William Albert Sivers, PhD

Funeral Information

Home: Albany, NY
Date of Death: January 16, 2012
Place of Birth: Albany, New York
Birthdate: March 17, 1917
Age: 94
Memorial Service: Saturday, January 21, 2012 3 PM Riverview Funeral Home, Inc.
Visitation: January 21, 2012 from 1 to 3 pm
Interment: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery

Biography

Albany

William Albert Sivers, Jr. (Bill)

Bill was the son of the late William Albert and Caroline Louise (Keppler) Sivers, and brother of the late Carolyn Jane Sivers LeMoine.  Born in Albany, NY on March 17, 1917, he graduated New York State College for Teachers (now SUNY Albany) where he also earned a Master's degree in educational administration.  He retired as a Lieutenant after 20 years of service in the United States Navy and in the Naval Reserve.  He served on active duty immediately after Pearl Harbor from 1942 to 1946, mostly in the Pacific theater as both an enlisted man and an officer.  After World War II, he earned a PhD degree in clinical psychology at Syracuse University (1953), and practiced as a clinical psychologist.

Bill retired in 1983 as Chief of the Bureau of Psychological Services, New York State Education Department.  Prior to that he was a professor of psychology at SUNY Oneonta and later was chief psychologist in the Rochester, NY public schools.  He had previously served in the public schools as a high school teacher, a school district business manager, a guidance counselor, and a high-school vice principal.  During the 1960's he also served as adjunct professor of psychology in the graduate schools of both Siena and Russell Sage Colleges.  A diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and a member of the American Psychological Association, Bill was formally recognized by the New York State Psychological Association and by New York University for outstanding achievement in psychology in the schools.

In retirement, Bill was an active member of the Cotillion, L'Allegro, and USADance organizations which promote ballroom dancing in the Capital district. 

Bill is survived by four children, Susan, Barbara, William, and Sally, and four grandchildren.  Bill was formerly married to Katy Sivers.  All of them have continued to be members of a loving and caring family community.

A Memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, January 21 at 3:00 pm at the Riverview Funeral Home, Inc., 218 2nd Avenue, Troy, NY 12180.  Relatives and Friends are invited to attend and may also call at the funeral home on Saturday from 1 to 3 pm.  For those who may wish to do so, memorial contributions may be sent to agencies which advance medical research and social caring.  These are our father's express wishes and we can only give you heartfelt thanks in advance.

 

Candles

Sally 2012-01-18 01:30:35
Good Night Papa, sleep well.
Sue 2012-01-18 11:41:57
Be at peace, Dad. I hope you're dancing.
Rita Russell 2012-01-18 14:42:14
All of us in the ballroom community will miss you greatly. It was a pleasure knowing you and dancing with you.
Bob Englert 2012-01-18 15:56:31
As most of you know, Bill was a personal friend of mine. We did a lot of work on his house together. He use to love to watch and play with my daughter Carlee when I bought her with me. In the near future, we are going to have some tribute Dances in Bill's honor
Pat Robelotto 2012-01-18 18:16:05
Bill was one of the first "Guys" that I danced with back in the 90's. In those days, he frequently "rescued" me from dancing with other "Guys" that I did not want to dance with. I used to greet him with a "punch in th arm" so he would look down and know I was there....He will be missed and remembered for a long time.....
Pat Farnan/Glenn Westphal 2012-01-18 18:34:26
We met Bill thru dancing. He always had a smile, a friendly word and a positive attitude. We always seeked him out at dances to enjoy some friendly bantering. He was one of our favorites in the dance community and we already miss him very much. Good night Bill.
Cheryl Monti 2012-01-18 18:43:15
Bill was a man of great wit, warmth and sophistication. He had what the french would call "Joie de vivre" (the joy of life). He brought a great deal of joy to my life and I will miss him much.
Barbara Whitcher 2012-01-18 19:49:15
Bill always had a smile on his face. He was a great dancer and I always enjoyed dancing with him. He had a great humor. He will be missed by everyone and always remembered.
Gerry & Priscilla 2012-01-18 21:34:54
Bill was not only a great dancer, but a kind gentle, thoughtful person - he will be missed in the dance community
Phil Anthony 2012-01-18 23:03:47
What is a ballroom dance without Bill Siber. He was an avid participant of the dance communityl. I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
Lucie Crola 2012-01-19 03:44:28
I am so gonna miss his wonderful smile and sense of humor, he always made me laugh on the dance floor. He was always so much fun to dance with and an inspiration for me.I always made sure to stop and say hi and give him a hug and I'm so glad I did as he will hold a very special place in my heart. I hope he's dancing his feet a way where ever he is.What a pleasure it was knowing him, he will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathy to all his family. Lucie & Pete
Donna Myers/ Bill Ernst 2012-01-19 04:02:58
What a privilege it is to have known such a generous, thoughtful gentleman. We will miss him greatly - we know he is still dancing!
Sandy Costanzo 2012-01-19 11:22:59
Bill and I were dance partners for several years. During this time I got to know Bill for the wonderful, caring, quick witted, very smart, loving man that he was. I loved him as a dear friend and will miss him. My heart goes out to his family at this time. He spoke often of his children and loved them very much. My deepest sympathy to you at this time. Sandy Costanzo
Laboratory staff 2012-01-19 14:33:55
We would like to express our sincere condolense to the family. Mr. Sivers was spoken so highly of by his son Will who is our co-worker.
John Stahl 2012-01-19 16:07:39
I always looked forward to seeing Bill at the dances. He will be missed.
Judy Chamberlain 2012-01-19 16:08:33
Bill you will be missed by so many! It was joyful to dance with you or just be in your company. A more kind gentleman I will never know. Keep dancing Bill and know we are thinking about you! XO
Leanne Sweet 2012-01-19 17:27:47
I always looked forward to chatting and dancing with Bill at the ballroom dances. He had a quick wit and was such a kind, exuberant and cheerful man. The "dance scene" won't be the same without him. He will be missed by many.
Liz Paone 2012-01-19 17:59:52
I remember my first dance with Bill...he looked at me and said "O my, you are a wonderful dancer" he made me feel like a princess. At that time, I was just starting ballroom and he truly showed me the way. His grace and elegance made me feel like I had been dancing ballroom for years. I use to make him laugh and say "Bill where have you been all my life"? I will miss your smile and I will truly miss you!
Tim Sorrentino 2012-01-19 18:26:08
Sally and Barb, my condolences on the passing of your dad. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Veronica Morse 2012-01-19 19:06:19
My deepest sympathy to the Sivers family, Bill will be missed.
Carolyn Broadaway 2012-01-19 19:57:48
A true and delightful friend to in ballroom community, Bill danced with elegance, syncopation and wit. His face shone with love for everyone (and a bit of mischief), and we all loved him. Dance in Heaven, Darlin’! We are sure going to miss you here on earth.
John and Sheila Morroni 2012-01-19 20:12:14
Bill served on the Cotillion Board with us in 1997-98 and helped plan the Cotillion's 50th anniversary at the Canfield Casino. He was a gentleman and a gentle person and had an aura of kindness and benevolence that we will always remember. And, he looked smashing in a tux!
Pete Durant 2012-01-20 00:53:21
Bill, we are going to miss you so much, you were the greatest man, a highly accompplished man, yet so humble, I remember when you said you signed up after Pearl Harbor, You were that kind of great guy, you will always be my hero...
Carol DeLorenzo 2012-01-20 04:22:22
I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill for about two decades. I always enjoyed dancing with him. Many times he would laugh and say "I don't know what the hell I'm doing". He always said that I was the only one that could follow him on the dance floor. I enjoyed the original way he did the quickstep. You will be greatly missed Bill, but I know you are dancing with the angels now. Luv ya............Carol
Laurel Gokee 2012-01-20 22:13:26
We dance away the time, and time dances away… We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. Dancing with the feet is one thing; dancing with the heart is another. Dearest Katy, Sue, Barb, Will, Sally, and Family & Friends of Bill Sivers, I met Bill – where else? – at a dance. With a stature such as Bill’s, you couldn’t miss him. And even though it should have been like a scene out of David and Goliath when we danced, (he being the giant), it wasn’t. Instead, in Bill’s arms it was with ease, as gentle as a breeze. And fun! Always a twinkle in his eye and spryness to his step, he could keep up with any swing or put passion in a tango or romance in a rumba. In such a gentlemanly way, he humored me too, always putting a smile in my heart. He had that way with everyone. There wasn’t a soul who didn’t like Bill and he conveyed a genuine love and respect for all. His presence was assuring of the goodness of man, and it just wasn’t a perfect ballroom dance without Bill there. He was a genuine friend and aside from dancing, we shared many a dinner and conversations too. His musicality was not only evident on the dance floor; Bill could play many a tune on his piano and occasionally would treat me to a number or two before we embarked to dine. Bill was always a gentleman and so thoughtful, but he really was a thinker and a philosopher too. On those nightly feasts, we often would share a personal thought and sometimes even solve a worldly woe. He was good at that, though you would never hear him tell it. A humble man, he was, diligently. And he always spoke lovingly of his family, even you Will. He cherished you all. He cherished life. I will dearly miss these times with Bill, as I am certain everyone will feel his absence; and Sue, I truly was touched and honored to be one of the five… Save me a dance, Bill, up there in Heaven. With Deepest Sympathy and Love, Laurel Gokee
Marnie, Charlie and Violet 2012-01-21 03:04:29
We sure have enjoyed all of our family get-togethers and our many enlightening conversations over the years, Bill, aka Papa Bill, aka G-G-Pa. We are going to miss you more than words can convey. We love you. Love, Marnie, Charlie and Violet
Barbara Ritschel 2012-01-21 06:13:40
This photo of Bill says it all, he was always smiling and so polite. Bill was a fine gentleman both on and off the dance floor. Bill I hope you are dancing and looking down on our dance floor and smiling. God bless you!
Pam Gotzmer Turner 2012-01-21 13:17:48
I am likely one of the few people that worked with Bill at Bureau of Psych Svcs. to still be here and hear of his passing. I worked with "Dr. Sivers" from 1975 until 1982. He was my first "boss" at a young 18 yrs. But he wasn't just my boss. He was also a kind, gentle father figure to me and influential in so many ways. I never forgot him....over 37 years ago, and still...when I looked at the photo you've posted, it seemed liked yesterday that I was met with his smile, humor, and kindness every day. I always remember how he spoke so fondly and with great love of his family; my thoughts are with you all.
Ann Singleman 2012-01-21 18:26:02
Many years ago, after dining out with Bill and my daughter, Whitney, she asked me, "Mommy, is he a genius?" Yes, Darling, most certainly. He was brilliant, and with a heart and soul as great as his intellect. I was Bill’s dance partner for numerous wonderful dances, but one he especially liked to recall was a Cotillion dance where the bartender, a non-dancer but still very critical, proclaimed us the best couple on the floor. This was obviously not because of the number of steps we knew, or the technique we practiced. (Erick would cringe.) No, it was because Bill always danced so fully and joyfully connected to the music, to his partner, to life. And, as his partners know, if he didn’t like a song and it didn’t move him, you knew! Erick and I loved Bill, and cherished our friendship with him. With his rich and varied background, there was never a lack of topics for conversation. And how blest he was to have retained his sharp wit and mental acuity to the very end. I am so sorry to be away now and not able to meet his family, who he often spoke of so lovingly. My deepest sympathy to you all, and to the entire dance community. I, too, hope he continues to dance into eternity, but it sure won’t be to the music on the website. Change it to a foxtrot, or a cha-cha. He loved a good cha.
Janice Fontanella 2012-01-26 16:33:11
Whenever I saw Bill at a dance I felt at home. His twinkling presence always made the occasion special. I will miss dancing with him. He always made me feel appreciated. I will surely feel his spirit whenever I am dancing
Cynthia 2012-01-27 23:36:25
Dancing with Bill was such a delight. I could close my eyes and dance cheek to cheek with him, transported and illuminated by his company. He would often sing along, interjecting explanations of the origins of the songs, the meanings of the Spanish words, or his opinion of the performance. He was brilliant. A dignified gentleman, he was also very silly. Sometimes we would end up laughing so hard we couldn't dance ... but then would resurrect our ballroom postures and pretend to be grown-ups once again. He was always smiling, with a twinkle in his eyes. An excellent dance partner, proficient at leading any dance, including the ones he made up ... he would always tell the girls that we all made him look good. He would tell me how much he adored Trish or Ann, and I would jokingly accuse him of two-timing me. He would respond with a coy hand up to cover his smile, pretending to be innocent ... but I'm sure he was thrilled that we practically fought over him. He would never reveal his age to me; would only say that he as "old enough". 94 years old, driving himself to dances all over the place, sharp as a tack, and dapper as anything ... a ladies man and a gentlemen's gentleman. Bill Sivers will always be an inspiration to all of us.
Arlene Peterson 2012-01-28 19:49:38
Dear Bill.....you may be gone from this earthly world, but your spirit remains and forever will I reflect on the many wonderful dances we shared together. You certainly hid your age well, for I never imagined you to be in your 90s!! You had your own flair and manner of dancing and were the only one who also serenaded me with your charming voice of those great oldies we both enjoyed. I especially enjoyed your height, preferring to look up to my dance partner, and all those little quirks and dips unique to only you. Above all, you were always a gentleman and a gentle man, with a kind smile, and always something nice to say. I will miss seeing you at the dances and dancing with you, but the memory of you will remain.
Barbie 2012-01-29 04:33:39
Dad - you were everything I could ask for in a father, you were a fun-loving grandfather to my children Maxx and Alexa, and you were a loving father-in- law to my husband Gregg. Your smile and your jokes never ended. Rest in peace dad - you were an incredible man. Thank you for sharing with me your love of music, art, theater and dance. It lives on in me and my children. "When the night is new, I'll be looking at the moon, but I'll be seeing you"
Alexa 2012-01-30 01:05:38
Hey Papa, You look great! You were always too handsome for your good! Well, today's your dance and I wish I could be there showing off the moves you taught me. There was so much you taught me- like the difference between good and bad music, I doubt you would like the music they're playing on this page but whatevs. I'll miss you, man, but you know that. I'm sorry you never got to eat those bananas, they're good for your nerves ya know. Anyway, this music is getting sups annoying and I can talk to you any time. So peace out Papa. Love you thrice around the moon and back ;) Your baby grand