Louis G. Townsend

Mr. Louis G. Townsend Jr., 93 of Ireland Drive, Ft. Johnson, NY passed away on Sunday August 30, 2015 at the Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility in the Town of Amsterdam surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born and raised in Tribes Hill, NY, Louis was the youngest of twelve children born to Louis G. Townsend, Sr. and Sarah Beyer Townsend. He attended elementary school in Tribes Hill and a two year technical school in Amsterdam. Louis is a U.S. Army World War II Veteran, serving with the Sixth Army from 1942 to 1946 in the New Guinea campaign and the invasion of the Philippines. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was employed at Mohawk Carpet Mills (Mohasco) following his discharge, and later St. Mary's Hospital in the Custodial Department, retiring in 1987. He enjoyed bowling and playing and watching golf. He was a member of the Amsterdam United Methodist Church. He was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, June Gage Townsend in 1988; his daughter, Sally Townsend O'Neill in 1972; his brothers, Halsey, Raymond, William, Albert, Thomas and Hubert Townsend; his sisters, Edith Nelson, Orthanette Bates, Florence Townsend, Jeanette Newbold and Ethel Kosboth. He is survived by his nieces and nephews; Jean Langr of Melbourne, FL, Gladys Newbold of Tribes Hill,NY, Patricia Banta of Hagaman, NY, Thomas Townsend of Sunset Beach, NC, James Townsend of Gloversville, NY, Robert Townsend of Amsterdam, NY, Gary Townsend of Galway, NY, Thomas Gage of St. Augustine, FL, Colleen Shushtari of Treasure Island, FL. Son-in-law, Gerald O'Neill of Amityville, NY. Sister-in-law, Islay Townsend of Utica, NY. Brother-in-law, Eugene Gage of St. Petersburg, FL. Great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Louis will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He was a kind and compassionate person who will be remembered for his acts of caring and loving service to all who needed him. It is Louis' request that there be no calling hours. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Memorial Graveside Service at Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill, NY on Thursday September 3, 2015 at 11:00am with Rev. Cynthia Leonard presiding. Full military honors will be rendered following the prayer service on Thursday at the cemetery. The family would like to thank the Staff on the Second Floor at the E.L. Wilkinson Facility for their kindness and the wonderful care that Louis received. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010.