VOORHEESVILLE — William J. “Bill” Cass of Voorheesville, a mechanic who eventually owned a dealership, valued his family and community.

He died peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025, at age 78.

He was born on Dec. 7, 1946 to the late Donald and Thelma Cass of Clarksville where he was raised.

“Bill grew up with a strong sense of family and community — values that remained central to him throughout his life,” his family wrote in a tribute. “In the 1965 Oriole yearbook from Bethlehem High School, he described his interests as ‘cars, hunting and other outdoor activities’ — passions that stayed with him for decades.

“Another trait for which he will be remembered by anyone who interacted with him is his deep sense of humor. Bill loved to joke and laugh, particularly with his grandchildren.

“Bill began his long career in the automotive industry in 1965, working first as a mechanic and then as a salesperson at a Chevrolet dealership on Central Avenue in Albany. When that dealership was acquired by DeNooyer Chevrolet in 1972, Bill remained with the company and steadily rose through the management ranks.

“In 2000, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a dealership of his own — Northstar Chevrolet. For many years, he took great pride in managing that business alongside his son Chris and his brother Don.

“After selling his dealership and retiring in 2019, Bill enjoyed a quieter life surrounded by the things he loved: the companionship of his two Goldendoodles, Sadie and Edith; maintaining the beautiful yard he created; visits with family and longtime friends; and quiet moments relaxing in his Adirondack chair, cigar in hand, taking in the views of his yard and  Helderberg Ridge.”

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William J. Cass is survived and missed by his loving children, Natalie Cass Stange (Eiko) of New York, New York, and Christopher Cass (Jessica) of Center Valley, Pennsylvania, and he will be forever cherished by his three grandchildren, Natasha Stange, Alexandra Stange, and Finley Cass.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved and loyal brother, Donald E. Cass Jr. (Nancy) of Clarksville, and his sister Deborah Bauer (Ken) of Lakeland, Florida. He is also survived by Cynthia Cass, the mother of his children and his wife from his first marriage.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at Reilly and Son Funeral Home at 9 Voorheesville Ave. in Voorheesville.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, at Saint Matthew’s Church at 25 Mountainview S. in Voorheesville. Burial will follow at Onesquethaw Cemetery at 1923 Tarrytown Road in Feura Bush.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Scotland Community Food Pantry, Post Office Box 335, Voorheesville, New York 12186.