William "Bill" O'Dwyer, the son of legendary New York political leader and activist attorney Paul O'Dwyer, has died at the age of 89.
This is the text of his obituary: William “Bill” O’Dwyer, born on December 30, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, oldest son of the late Paul and Kathleen (Rohan) O’Dwyer, brother of the late Eileen (Tom) Hughes, brother of Rory (Kathie) O’Dwyer and brother of Brian (Marianna) O’Dwyer, passed away peacefully at his home on August 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was listening to the Irish National Anthem, and some of his favorite traditional Irish music.
Bill grew up in Manhattan and spent weekends at their country home in Montgomery, where he met the love of his life, Carole Backofen.
After graduating from the High School of Music & Art, Bill completed his undergraduate degree at Pace University in 1959. That same year, he and Carole married and immediately set sail for Ireland. Bill attended University College Cork Medical School from 1959 to 1965. During those years, he and Carole welcomed their first daughter, Kerry. Bill, along with two classmates, established the University of Cork Alumni Association, connecting graduates across nations.
Upon graduating from medical school, he completed his residency at Albany Medical Center, declaring pediatrics as his specialty. In 1966, he and Carole welcomed their second daughter, Deirdre.
Bill entered the U.S. Navy in 1968 and was stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina. He remained on base, caring for the families of the Naval community.
In 1970, Bill joined the practice of Dr. William Boland and Dr. William Petersen, forming Boland, Petersen, O’Dwyer (later known as Shaker Pediatrics).
Bill and Carole raised their family in Loudonville where they made many friends as members of Troy Country Club. They built a second home in Chestertown, New York in 1976, enjoying year-round Adirondack activities. The ‘camp’ held countless meals, holidays, and adventures with the families who became an important part of their lives.
For more than 30 years Bill cared for children and families throughout the Capital Region. He was a founding member of the American Pediatric Association, a member of The Irish American Pediatric Society, a past president of the Whitney Young Health Center, and a co-founder of Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP).
In 2003, Bill retired from pediatrics. He and Carole moved to Chestertown to enjoy the mountains and lakes. He was an avid skier and a proud member of the Backwoods Ski Club at Gore Mountain. Bill became aware of the need for more healthcare access in the North Country and was integral to the success of the Hudson Headwaters Network. In later years, winters were spent on Hilton Head Island, SC. They looked forward to yearly visits from grandchildren there.
Bill’s commitment to caring for others extended well beyond medicine. He loved connecting with people, gave generously of himself to others, and asked little in return beyond their companionship. Whether he was caring for a patient, helping his community, or spending time with family and friends, he wanted to make life a little better for those around him.
Recently, Bill and Carole moved closer to family in Saratoga Springs, where they enjoyed a new community and new friends.
In addition to his devoted wife of nearly 70 years, he is survived by his daughters Kerry (Chip) Marrano and Deirdre (Michael) Ladd; six grandchildren, Ryan (Kelsey), Connie, and Ricky (Ali) Marrano, Jack, Patrick, and Declan Ladd; and his two great-grandchildren, James and Will Marrano.
Bill’s greatest pride was the family he and Carole created. He took enormous joy in watching his family grow, learn, and give back. He was a beacon of guidance through their education, careers, relationships, and life choices.
He loved being surrounded by family and friends, red wine, and political discussions. But most of all, he loved his wife.
He leaves behind a legacy of lived values—family, education, service, generosity, community and unshakable loyalty. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or The Veterans Association of Saratoga County.
A burial for immediate family only will be held at Saratoga National Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
