William J. Gartland

William J. Gartland, 92, of Adams, NY and resident of Spring Valley Drive, Watertown, NY for thirty years, died Wednesday evening, January 28, 2015 at home.

Born in Waterloo, NY, son of John C. and Margaret (Tracy) Gartland, William "Bill" grew up in Oswego, NY attending St. Mary's School.

Bill moved to Watertown, NY in 1940, where he worked for Pine Cleaners, Sparacino Fruit Co., and Bradley Hardware. There he met his future wife, Elizabeth. On November 24, 1949 William and Elizabeth Bridget Gregory married at a ceremony officiated by Rev. Peter Francour of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, in Watertown, NY.

Before retirement Bill worked as custodian for the Watertown School District, Sacred Heart Parish and the Watertown Library System. During that same period he also operated a residential home painting business. In his free time Bill repaired his home and his daughters' homes among others. He also enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren and eventually his great grandchildren. He was an avid reader of all things related to building/tinkering, nature and the news. He loved country music, western movies, BINGO, fishing and playing cards. In his late 80's and 90's he was still repairing and selling boats with a smile! He was a devoted husband for 46 years.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, wife, Elizabeth, and two sisters, Helen Lachenauer and Marion Gartland. He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Patricia A. (Richard) Scott, Syracuse, NY and Margaret R. (Dennis) Dillabough, Adams, NY, his granddaughter and her husband, Lindsay A. (Larry) Tiller, two grandsons, Benjamin W. Dillabough, Watertown, NY and Austin H. Scott, Syracuse, NY, great grandchildren, Grace and Elliott Tiller, Adams, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown, NY on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 10 am by Reverend Jonas Tandayu, pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Watertown, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William Gartland's name to either the Urban Mission, 247 Factory Street, or the the SPCA of Jefferson County, 25056 Water Street, both in Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences to his family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com

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