Rensselaer - William J. "Bill" Lithgow died peacefully at home on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Bill was born on August 27, 1941 and resided in the city of Rensselaer for much of his life. He also lived and worked in New York City employed by both New York State and the Army Corps of Engineers. Bill also served a term as a Rensselaer City Alderperson and was a long term activist in both the local and national Republican Party. He served In-theater active duty during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Captain. Bill attended St. John's Academy in Rensselaer, Siena College and the University of Pennsylvania Whart on Graduate School receiving a Master's Degree in both Business and Governmental Administration. He was a member of the Gerald O'Neil American Legion Post 1683, Rensselaer. Bill is survived by his brother Thomas (Emily) Lithgow and nephew Colin Lithgow. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 6:30 pm in W.J. Lyons, Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave Rensselaer. All are welcome to attend. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday prior to the service from 4-6:30pm. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.