William "Bill" H. Gottung

Schenectady – William “Bill” H. Gottung, 100, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Born in Fort Plain, the only son of the late William H. Gottung and Clara Gottung (Fuelleman). Bill graduated from Fort Plain Central Schools, attended the Army Specialized Training Program at Rochester Institute of Technology and received a BS in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Bill, a decorated World War II veteran, received multiple training and service awards but most importantly the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Presidential Unit Citation in recognition of “extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy”. He served with pride and courage and was especially proud of several he served with, “the bravest men I ever knew”.
Bill met Phyllis Lonergan, the love of his life, before she left to teach in Europe. When she returned, they dated nearly daily and were married in 1953. They shared a common faith and a commitment to prayer. Bill had chosen to convert to Catholicism on the battlefield. Together they were 55-year communicants of Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville. Bill’s absolute dedication to Phyllis was most evident in his support of her lifelong battle with cancer. He led a busy family life, with a focus on education and pride in his children’s accomplishments. Bill’s committed, meticulous, and inquisitive nature was evident in his hobbies and interests. He enjoyed family vacations, woodworking, fixing all things in the house and yard, reading, raising tropical fish, trying his hand at modern art, his tomato garden, learning to ski as an adult and was a member of the Charlton zoning board of appeals.
Bill worked as a process engineer at Merck & Co before his 36-year career at General Electric (GE) in the Large Motor & Generator division. He was an Engineering Manager, an insulating materials expert, held multiple patents and was an Elfun Society Member. Bill’s expertise resulted in many international trips, at the request of key GE customers. He enjoyed hosting international customers, sharing their cultures with his family at his home.
He was predeceased by his wife Phyllis Gottung, daughter, Gwen Berardi Mysliwiec (David) and grandson Eric Alan Gottung; father of Paul Gottung (Patricia), Mark Gottung , Eric Gottung (Nancy), Beth Stalker (Michael), Lucy Halstead (John), Gary Gottung (Denise); grandfather of Forrest Foti , Simon Gottung (Taylor), Denton Gottung (Kellsie), Lauren Acuff (Matthew), Kate Gottung, Meghan Carrington (Coles) Amy Gottung, Christine Gottung, Joseph Berardi (Kelley), Rachel Stalker, Brendan Stalker, Sara Sagatis (Bill), Emily Gottung, Lindsay Gottung; great grandfather of Rex Foti, Hollis Foti, Charlotte Gottung, Whalen Gottung, Amelie Gottung, Alice Gottung, Summer Acuff, Nash Acuff, Tazewell Carrington, Cooper Berardi, William Sagatis, Johnathan Sagatis ; several nieces and nephews survive.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call Monday, November 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Rossi & Ditoro funeral home Union Street, Schenectady.
Funeral services Tuesday, November 19 at 9:00 am at St. Kateri, Union Street, Niskayuna where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.
Interment will be Tuesday, November 19 at 11:30 am at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.
Those wishing to remember William in a special way may send a contribution to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 or the American Cancer Society.