William A. Crotty

William A Crotty, 74, of 70 Johnson Avenue passed away Friday, February 20th at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington, VT, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Plattsburgh, New York, September 5, 1951, the son of Dorothy Crotty and grandson of William E. and Harriett [Fuller] Weltmer. Bill graduated from Plattsburgh High School in 1970, obtained a Bachelor of Science from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1974 where he completed his Masters Degree in 1981.

After completing college Bill worked for Off Track Betting until he started his career in January 1979 as a teacher at Clinton Correctional Facility until his retirement in December 2009.

Bill’s interest in labor relations began in college where he attended and served as a student representative at NYSUT conferences.

While employed at Clinton Correctional Facility he was involved in the Public Employees Federation (PEF) where he held various positions and committee appointments during his career. He was passionate about helping PEF members especially Retirees in his later years. Bill served as PEF Region 7 Coordinator for more than 20 years. He served on the Statewide PAC committee. Bill was a strong supporter of labor, often attending rallies in Albany, New York City and Washington, DC.

After his retirement he became the Chapter 7 Retiree President in 2010 until his passing. He was the resident historian for PEF retirees and shared his knowledge regarding all things PEF including information about past caucuses, Presidents and contract battles. He will be remembered for his wit, knowledge, passion and dedication.

Bill was a long term member and trustee of NY Northeast Central Labor Council and the Working Families Party. He was also a member of the Plattsburgh Moose Lodge #2390. He was also a lifelong- huge NY Yankee fan, a Boston Celtic fan UCONN Women's Basketball fan and later in life forced to be a Pittsburgh Penguin fan.

Bill is survived by many friends and his "chosen family" of Susan LaPierre and Glen Orr, who have been his neighbors for decades and later caregivers.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday March 15, 2026 from 11:00 to 1:00pm at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm in the Brown Funeral Home Chapel, with a celebration of life and reception afterwards. Burial will be in the family plot at Riverside Cemetery in Plattsburgh.

In lieu of flowers of flowers donations may be made to:

ACS-Lois McClure Bee Tabakin Hope Lodge

(Burlington Hope Lodge)

237 East Avenue

Burlington, VT 05401

https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/pages/1214

Elmore SPCA

PO Box 686’

Peru, NY 12972

https://www.elmorespca.org/