William J. Coty, 80

BENNINGTON, Vt. — William J. Coty, 80, a resident of North Street in Bennington and formerly of Melbourne, Fla., died June 21, 2017, at the Vermont Veterans Home

William was born in North Adams, Mass., on April 19, 1937 to Blanche R. (Coty) LaGess and Louis Coty. He was raised by his mother Blanche and stepfather George L. LaGess.

William joined the United States Air Force at the age of 16.  He served all around Europe, Asia, and the United States, including two tours in Vietnam. He was an outstanding serviceman for 22 years, working as a TSGT E-6 Ground Radio Communications Technician. He retired at the rank of Technical Sergeant in 1976. William and his wife Iris lived in Melbourne, Fla., where he enjoyed a distinguished career for the City of Melbourne Water Department as an Instrumentation Trouble Shooter.

In 1998, William suffered a stroke. His wife served as his guardian until her passing in 2000, when William's brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Gail LaGess assumed guardianship. They relocated him to the Vermont Veterans Home in July of 2000. William received excellent loving care at the Veterens Home and was in a better location for visitation by his family members

William leaves three brothers, George F. LaGess, Ernie LaGess and Harry LaGess; and one sister, Sally Sicilliano.

He is predeceased by his sister Mary Burrell. His extended family includes many nieces and nephews.

Funeral notice: Graveside services with military honors for William will be held Thursday, June 29, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Vermont Veterans Home Cemetery in Bennington.There are no calling hours. Donations in William Coty’s name may be made to the Vermont Veterans Home Activity Fund, c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201.