Obituary for William J. McLay
William J. McLay (Bill), age 91, of Corning, New York, passed away on October 17, 2021, at Absolut Care Three Rivers.
He entered the world prematurely, on June 21, 1930, weighing just 2 pounds. His parents were William John McLay and Margaret Lipsett McLay of Malden Massachusetts. He married Dorothy Elizabeth Dobbins in 1954 and celebrated 63 years of marriage before her passing in 2017.
At the age of 10 he began working to help support his family. In the early 1950’s he joined the Air National Guard, 101st Aircraft Control Squadron, 151st Aircraft Warning Group, 67th Fighter Wing, A.M.G. His service was cut short due to injuries sustained in a plane crash. He would later attend Northeastern University graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
He worked for Corning Glass Works for 23 years in management before taking a position with ERC/Lancy International. He also held management positions with Licon, Inc., De Dietrich and QVF Process Systems, before retiring in his mid 70’s.
William is remembered for his love of family, travel, music, photography, good food and conversation. He was a man of integrity, loyalty and honesty. As an avid reader and voracious learner, he never missed an opportunity to share his knowledge with those around him.
William is survived by his children: Karen (Gary) Sauteben and Leslie Velicky; his grandchildren: Lainey, Brooke, Miles, Alyssa, Will, Lily and Alex; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy McLay, and his daughter, Paula McLay Maynes Smith.
It was Williams wish that there be no services. He did request that, for those who knew him to tip a glass of single malt, or partake in celebration of choice in remembrance.
Donations in William’s name may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org), the Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org), or the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (bafound.org).
He entered the world prematurely, on June 21, 1930, weighing just 2 pounds. His parents were William John McLay and Margaret Lipsett McLay of Malden Massachusetts. He married Dorothy Elizabeth Dobbins in 1954 and celebrated 63 years of marriage before her passing in 2017.
At the age of 10 he began working to help support his family. In the early 1950’s he joined the Air National Guard, 101st Aircraft Control Squadron, 151st Aircraft Warning Group, 67th Fighter Wing, A.M.G. His service was cut short due to injuries sustained in a plane crash. He would later attend Northeastern University graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
He worked for Corning Glass Works for 23 years in management before taking a position with ERC/Lancy International. He also held management positions with Licon, Inc., De Dietrich and QVF Process Systems, before retiring in his mid 70’s.
William is remembered for his love of family, travel, music, photography, good food and conversation. He was a man of integrity, loyalty and honesty. As an avid reader and voracious learner, he never missed an opportunity to share his knowledge with those around him.
William is survived by his children: Karen (Gary) Sauteben and Leslie Velicky; his grandchildren: Lainey, Brooke, Miles, Alyssa, Will, Lily and Alex; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy McLay, and his daughter, Paula McLay Maynes Smith.
It was Williams wish that there be no services. He did request that, for those who knew him to tip a glass of single malt, or partake in celebration of choice in remembrance.
Donations in William’s name may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org), the Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org), or the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (bafound.org).