The City of Troy, New York, "Where Henry Hudson Turned Around."

Saturday, December 19, 2015

TRAGEDY

On Thursday night, Bill Chamberlain was attacked near his North Greenbush home while walking his dog. He was stabbed twenty-three times and died just a few feet from his home after being found by his wife. One week before Christmas. Children home for the holidays.

Chamberlain was a thirty year employee of the City of Troy and Director of Operations since 2004.

The suspect in the attack is twenty-six year old Joseph Vandenburgh. Vandenburgh was released to parole on December 13, 2014 after serving just over seven years for a 1st degree burglary conviction. If he had served his full term Vandenburgh would not have been released until March 27, 2016.

If you'd like to leave some nice words for Bill or his family please do so. This is not the time for petty political bickering. Tragedies put things in perspective.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good man with a good sense of humor. Say a prayer for his family.

Anonymous said...

Rest in Peace Bill

Anonymous said...

Ditto, that, 8:16.

Anonymous said...

Funny, hard working, honest. Never afraid to tell the emperor of the moment he had no clothes. As close to irreplaceable as anybody who ever worked for the City of Troy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Anonymous said...

R.I.P Bill and God Bless the family.

Anonymous said...

We miss him already.

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers to the Chamberlins.

Anonymous said...

Fine gentleman

Anonymous said...

See you on the other side, Brother.

Anonymous said...

A class act. So sorry this happened.

Anonymous said...

Bill was a good man and a great neighbor. He will be missed.

Anonymous said...

A Burgh boy.

Anonymous said...

God Speed, Bill. Condolences to the family. So terrible.

Anonymous said...

Classy post for a classy man. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Heartfelt condolences to the Chamberlin family.

Phana24JG said...

I remember playing hockey with Bill many winters at pick-up games at the old Burgh outdoor rink. He was always well-liked and someone you wanted on your team, and a great guy off the ice. RIP Bill, and may God give your family strength to get through this.

Anonymous said...

Such a terrible act. Such a nice man, husband father and neighbor. Prayers to the family and friends of Bill.

Anonymous said...

May God Bless Bill and his family at this terrible time.

Anonymous said...

Heartening to see a political site that doesn't try to wring some partisan attack out of tragedy or make light of it in some despicable fashion. Such a terrible thing at the worst possible time. How will this poor family feel at future Christmas'. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Anonymous said...

Goodbye, Bill.

Anonymous said...

So long, Bill. Nice to have known you. A good man taken too soon.

Unknown said...

I was pleased to have worked with Bill for eight years. He was always a hard and competent worker. He was a husband who loved his wife and a father who loved his sons. He was a friend.
I enjoyed knowing Bill and working with him. His passing, especially by this senseless act of violence, is tragic. Bill will be missed by all who knew him and by all the people of the City of Troy,even if they didn't know who he was. He had a vocation to serve the public. He carried out that vocation with skill, humor and commitment. I'll miss him.

Anonymous said...

Everyone who worked with him respected him. He'll be missed by a lot of folks.

Anonymous said...

Bill was a great neighbor. Always willing to help you out if you needed something. What a terrible tragedy. He'll be missed.

The Dartlady said...

No one & I mean NO ONE was more in it for All of Troy than Bill Chamberlain. A Burgher by birth, Bill faithfully & fully served Troy's best interests. He ran Troy. Bill and I last talked during this year's Turkey Trot and a part of that conversation has been repeating in my thoughts these past 48 hours or so. He shared openly his knowledge, stood strong for what he knew was right and took every measure within his capability to serve and protect we the citizens of Troy. God speed Bill.

Anonymous said...

Couldn't have said it better, Peggy. Prayers going out to Bill's family.

Anonymous said...

At a loss for words. Shock in every employees wet eyes on Friday. All on common ground for at least 1 day. Professional Grief Counseling should be brought in - no offense to Officer Carney, who was handling a large load. I worked with Bill for many years, and just want to see quick justice brought down. Can't even imagine the pain Nancy & the kids are feeling.

Anonymous said...

I attended school with Bill and while we didn't exactly stay in touch often, I always enjoyed running in to him. A first rate man. God bless him and his family.

Unknown said...

Bill was a good guy, prayers sent from my family to Bills. Sickening act of violence. He did a lot for Troy and will be missed by many. Godspeed

Unknown said...

Well saud Peg

Anonymous said...

Condolences to the friends family of the Chamberlains.

Anonymous said...

Ditto for all of these wonderful comments.

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with every comment here. Bill will be sorely missed.

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

Goodbye old friend.