Obituary of William Taft Christensen, Jr.

William Taft Christensen, Jr., age 81, of Colonie, passed away peacefully during the National Anthem of the New York Mets opening day surrounded by his family at home on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Born in Queens, NY, he was the son of the late William Taft Christensen and Augusta Happ Christensen.  Bill was a graduate of John Adams High School in 1962.

Bill worked for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (ENCON) and was appointed in 1979 as an Emergency Spill Responder until his retirement in early 2000’s.  He also was an ironworker for the Local 40 & 361 and in 1966 was photographed by the Daily News attaching a steel cable at Madison Square Garden, New York’s first cable suspension roof.

Bill’s hobbies and interests included golfing, gardening, fishing, camping, puzzles and building

Models. He also enjoyed cooking and was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and NY Giants!

Mr. Christensen was a member of the Clifton Park Elks Club for 46 years and was an active

donor to various non-profit organizations.

Father to William Taft Christensen, III and Jessica Ann Briand (Joshua), cherished grandfather to Taylor Briand and Samuel Briand.  Former spouse and friend to Carol Christensen, brother of Joyce (late, Charlie) Krauss, brother-in-law to Laverne (late, Chuck) Grimshaw. Also survived by his niece and nephews Debbie (Krauss) Reilly (Robert), Bradley (Lisa) Krauss, Scott Krauss and several great nephews and niece.  Predeceased by nephews (Chuckie Krauss, Glenn Krauss (Justine) and John Krauss).

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065.

Bill’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Laura, Missy and Pam at Albany Hospice for the impeccable care and family support during his last weeks and to his neighbors and friends who continued to check up on him.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Albany Hospice or any of the national parks and wildlife nonprofit organizations, in memory of William Taft Christensen, Jr.

Please feel free to visit the Tribute Wall on Bill’s page at gorodncemerickfuernalhome.com