Obituary of William P. Greenan

OLMSTEDVILLE: William Patrick Greenan, 90, of Olmstedville, NY, passed away peacefully in the company of his family, on Easter Day, April 5, 2026. 

Born on Sept. 17, 1935, in the Bronx, NY, William (Bill, Billy) was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Catherine (Kay), whom he met through his sister, Joan, at the young age of 15, and married in April 1957. Together they had five children; Catherine (Cathy), William (Billy), Michael, Joanne (Jo) and Terence, whom they raised together in Nanuet, NY, until her unexpected death at the age of 40 in 1977.  Despite the tragic and premature loss of his partner in life, William worked with all his might to support his children and provide them with a loving home.

He entered the specialized trade of professional paperhanger as a young apprentice and built a successful business working with his dear friend, Gordon Adelson, as part of the DC Union 9, to paper the walls of some of the most prestigious buildings and celebrity homes in New York City.  He was an avid bowler and a loyal fan to his NY Giants and Yankees. He was a skilled carpenter and structural designer as well and could fix just about anything.

After his retirement in 1997, he moved to the Adirondack Mountains where he built his own home in the woods.  He enjoyed the mountain life and the great outdoors, hunting, boating, and watching wildlife, and cherished the peace of the sea and sun during his annual trips to Litchfield Beach, SC.  He will be remembered for his fierce commitment to friends and family, his warm and lively sense of humor, and his generous spirit which led everyone he knew to feel loved and valued.

William is preceded in death by his first love and wife, Kay; sisters Joan Rafferty and Doris Boyle; and son, William.

He is survived by his sister, Rose Jamieson; Daughters Catherine Cavan (John) and Joanne Tosolini; sons, Michael (Barbara) and Terence; grandchildren Kerri Castellano (Michael), Erin Cavan (Ryan Calvi), William P. Greenan, Jr., Michael D. Greenan-Neve (Sonja), Kaylin Cavan; and great grandchildren, Matthew Tosolini, Madelyn Carter and Lilianne Castellano. 

The family would also like to acknowledge the faithful, patient, loving and highly skilled care of William’s long-time caregiver, Sue Green. 

Services were held on April 18, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Parish in Nanuet, NY where his spirit was commended to God our Father, with the promise of eternal life in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s memory to Catholic Charities USA or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences and guest book.