Williams F. Slack Sr, formerly of Pine Bush and Newburgh, entered into rest on July 12, 2021.
Born August 24, 1924 in Newburgh, NY, he married Mary Pavlik at Moulton Memorial Baptist Church on November 19, 1944. They were married for over 76 years.
He was President of William F. Slack Insurance Agency in Newburgh NY for many years. His true passion and talent was for restoring old homes and barns. William restored over 30 homes in the United States and England. The restorations consisted of 16th, 17th & 18th century year old houses in Rockport, Ipswich Massachusetts as well as Cornwall New York, where he converted a 19th century barn into a house. His first project in England was restoring a 16th century old Court House in Castlecombe, Wlitshire, England and this became his and Mary’s first residence in England. He became President of Handmill Ltd in England where he restored many historical homes in the areas of Castlecombe, Wiltshire and Rye, East Sussex, England. His firm received the Queen’s Award for restoring a 16th century home and medieval barn for the President of Bath University. While restoring the Manor House, he met Prince Charles who was very interested in the restoration and heard all about the American who was restoring homes. William spent his remaining years in Lakeland, Florida and Pine Bush, NY.
William was a proud member of the Hudson River Masonic Lodge #309. He was also a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite, AASR of the Valley NYC. While living in England, William became a member of the oldest Masonic Lodge, The Duke of Wellington Lodge in Rye, England.
William was also an accomplished saxophone player and continued to play even into his 90’s!
William is survived by his wife, Mary, son William F. Slack Jr and daughter in law, Sharon. Three Grandchildren; Stacia Dively and her husband David, Erica Slack & Melissa Slack. Two Great-Grandchildren; James and Madeline. Sisters; Muriel Kissam(deceased), Ethelyn Clearwater & Eleanor Casasanta. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service was held Friday, July 16, 2021 at the Cedar Hill Mausoleum, Newburgh.
The family is forever grateful to Hospice of Orange/Sullivan Counties and The Kaplan Family Hospice Residence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in William Slack’s name at the Hospice of Orange/Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550 https://hospiceoforange.com.
Arrangements are under the care of White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, 188 N. Plank Road, Newburgh, NY 12550.