William S. Kautsky

William S. (Stan) Kautsky, Avid Fisherman, Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather William S. (Stan) Kautsky, of Bedford, NY and Narragansett, RI, died early Saturday morning, December 8, 2018, at age 88, with his loving family at his side. Stan was born February 11, 1930 in Yonkers, NY. He attended Yonkers schools and graduated from Champlain College in Plattsburgh, NY after returning home from serving as a Sergeant in the Korean War, in 1953. He founded Britalia Optical International, ran it for more than 40 years, and was still involved in its operation until he retired completely at age 85.  Stan had many interests, including American and European history, traveling with his wife of 40 years, Frieda, hunting, and especially, fishing. He spent many winters in New Zealand fly fishing, many summers fishing in the remote Canadian wilderness with his son Bill, his grandson Trey, and others, and more than 30 years fishing on his boat, Britalia II, off the coast of Narragansett, RI. Everyone who knew him would say no one could beat Stan’s sense of humor. He had an appreciation for all their friends developed through years of travel, and kept in touch with most of them. He was kind, giving, full of fun, and was the go-to person to ask for anything you needed to know. Stan is survived by his wife of 40 years, Frieda Kautsky, sister Jayne Meany of Ossining, NY, children Nancy Kautsky Severence, Mechanicsville, NY; William (Bill) S. Kautsky, Jr, Poughquag, NY (Ivette); Dawn Kautsky Whelan, Clifton Park, NY; Susan Serven, New Canaan, CT (Lawrence); and Brian Gallagher, Farmington, CT (Wanda); as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate a donation made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project. Visiting, Hawthorne Funeral Home on Thursday Dec. 13th from 11 AM to 1 PM. Where Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 PM. Interment, private.

HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME

21 West Stevens Ave

Hawthorne, New York 10532

914-769-4404