William F. Salsbury, 64, of New Hartford died August 5 in St. Elizabeth's Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born in Utica on October 3, 1941 to George W. and Ruth (Bills) Salsbury. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Episcopal Church, where he served many years as a chorister and acolyte. Bill graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School in 1959 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Utica College in 1963. He served as President of the Student Senate and was active in the college's service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. After college Bill trained and served as a Boy Scout executive in New Jersey before enlisting in the Army National Guard. He then became Youth Director at the Utica YMCA, from 1965 to 1970. He also served as a coach and athletic director at Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School. In 1974 Bill joined Vicks Lithograph and Printing, where he advanced to Production Manager. He retired from his post in 2003. After coaching Babe Ruth baseball for six years, Bill took over the Utica Post 229 baseball team, retiring from active coaching in 1996. He also coached varsity baseball at Notre Dame High School (1976-1979) and at Utica Free Academy (1984-1988). He has served as Department of New York American Legion Baseball Chairman for the past 15 years, developing new tournament formats and programs. He has brought three highly successful tournaments to Utica, with a fourth in the planning stages. Over the years Bill received numerous awards for service to the community, especially for service to youth. He has been a tireless mentor and benefactor to hundreds of young people. Many describe Bill as a "second father". Bill will always be remembered for his work with the American Legion and all of its programs. He was a past Commander of Post 229, promoted Boys State, Americanism, and advanced youth programs. Recently he served as an instructor with American Legion "College", sharing his ideals and experience with younger Legion leaders. Bill worked with and enhanced the ROTC program at Notre Dame High School and was instrumental in the establishment of ROTC at Thomas R. Proctor High School. His passion for the game of baseball is legendary. He also enjoyed reading histories and biographies of influential Americans. This interest led him to establish a library at Post 229 where members could share books and videos on subjects of common interest. Bill will be remembered for his vision in planning with others the construction of Post 229's center on Herkimer Road. Bill is survived by his mother, Ruth, whom he credited for teaching him active concern for others; two sisters, Bonnie (Whitney) Mallam of Lewiston and Judith Sills of Utica; a brother, Daniel G. (Rose) of West Grove, Pennsylvania; a sister-in-law, Filomena (late Thomas M.) of Utica; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. His father predeceased him in 1983, his brother Thomas in 1991. The family will be present at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7, and on Tuesday, August 8. The Rev. James Jensen will conduct the funeral service at the funeral home at 11:00 on Wednesday, August 9, followed by the interment at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the William F. Salsbury Scholarship Fund, c/o Notre Dame High School, 2 Notre Dame Lane, Utica, 13502 or to the William F. Salsbury Baseball Fund, c/o Frank Handzel, 4 Melrose Ave., Utica, 13502.