William Edwin Tisdale Jr. “Bill” died peacefully surrounded by his family Friday, August 28, 2026. He was born in Niagara Falls, New York, to William and Doris (Swartout) Tisdale. A graduate of Ithaca College, he taught music for 34 years which was both his profession and passion throughout his life. Bill’s primary instrument, the piano, served as the baseline for his career and interpersonal relationships. In addition to teaching at Beekmantown Central School District, he operated Tisdale’s Piano Shop, where he sold, repaired, tuned, and transported pianos and organs.

Though the piano was his forte, Bill’s musical inclination led to his considerable mastery in playing the organ, viola, and harp for anyone who had the luck to listen with rapt attention. Besides his ardor for music, Bill devoted himself to a remarkable range of lifelong interests and pursuits. A decorated competitive marksman and archer, he was named to the Governor’s 20, a prestigious New York State marksmanship honor and shared his expertise by training members of the sheriff’s department. He also competed in the Empire State Games, earning numerous medals in recurve archery, and became a third-degree black belt in karate.

Bill’s adventurous spirit took many forms. He piloted single-engine planes and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol; earned an Advanced SCUBA certification and explored numerous shipwrecks in Lake Champlain with his sons; bicycled in rallies across Iowa and Nova Scotia; hiked, rappelled from cliffs, and rode motorcycles throughout his life, including as a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. At just 24, he spent a summer in Alaska helping to build runways.

An Eagle Scout, HAM radio enthusiast, painter, and woodworker, he created several pieces that remain with family members. Bill also gave generously of his time and abilities, serving his community as a volunteer EMT with the Chazy Fire Department. Whether mastering a new skill, pursuing an adventure, creating something with his hands, or serving others, Bill approached life with seemingly boundless curiosity and enthusiasm.

Bill was equally a devout Christian and will perhaps be remembered by most as a faithful servant of God and his community having played his music within multiple parishes. He was a member of the Chazy Presbyterian Church and The Gideons International. The family cottage, which he built with his father, held his most precious memories where he would swim, canoe, paddle, read, converse and tell stories with those closest to him. They say there’s no better judge than a dog to a person’s character, and so did every dog gravitate towards Bill, surrendering themselves to his warmth and compassion. Yet it was his kindness coupled with his forthrightness that made him cherished by his friends and family. Like the musical compositions he would bring to life with those ebony and ivory keys, his own life he assiduously created with varied movements of mirth, love, and dedication. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary (Haley), his sons Marquis (KeriAnne) and Matthew (Amy), his two grandchildren, Sarah and Ethan, his sister, Janet Howard, as well as his extended family and innumerable friends whom he loved dearly.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Chazy Presbyterian Church, 620 Miner Farm Road, Chazy, NY. A funeral service will follow at 12:00pm in the church. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Chazy. At the conclusion of services, a reception will be held in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to your favorite charity.

Those wishing to share a photo, story, or condolence with the family are invited to visit rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.