Obituary of William McCann

William Forde McCann died peacefully surrounded by his loving family July 5, 2010, at the age of 88. Mr. McCann was born in Schenectady on Jan. 9, 1922. He was the son of Amanda Forde McCann and Thomas John McCann of County Down, Ireland. Always an excellent student, Mr. McCann graduated with honors from Scotia High School at the age of 16. At legal age, he joined the United States Army and served overseas in World War II. After being honorably discharged, he attended Siena College, graduating Cum Laude in 1950 with a degree in business administration. He also pursued graduate studies at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University and the State University of New York at Albany Graduate School of Public Affairs. Mr. McCann's long distinguished career in state service began in 1950 at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. He then served 12 years with the New York State Department of Social Services as director of welfare financial services and as assistant administrative finance officer. He ultimately joined the Health Department where he served as commissioner of health economics and then was appointed as assistant commissioner. In 1978, he became executive director at the NYS Council on Health Financing. Leaving state service in 1981, he became a partner in the consulting firm of Ingram, Weitzman, Mertens and McCann. Mr. McCann also worked as a financial adviser to the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) prior to his retirement and was a frequent guest lecturer on health economics at Cornell and Columbia Universities, and Wagner and Ithaca Colleges. Mr. McCann was a loyal supporter of the local community, serving as a longtime member of the Niskayuna Lions Club and a member of the board of the Schenectady Salvation Army. Mr. McCann was an avid reader, golfer, and lover of nature. But his greatest love was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Lillian Renzi McCann; his two children, William McCann Jr., and Karen McCann (husband, Dr. Jeffrey Altman); and grandchildren, Kaley Ann McCann and William Forde McCann III. He is also beloved brother of Patricia McCann Carter; and predeceased by his brother, Thomas John McCann. He is also remembered as "Uncle Bill" to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. One of Mr. McCann's proudest moments came in 1960 when he moved his family into the house that he built with his own hands on Maxwell Drive. As a result of his lifelong ties to the local community, Mr. McCann's warm and generous nature will be missed by countless friends and associates as well. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. from the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady. Entombment will follow in Memory Gardens, Colonie. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Daly Funeral Home Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.