HAHarvey Walden
2 weeks agoObituary: William "Bill" Lape
Cobleskill (Schoharie County): William R. “Bill” Lape died peacefully at his home on April 15, 2026 in Cobleskill with his wife Teresa (Zido) Lape of 42 years by his side, after a lengthy battle with a lung disease.He was born June 28,1949 in Cobleskill, NY to S. Ward and Margaret (Peggy) Lape, living in Lutheranville at the Lape homestead until moving to Summit at the age of 5. He attended Richmondville Central School graduating in 1967. Bill enlisted in the Air Force in 1968 at the age of 18. He volunteered to go to Vietnam in 1969 as a munition specialist returning in 1970 to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia as a flight line fireman, being honorably discharged in 1972. Throughout his work career he was employed with General Electric and then for a private contractor in Sharon Springs. He began his lifelong career in 1977 with NYS Department of Correctional Services as a General Mechanic at Camp Summit. He worked in various titles at 7 different correctional facilities throughout New York state until his retirement as a Superintendent at Coxsackie Correctional Facility in 2009. He and Teresa settled in Cobleskill in 2019.Bill is survived by his wife Teresa, 4 children: Christopher (Kimberly), Andrew (Alexis), Matthew (Linda) and Rebecca (John); 9 Grandchildren: Carrie Lape Groves, Jesse Holm, Samantha Holm Strong, Adriana Lape Kitchens, Bailey Lape, Cassandra Lape Mount, Ciara Lape, Matthew Lape, Gabriella Tice; as well as 12 Great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Ward, Jeffrey (Elaine), Richard (Ann), and Timothy (Lynn). He was predeceased by his parents Ward and Peggy Lape and his sister Elizabeth(Betsy) Burt.Bill loved spending time whenever possible with his family and friends, golfing, hunting, traveling and watching his New York Jets, New York Mets and Syracuse Orange. He also enjoyed time spent on Lape mountain. He had served as a volunteer fireman with the Sharon Springs and Richmondville Fire Departments for many years as well as an EMT with the Sharon Springs Rescue Squad. He also served as a Justice of the Peace in Sharon Springs. Bill was a member of the Barnerville United Methodist Church and the American Legion.There will be no public funeral services per Bill’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any Veteran organizations throughout New York State in memory of William R. Lape.The Guffin/Langan Funeral Home of Cobleskill, NY are assisting the Lape family.
