William D. Gifford, III

With great sadness, William D. Gifford III, 37, of Gloversville, NY, passed away after a tragic accident on January 12, 2025. 

Billy was born on January 20, 1987, in Gloversville to the late William Douglas Gifford II. He spent his childhood in Mayfield and attended Mayfield School District, where he graduated with the class of 2005. After school, he worked a variety of jobs before finding his permanent home as a technician for Adirondack Septic in Amsterdam. He would’ve been employed there for seven years this coming summer. Billy’s job was more than just work for him; it was his family. Many there described him as a mentor, very teachable, eager to learn, a good listener, and someone who wasn’t afraid to discuss life’s obstacles.  

Bill was an open book; he wouldn’t mind talking about his struggles because he was so proud of how far he’d gotten despite his odds. He was passionate about his sobriety and recovery because he was able to make his dreams come true. He never thought he’d have a home filled with his better half and kids, but he did and not a day went by where he took it for granted. Billy is proof that you don’t need to let your past define you, nor keep you from reaching your goals. He was appreciative of the opportunities given to him and he always expressed his gratitude. Bill’s family is beyond proud of the man he became, how hard of a worker he was, and everything he sacrificed for them.  

He loved nothing more than being outside and going fishing with his buddies and family. Bill was a sports fan, but his favorite team by far was the New York Giants. He loved spending time with his family and would do anything to help them. More than anything, he cherished his time with his children and was the proudest father of each of them. 

Bill was predeceased by his father William Gifford II; paternal grandparents Patricia Gifford and Donald Booth; and paternal grandfather William Gifford Sr. 

He is survived by his beloved fiancé Jade Grace; children Jackson Levine-Grace, Maisy Gifford, and William Gifford IIII; honorary sibling Natasha Gifford; paternal grandfather’s significant other Sharon Yager; aunts and uncles Douglas (Lory) Gifford, John (Tia) Gifford, and Samantha Gifford; honorary nephew Kamden Gifford; cousins Trevon Gifford, LaBron Hudson, Davion Hudson, Brenda (Marshall) Alessi, Brandon (Shelby) Tubbs, Aaron (Breanna) Tubbs, Ashur Tubbs, and Kenny Gifford; as well as countless extended family and friends. 

Bill’s family would also like to recognize his second family at Adirondack Septic for treating him like family and going out of their way to help him and his loved ones whenever they needed without hesitation; special friends Jamie Rossi, Pete Chupka, and Steve Chupka; the first responders on scene and St Mary’s Hospital for their valiant rescue efforts; and the community for all the outpouring love, support and donations. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 3pm to 4pm at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. A celebration of life will follow at Loopies Irish Pub, 410 Mohawk Drive, Fonda, NY 12068. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s memory to the American Heart Association by mail to 444 Liberty Ave., Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or online American Heart Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Donations may also be made to Friends of Recovery New York by mail to 1529 Western Avenue, Albany, New York 12203 or online DONATE - Friends of Recovery - New York.