Obituary of William J. Pabis

William J. (Bill) Pabis, 76, Hagaman, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2018 with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 11, 1941, the only son of the late William and Stella (Ruz) Pabis. Bill was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School, class of 1958 and attended Hudson Valley Community College. He also was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Cold War. Bill went on to have a 25+ year career with General Electric Company where he held several leadership positions. He served on the Board of the Corporate Fire Council working with Jack Welch. Bill was also instrumental in developing processes that were subsequently patented. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him and partners to acquire the Department of G.E. where he worked and created Insulating Materials, Incorporated, the premier world-wide manufacturer of Electrical Insulation. They grew the Business which remains fully operational today. Eventually, an ultimate sale was made to a strategic buyer, Von Roll Isola in Rotterdam, New York. Concurrently, Bill had a 25+ year career with the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department where he became Chief and significantly improved the capabilities of the Department. Bill was fortunate and blessed to be able to retire at the young age of 54 after which time he and Arlene spent winters in Naples, Florida. He was a servant, leader, great family man, friend, businessman, fireman, soldier, and just a fun guy. He lived his life to the fullest, loved and added value to everyone he met and wanted everyone to enjoy life. Through doing great things in all aspects of his life, Bill created a legacy that will continue to be a positive influence into the future. Bill was a proud and loving husband, father and grandfather and a good friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Arlene (Wyszomirski), his sons Billy Pabis and his wife Cara of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Jimmy Pabis and his wife, Sandy of Ballston Lake, N.Y., and three grandchildren who were the love of his life, Stella, Conrad and Chandler. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 12:00 Noon at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, 46 Pawling Street, Hagaman, New York, with Father O. Robert DeMartinis as celebrant. Interment will take place in St. Stephen's Cemetery, also in Hagaman. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday January 17, 2018 prior to the funeral service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Church. Arrangements are under the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, New York 12010. Special Thanks to Dr. Forlano and the caring staff at NYOH and Wonderful Caregivers at Hospice of Amsterdam. Flowers should be omitted and donations made in Bill's memory to Hospice of Amsterdam, Manny's Corners Road, Amsterdam, New York 12010 or to the Hagaman Volunteer Fire Department, 126 S. Pawling Street, Hagaman, New York 12086.