ALTAMONT — William “Bill” Donato, who loved God, his family, and old engines, died on Friday, July 9, 2021, after a brief illness.
Born in 1951, he was married to Rita (née Graffunder) Donato on Sept. 9, 1978, until her death in 2011. “Upon his marriage to Rita,” his family wrote in a tribute, “Billy became dad to Rita’s young daughters, Rhonda and Rebecca.

“In 2016, Bill was at the Altamont A. Phillips Hardware. He was unexpectedly approached by an acquaintance from years’ past. This acquaintance was Linda Davenpeck. Linda suggested Bill give her a call; they could go on a date. Bill in his typical wait-and-see approach, called Linda in 2017 for that first date.

“In October of 2018, while celebrating Linda’s birthday, Bill and Linda had a commitment ceremony, becoming life partners. Yet again, Bill’s family was extended. Billy became a loving and caring go-to for Linda’s son, Mark, and her granddaughter, Juliette.

“Bill raised his family in Voorheesville, ultimately buying a home in Altamont, where he remained for the entirety of his life. During this time, Bill worked in the steel business and gravel pits. Bill joined the Operators Union, where he operated heavy equipment. Bill was certified by New York State as a welder, crane operator, and forklift operator.

“During his free time, Bill could be found in his ‘shop,’ where he labored on projects for enjoyment. Many of Bill’s brothers joined Bill in these projects. Growing out of the small shop area, Bill built a much bigger shop area. That shop became the hub for many men with many skills communing in the space.

“Often, long-time community members would come by the shop to chat, ask questions about their projects, and seek Bill’s wealth of knowledge in many subject matters. Bill was always happy to share his knowledge.

“Billy had several interests outside of his shop. Bill was an active member of historical societies including those Knox, Guilderland, Schenectady, and Duanesburg. Bill was a member of the Altamont Fair Board. As per Bill’s brother John, Bill was also an accomplished member of the Stewart’s Milk Club.

“Bill’s most loved interest came as a young boy, learning of small gas engines with his dad, Louie Donato Sr.  Bill spent every year, since he was 15, at the annual Gas Up in Schoharie  as a member of the Hudson Mohawk Chapter Pioneer Gas Engine Association Inc.  Bill had several of his engines on display.

“In the early years, Bill had the pleasure of using ‘Lister’ to make the show’s ice cream. The gas engines led to Bill becoming the superintendent of the Antique Farm Machinery Museumat the Altamont Fair. This, too, became one of Bill’s annual favorites during fair week. Bill will be deeply missed by the crew at the fair’s small-engines display.

“Bill loved God, attending and participating in activities at St. John’s Church in Altamont. As a patriotic citizen of the U.S.A., Billy participated in parades with his engines, and attended many re-enactments of important historical events. Perhaps most importantly, as his civic duty he stood for the American Flag, he placed flags at the soldiers’ graves and volunteered his time as an election inspector.

“In the past four years, doors opened for Bill. Rhonda, Rebecca, and Billy’s brothers will never forget how Bill’s life partner, Linda ,changed Bill’s life.  Thanks to Linda, Bill got into a plane for the first time. Bill was taken aback at the awe of the Grand Canyon, fascinated by the Hoover Dam, and heard God’s whisper in the ocean waves. For this, we are always thankful for Linda and her love.”

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William Donato is survived by his daughters, Rhonda Doherty and her husband, David, and Rebecca Snyder and her husband, Gary; by his grandchildren, Leighann (Jimmy), Steven, Stephanie, Valerie, Caroline, Isabella, and Aliza Jane, by his great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Tyler, Olivia, and David; by his siblings, Angel, John, Pete, Patrick, Gerry, and Wayne; and by his life partner, Linda Davenpeck.

“Billy will be welcomed into the arms of God with wife, Rita; parents, Louis and Mary Ellen; brothers, Lou, Nick, Joe, Tom; and grandson, Derrick, cheering his homecoming,” his family wrote.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 17, 10:30 a.m. at Princetown Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 3662 Giffords Church Road in Duanesburg. Following the memorial, interment services will be at Fairview Cemetery at 6400 Hawes Road in Altamont.