William S. Kolber

SELKIRK – WILLIAM S. KOLBER - Bill was called home to eternal life on Saturday December 5, 2015 at St. Peter's Hospice. He was born in Albany on September 16, 1930 to the late William and Harriet Kolber. Bill was a lifelong Albany resident who lived his passion and was a respected local farmer. He ran his farm-stand and greenhouse business at his family homestead on Whitehall Road for many years. At the age of 50, he had to relocate his business to Selkirk and rebuild everything from the ground up with his wife and children. His never-ending passion, love, and God-given talent for his farm helped him to persevere through difficult times. Bill was well known throughout the area as being "The Pansy Man" as he grew early crops of gorgeous pansies, which were always proudly on display throughout downtown Albany each spring. During the cold winter months, Bill was busy in his greenhouses nursing seedlings to be ready by early spring. Bill always appreciated and enjoyed his customers and was forever willing to share his advice on how to get a green thumb. He had a quick wit and tremendous sense of duty to his family and friends and above all, the farming community in Albany. Bill was an avid bowler and enjoyed league competition throughout his life. Bill is survived by his wife of 35 years Maria; son Daniel, daughter Joanne, son Marc and his wife Mariagrazia, daughter Maria and her husband John; grandchildren Giorgia, Malia, Cooper, and Aria. He will be missed by his loving family and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave. on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 from 4 to 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, at 9:30 in the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. Internment will follow the Mass in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands. Those who wish may make memorial contribution to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205