GUILDERLAND — William P. “Willie” Hauser, whose sisters described him as a kind-hearted protector, died unexpectedly at his Guilderland home on Thursday, June 6, 2019. He was 37.

Born in Albany on Sept. 19, 1981, he was the son of Barbara Hauser of Johnstown, and William Delligan of Delanson.

He was a graduate of Guilderland Central High School, where he played both offensive and defensive line for the Flying Dutchmen. He was a security guard for many years prior to establishing Capitol Region Carpet Cleaning.

“He enjoyed working out at the gym, cooking, yard work, hiking, golfing, and shooting pool,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Willie loved animals,” the tribute said, listing his pet lizard, “Rhoads, his beloved Bearded Dragon” as his first survivor.

The tribute went on, “Willie loved playing basketball, and his guitars. His favorite guitarist was Kurt Hammond; however, he enjoyed playing ‘Tears in Heaven.’ He loved the New York Knicks, and the New England Patriots.

“Willie was a man of few words; however, the love for his sisters and their children was evident.”

His family shared these thoughts about him in the tribute:

— “In my eyes, he was my protector.”

— “He was always there for me when I needed him.”

— “My brother was a kind-hearted man, unlike any other.”

“He was a beloved member of our family and will always be missed, but never forgotten,” his family wrote.

****

William P. “Willie” Hauser is survived by his parents, Barbara Hauser and William Delligan and his wife, Stacy; by his sisters, Jessica Hauser of Middleburgh, Jacqueline Rothaupt and Angela Webster both of Amsterdam, and Alisha Delligan of Delanson; by his brothers, Steven and Kevin Delligan; by his three nieces, Keirsten, Addyson, and McKenna; by his six nephews Warren, James, J.J., Julius, Dominic, and Elius; and by his lifelong cousins and best friends, Rob, Scott, and John.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Glen Doone picnic area of John Boyd Thacher State Park on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. until dusk. Relatives and friends are invited.  If you plan to attend, kindly RSVP to Barbara Hauser at 518-705-7744 by Aug. 1. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.