Obituaries: William C. Cathcart
|
| William C. Cathcart |
February 11, 2015
August 7, 1934 - February 8, 2015
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
On Sunday, February 8, 2015 William C. Cathcart entered into eternal rest at Elant of Newburgh Nursing Home at the age of 80. Bill, as he was known, was the son of the late Viola and Frederick Cathcart. He was born on August 7, 1934 in Hamptonburgh, NY.
He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy Class of 1952 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy as he had wanted to do since age seven.
On September 22, 1963 he and his wife, Barbara were married at St. Francis Church in Newburgh.
In 1963, he was commissioned as Ensign. During his military career, he was Combat Information Center Officer, Electronics Warfare Specialist Officer and OCS Instructor of Naval Tactics at the Fleet Training Center at Newport, Rhode Island. He qualified for Officer of the Deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. Bill served aboard the USS Lake County, Carter Hall, Stribling, Towers and Pratt. He received the Good Conduct Medal with two stars, National Defense Service Medal with one star, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, along with many citations of an outstanding Naval Officer. He retired on September 1, 1974 as a Lieutenant Commander after 22 years of service. Bill remained a true patriot for the rest of his life, demonstrating great respect for his country and flag.
After his retirement, Bill worked for R.C.A. and Burns & Roe at Stewart Army Subpost as a purchasing agent.
Bill was a member of the American Legion Post 353, Cornwall and a former commander. He was also a 53 year member of the Fleet Reserve Mid Hudson Branch 229.
He was a lifelong sports fan. He loved to watch the NY Mets and Dallas Cowboys. Even though he was a "Navy man" in every way, he cheered on Army at every event he attended unless his beloved team came to West Point to play football, basketball, baseball and other sports.
He also loved polka music and he and Barbara followed Jimmy Sturr around the area to many events. There are wonderful memories of dances over the years with their friends.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Susan and husband, Walter Marvel; sister in law, Bette Grethe, brother in law Mark Grethe and nephew Peter Grethe. Also, nieces, Nora Reilly and her husband, Michael, Diane Martinez and her husband, Bill; many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother, Frederick; sister and brother in law, Marie and David Herbison; nephew, David Herbison; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Bill also leaves behind his special cat, Toffee.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Elant in Newburgh for their kindness, compassion and wonderful care shown to Bill as we are forever grateful.
The family also wishes to thank Dr. Diamond, Dr. Hughes, Dr. Mullin and Dr. Antony for their care over the years.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2015 at Quigley Bros. Funeral Home, 337 Hudson St., Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi, 145 Benkard Ave., Newburgh, NY; Fr. John Vondras will officiate. Burial with full Military Honors will follow the Mass at St. Francis Cemetery, New Windsor NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill's memory to: The Sisters of the Resurrection , 35 Boltwood Avenue, Castleton, New York 12033.
Arrangements are by Kevin Quigley of Quigley Bros. Funeral Home; to send condolences or to get directions to the funeral home, please go to www.Quigleybros.com
Comments:
No comments have been posted.
Add a Comment:
Please signup or login to add a comment.
|
