Fall Awards Celebration 
October 28th, 2026

Fr. Bill, a native of Mexico, came to the Diocese of Albany in 1987. Before coming to St. John’s in Cohoes, he served congregations in Massena, Clifton Park and Duanesburg. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Cohoes. They have two grown children with families of their own in Delmar and Saratoga Springs.

Fr. Bill has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Denver and studied to be a priest at Nashotah House in Wisconsin. He has a Doctorate in Ministry from Drew University in New Jersey and brings to his parish years of experience in such programs as Episcopal Engaged Encounter, Education for Ministry and Stephen Ministry.

In addition to serving as part-time Rector of St. John’s, he has worked for twelve years in various capacities for the Alzheimer’s Association. This is a personal passion of his since both his mother and grandfather died of Alzheimer’s disease. He recently accepted a position on the staff of Bishop Jeremiah Williamson. Fr. Bill serves as Diocesan Chaplain and Transition Minister. In this role, he directs the Diocesan Healing Ministry, works with clergy and congregations in transition, and is and pastor our diocesan hospital chaplains. Fr. Bill also volunteers his time to support the work of the Alzheimer’s Association, the Capital Area Council of Churches, the Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and the Ignatian Volunteer Corps.

Father Bill brings to his work forty-eight years of parochial and diocesan ministry, as well as a passion for life-long learning.

Ray and Phyllis’ lives are a beautiful story of faith, family, service, and a love that began more than 60 years ago.

Phyllis grew up in a large Italian-American family in Brooklyn, where she developed an early love of learning, reading, music, and caring for others. After graduating from Hunter College she taught in Roman Catholic schools before serving as Director of Religious Education in the Diocese of Brooklyn, the Archdiocese of New York, and the Diocese of Albany. She earned a Master’s degree from St. Bernard’s School of Theology & Ministry and became a certified instructor for adults preparing for lay ministry. Over the years, she has led retreats, workshops, and days of reflection at churches throughout the area. She is also the author of In My Truest Voice: Poems of Healing and Hope, a collection she describes as a memoir of questions, faith, healing, and the search for truth.

Ray was born into a Puerto Rican family and raised in Brooklyn’s richly diverse community. Spanish was his first language, and his early experience navigating two languages and cultures became a lasting gift throughout his life and career. He earned a B.A. in Sociology from St. Francis College and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University. His distinguished career included 18 years in child welfare, leadership positions with the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs and the New York State Department of Social Services, and service as Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers’ New York State Chapter. He also maintained a successful private practice and taught social work at SUNY Albany for 25 years.

Ray and Phyllis met as teenagers while riding a New York City bus to their respective schools. Their friendship grew through parish life in the 1960s, eventually leading to marriage and 56 years of sharing life, faith, family, and service. Together, they created a home that celebrated both their Italian-American and Puerto Rican heritages. Their greatest blessings are their four children and eight grandchildren.

Through the years, Ray and Phyllis have shared countless “firsts.” This award represents another special milestone, the first time they have been honored together for their service and for becoming part of an organization they both love. Their lives continue to reflect the power of faith, community, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.