William T. Armstrong

July 31, 1924 - June 18, 2014

COOPERSTOWN - William T. "Bill" Armstrong, a long-time resident of Cooperstown, died Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.  

A native of Springfield Center, he was born there July 31, 1924, a son of William J. and Beatrice (Kelly) Armstrong.  

After graduating from Springfield High School, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II in artillery operations and as a radio operator. Bill rarely talked about his combat experience; however his Army record and medals reflect his active participation in three major battles in North Africa and Italy.    

On July 31, 1948, Bill married Ellen Margaret Kelly in Little Falls. They soon made their home in Cooperstown, and for over 50 years have resided on Susquehanna Avenue where they enjoyed raising their large family.    

After the war, Bill was hired by New York Telephone. A meticulous and expert craftsman, Bill worked his way through the ranks, eventually overseeing many local telephone company offices in this area. In his retirement, he worked for over 15 summer seasons at the Leatherstocking Golf Course in Cooperstown. An avid golfer and golf ball hunter, he truly loved this job, and made many friends during his years at the course.

A terrific amateur athlete, Bill enjoyed participating in many sports. He pitched and played center field for the Cooperstown Indians, was an avid bowler until he was in his eighties and was a member at the Leatherstocking Golf Course for decades. A skilled woodworker, he was also a master gardener who enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labors with family, friends and  neighbors.

Bill was a devout Catholic and communicant of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown and was past president of St. Mary's Holy Name Society. Bill lived a life of integrity and example, of which his family was extremely proud. He will be greatly missed.  

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ellen M. Armstrong, of Cooperstown: their children, Mark Armstrong and his wife, Mary, of Harrisville, New Hampshire, Maureen A. Parsons of Endicott, Andrew T. Armstrong of Allendale, New Jersey, Abigail M. Armstrong and her husband, Peter J. Farmer, of Lancaster, Massachusetts, Erin A. Cullings and her husband, Ned, of Castleton, and Mary Ann Armstrong and her partner, Angelika von Wahl, of Easton, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren, John Parsons  (Alysen), Megan Mercy (Brian), James Parsons (Jill), Emily, Bridget and Natalie Cullings, and Brian and Kevin Farmer; and four great grandchildren, Ella Parsons, Ronan Mercy and twins Cooper and Carter Parsons.

He is further survived by one brother, Tom Armstrong and his wife, Lillian, of Springfield; three sisters-in-law, Virginia Armstrong and Jeanette Armstrong, both of Springfield Center and Sheila Armstrong of Rome; and many nieces and nephews.  

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Peter G. Armstrong: three brothers, Eneas, Vincent and Clarence, and one sister, Marian.  

Visitation for family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2014 in the sanctuary of St. Mary's "Our Lady of the Lake" Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered in the church at 12 Noon on Monday, with Fr. John P. Rosson, pastor, officiating.  

Immediately following the Mass, the Service of Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Index. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the Cooperstown VFW and Legion Posts and the New York State Military Forces Honor Guard.  

As an alternative to flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Cooperstown Fire Department, P.O. Box 1, Cooperstown, NY  13326.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.  


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.