Wilhelms Zilgme

Colonie – Wilhelms (Bill) Zilgme, 95, of West Islip, Long Island and, more recently, Colonie, NY, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 at Shaker Place Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Riga, Latvia, he was the son of the late Fricis and Franceska Zilgme.  After the Second World War Bill emigrated to Sweden, then Canada, and finally to the United States.  Trained as a mason, Bill attended trade schools in three countries to perfect his masonry skills.  He was the co-owner of Roman Arch Masonry on Long Island.

Bill, better known as “Opap” and “Pop” to his grandchildren, children and friends, is survived by his daughter Aida (Vincent) Mezzanotte, son Peter (Kristen) Zilgme, and son Arnis (Michele) Zilgme.  Bill was predeceased by his siblings Richard, Arthur, Leon, and Gaida.  His brother Zigmund Zilgme, sister-in-law Anne Zilgme, and sister-in-law Maria Zilgme, all of Buffalo, survive Bill.  Also surviving are Bill’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; in North America and Latvia.

Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in the Latvian Memorial Park Cemetery in Tannersville, New York in the Spring of 2023.

Arrangements are by Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie.