Clarence B. Kilmer, III (Beau)

Saratoga Springs – Clarence B. Kilmer, III (Beau) passed away on Monday, September 22, 2008 surrounded by his family at Saratoga Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 70.

Born November 9, 1937, a life-long resident of Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Clarence B. Kilmer, Jr. and Agatha Quintana Kilmer.

Beau was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the military police, serving as an honor guard for President Eisenhower, with an honorable discharge in 1960. He worked for A&P Supermarkets for many years. He was the Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Public Works in Saratoga Springs from 1978-1981. He then worked as Superintendent of Public Works in the Village of Cobleskill, NY from 1982-1989. He later returned as Superintendent of Public Works for the City of Saratoga Springs, in charge of all buildings and grounds in the City from 1989 until his retirement in 2001. He was a devoted Pop Warner football coach for 39 uninterrupted years and may be the longest-serving Pop Warner coach in the county. He also coached the first Capital District football team in New York State to be champions, being recognized by the Senate and Governor of New York. He served on the Saratoga Springs Recreation Committee for 20 years and was instrumental in building the recreation center on Weibel Avenue, as well as the Geyser Park Recreational Field and was involved in the proposed indoor recreation facility at the South Side Recreation field. Beau truly loved the Saratoga Springs community, especially the youth. He also was inducted into the Saratoga Springs Hall of Fame. He was the President of Saratoga Springs Babe Ruth baseball program since 1983 and also a former longtime Babe Ruth and Little League coach. Beau belonged to the Saratoga – Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge #161, the American Legion Adirondack Post #70 and was a member of the Principessa Elena Society. Beau enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, collecting trains and Native American Indian memorabilia. He also enjoyed golf and after his retirement worked part-time as a ranger/starter at the Saratoga Spa Park Golf Course.

Survivors include his longtime partner and loving companion of 22 years, Laurie Groff of Saratoga Springs, NY and her son Eric (Melissa) Groff of Porter Corners, NY, Sandra Kilmer and their three daughters Annette (William) Thomson of Oswego, NY, Tracy (Stephen) Gilliland and Jo-Ann (Gregory Santos) Kilmer all of Saratoga Springs, NY, three grandchildren, David and Jonathan Thomson of Oswego, NY and Tiffany Thomson of Saratoga Springs, NY; one sister Lynn (Phill) Richmond of Palm Beach Garden, FL., three nephews, two nieces and fellow coach and close friend, Gus (Diane) Ross of Saratoga Springs, NY.

Relatives and friends gathered on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes in Saratoga. Funeral services will be held this morning, Friday, September 26, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Beau’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Liebers, Dr. DelGiacco, their colleagues and staff as well as the staff at the Saratoga Hospital I.C.U.

Memorial contributions in Beau’s honor may be made to the Beau Kilmer Memorial Fund, c/o The Adirondack Trust Company, 473 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.