Funeral Services for 83 year old Mr. William S. Eldridge of Potsdam, will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Potsdam, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Barnes officiating. Friends may call at the Garner Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Contributions in his memory can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley or to the United Methodist Church in Potsdam. Online condolences can be sent at www.garnerfh.com.
Bill was born in Watertown, on October 14, 1927, the son of Carlton and Madeline Hazelton Eldridge. He spent his early years in Wanakena and Gouverneur. Bill graduated from Gouverneur High School and then attended Potsdam State Teacher’s College. He graduated in 1951 with a degree in education and received his Master’s Degree from St. Lawrence University. He spent two years in the United States Army serving in the Army Security Agency.
Bill married Mildred Davey on December 23, 1951 in Fulton. He taught 5th, 7th and 8th grade at the Congdon Campus School. Later, he moved to the State University at Potsdam as an off-campus supervisor for student teachers. In 1983 he became the chairman of the Education Department. He retired from SUNY Potsdam in 1990.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred; a son, Davey (Agnes) Eldridge, of Houston, TX; two daughters, Amy (Kevin) Murphy of Potsdam and Elaine (Randy) Driscoll of Hannawa; grandchildren, Sarah Murphy of West Stockholm, Richard, William and Martha Murphy of Potsdam, Christopher Driscoll of Oswego, and Katelyn Driscoll of Hannawa; as well as a great-granddaughter, Raya Huto, of West Stockholm.
He was predeceased by a sister, Carmen Barr.
