PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Walter J. Willard, Sr.

US Army Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 02/24/2023

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Walter J. Willard, Sr. has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. Walter passed away quietly on February 16, 2023, at 93 years of age.

Born in Troy, NY, Walter began working throughout high school for Freihofer's bakery truck/wagon. He entered the US Army on 13 August 1947 after graduating from Catholic Central High School. He was trained as an Assault Crewman (MOS71745 - Paratrooper), and was honorably discharged on 16 September 1948 at the rank of Private. For his service, he earned a Sharpshooter Badge - Rifle.

After his military service, Walter worked at Grant’s department store in downtown Troy, and later managed various department stores all over NY and New England. He and his wife named and opened the first Jamesway Department Store in Jamestown, NY, and in 1965, he and his son started the family restaurant business Willard’s Steerhouse. They had restaurants in Troy, Cohoes, Halfmoon, and Clifton Country Mall.

A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

02/24/2023 at 10:30am

Staging Location:

New Comer Cremations and Funerals
181 Troy Schenectady Rd
Watervliet, NY 12189

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

518-669-3358

Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 8 March 2022

Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.

Special Information:

Staging at the funeral home with a flag line for dignified transfer. Members will join the escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for interment with military honors.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

02/24/2023 at 11:30am

Second Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Second Stage - Special Information:

Interment with military honors scheduled for 12:00 pm. Please stage respectfully and in accordance with current guidelines.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.