EAST BERNE — Willard J. “Bill” Dibble Jr. of Old Road in East Berne was a quiet, loving man who played guitar and worked for the county as an equipment operator.

He died very peacefully on Friday, June 24, 2022, after having the time to say goodbye to his family. He was 63.

He was born on June 10, 1959 in Cold Spring, New York, a son of Willard John and Dorothy Louise (née Tallman) Dibble Sr. He graduated from Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School and later began a 37½-year career with Albany County Department of Public Works as an equipment operator.

 “After his retirement in 2014 due to health reasons, Bill spent the remainder of his retirement critiquing the job being done on the roads he traveled,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He was an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gallupville where he served on the council, choir, and in the Praise Band playing guitar.

“He loved watching hockey (River Rats), watching the Valley Cats, and NASCAR (Mark Martin). Following his retirement, he joined the Hilltown Seniors (although he said, ‘I’ll never be a senior, I’m always a Junior’) and loved the friends he made there and going on the bus trips.

“Bill enjoyed playing guitar and sang in numerous bands, most recently ‘Climb to Glory’ and ‘Two’s Company.’ He was known for his rendition of Folsom Prison Blues, ‘probably smoking coffee and drinking cheap cigars’ to see if anyone was paying attention.

“Bill will be forever loved and remembered by all of those he touched, with his gentle, warm, loving heart and his quiet and unassuming ways.”

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Willard J. “Bill” Dibble Jr. is survived by his wife, Marie (née Pelepzuck) Dibble, whom he married on May 21, 2005; by his son, Daniel Dibble and his wife, Caitlin, of Glenmont; by his stepchildren. Jennifer Hearn and her husband, Lance, of Dover Plains, Katy Crumb and Adam Colby of Richmondville, Kristoffer Fitch and his wife, Tiffany, of Cobleskill; by his three grandchildren, Madison Hearn, Hailey Dibble, and Caleb Dibble; and by his brothers, Richard Dibble and his wife, Donna, of Westerlo and Ed Dibble of East Berne along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. till noon on Thursday, June 30, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church at 890 Route 443 in Gallupville followed by a funeral service. Burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gallupville, Post Office Box 22, Gallupville, NY 12073