs.   Bill and Pat always dressed for Sunday dinner – and they were a fine-looking couple indeed.

He would say “no moping!”

Gifts of remembrance are suggested to Saratoga Hospital and Adirondack Mountain Club.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.