Obituary of William J Mather

William (Bill) J. Mather, Sr., of Clifton Park, passed away on June 14, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Born in Swampscott, MA, he is predeceased by his parents, John and Helen Mather, and his sister, Jeanne Ziliox. He attended high school at Nott Terrace in Schenectady and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Union College. He was a member of Kappa Sigma and was captain of the basketball team. Bill was proud to serve his country in the United States Army. He had a long career in the insurance business and earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation. He was most proud to establish HMS Agency with his children in 1997. Bill enjoyed golf and was a long-time member of Glens Falls Country Club and Mohawk Golf Club. He joyfully played the banjo and loved a good game of poker. He was an amazing dancer and excelled at the jitterbug. He was an avid skier and skied into his 80s. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and the New England Patriots. Bill cherished his years at his Cleverdale, Lake George home, swimming and boating with his family. Bill was a devoted husband, father and Papa and always cheered on his children and grandchildren at their numerous activities: baseball, basketball, soccer, field hockey, volleyball, football, track, wrestling, swimming, and dance recitals. Anyone who knew Bill would say he was kind and generous to all. He always believed everyone should give back to the community. He proudly served on numerous volunteer boards, including St. Clare's Hospital and The Community Hospice Foundation. He was past president of the Rotterdam Rotary, Schenectady Chamber of Commerce, Family and Child Services of Schenectady, Schenectady Heart Association, Lions Club of Clifton Park, Capital District YMCA, Friends of Paulist Fathers, and treasurer of the Latham Kiwanis. Bill is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 61 years, Anne Marie (Potvin) Mather whom he met on his beloved Lake George where they began their incredible life journey together; his two sisters, Virginia McGarry and Mary Farina; his brothers in-law William L. Potvin and Dr. Mitchell L. Potvin and his sister-in-law, Patricia Potvin; his five children, Lori Anne (Jim) Harris, Michele Seddon (Tim Potter), Karen (Peter) Hickey, Bill Jr., (Jodi) Mather, Stephen (Linda) Mather; and his grandchildren, Danny, Brian, and Abby Harris; Jack and Noah Potter; Liam, Aidan, and Nolan Hickey; Joey, John, Julianna, Emma, and Ben Mather; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation and calling hours will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 9 am -11 am with the funeral mass immediately following. Burial will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208.