Father William Esmond, 88, of Ledge View Village, Lake George, entered into eternal life on Sunday, January 15, 2012 unexpectedly, at his home.
He was born in Watertown on December 15, 1923. He was the son of the late Fred and Agnes (Brady) Esmond.
He graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1942. He was a World War II Veteran having served in the US Army Air Force. He then went on to serve as a Captain in the US Naval Reserve. He was most proud of his service to his country and was also so proud of all military personal.
Upon his return from the war, his faith and love for God called him to become a Roman Catholic Priest. He attended St. Andrew’s Seminary in Rochester NY and also Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Niagara. He was ordained by Bishop Scully at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany on June 4, 1955.
Father Esmond was Associate Pastor at St. Michael’s Church in South Glens Falls, St. Columba’s in Schenectady, St. Peter’s in Saratoga, Visitation in Schuylerville and St. Patrick’s in Troy. In 1970 he was appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Angels Church in Whitehall where he served faithfully for 28 years, until his retirement in 1998. Father Esmond’s heart was always with the Church, and its community, which he loved and served so faithfully. Having served for 29 years in Whitehall, he considered Whitehall to be his home.
While at Our Lady of Angels Church in Whitehall, he helped to form the OLA Men’s Choir. He took great pride in the choir for 28 years. The choir still exists today, having moved to Our Lady of Hope Church, due to the closing of the OLA Church. Four of the original members still sing at the weekend Mass.
Father Esmond was a member of the Whitehall American Legion Post 83, where he served as Chaplin for over 30 years. Upon his retirement as a priest in Whitehall, he continued as the American Legion Chaplin Emeritus. He attended every Memorial Day Parade that the American Legion hosted since 1970. He also served as their Grand Marshal many times through the years.
Father Esmond served as the Chaplin for the local Catholic Daughter Court # 596 for 30 years. He was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus Council #276 and was a 4th Degree Knight with the 4th Degree assembly #709 out of Glens Falls, NY.
He was predeceased by his brother Fredrick Esmond and his wife Alice.
He is survived by his brother John F. Esmond of Glens Falls, a nephew, Patrick Esmond DDS and his wife Marilyn, and several nieces: Margaret Marcellus and her husband Roger, Veronica Greene and her husband Frank, Mary Ann Esmond and Gail Malvuccio and her husband James.
Father Esmond will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a true man of God exemplified by his faithfulness, love, kindness and generosity.
Father Esmond’s body was received at Our Lady of Hope Church located on Skene Street in Whitehall and was in state Jan. 18. The The Rosary was recited, followed by a parish Mass with Rev. Michael Flannery as the celebrant.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, Jan. 19, at Our Lady of Hope Church in Whitehall with the Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop of Albany, as the celebrant.
Interment will be at a later date in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.
Pall bearers were Francis Putorti, Michael Putorti, Bob Rozell, Jim Doty, Richard Hughs and Dr. Dan O’Rourke.
A luncheon will be hosted in the parish hall immediately following the Mass for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers donations in Father Esmond’s memory can be sent to: Our Lady of Hope Church, 9 Wheeler Ave., Whitehall NY 12887 or to North Country Ministries, PO Box 111, North Creek NY 12853.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Jillson Funeral Home, Inc., 46 Williams Street, Whitehall, New York 12887.