Obituary of William Coulter

William Harold Coulter, 93, of Schenectady passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024 surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Schenectady on January 12, 1931 to Raymond L. Coulter and Josephine (Snowstein) Coulter, not far from the little house that his father built. He remained a lifelong city resident, living just a few blocks from where he was born and raised; he used to joke that “he never got too far”.Bill attended the technical program at Mont Pleasant High school, graduating in 1950. He went on to work at the General Electric Company in the steam turbine department until 1958. In January of 1951 he and his best friend joined the Air National Guard where he went on to serve as Aircraft Maintenance Technician for 38 years at the 109th Airlift Wing as both Guardsman and Federal Technician, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He often spoke with great admiration of the WWII veterans he served with. Bill was a Master Mechanic, whether planes, boats, or vehicles – a skill he passed on to both his son and grandson. Bill found the love of his life, Marilyn “Mo” Cummings, when they were 14 years old. After dating on and off through high school and after, they were wed on April 30, 1955; and were married almost 46 years at the time of her death in 2001, not during boating season. Bill loved boating. His first boat was bought with his dad to go fishing on the Sacandaga Reservoir. That was the beginning of a long line of boats. Bill and “The Bucket” (I, II, and III) were fixtures at Grandview Marina in Mayfield for over 50 years. All activities were scheduled around boating season. He instilled this passion in his grandson, Sean, who now carries on as captain of The Bucket III. In addition to his parents and spouse, Bill was predeceased by his sister, Vivian M. Kavanaugh, who overcame many obstacles with determination and grace. They remained close throughout their lives and died six years apart on May 19th. He is survived by his son Kevin Coulter (Alida) and daughter Phyllis Kingsbury (John), his beloved grandson, Sean Kingsbury, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living, and Sandy for their care and compassion. Internment will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 11:30 am, followed by a Celebration of Life. Friends and family are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Schenectady Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave. Glenville. Visit www.Dalyfuneralhome.com to share memories and photos you may have of Bill with the family. “As we stand on the shore watching the boat near the horizon, someone says, there he goes... but, loved ones on the other side of the horizon watching him arrive shout, welcome home