AUBURN - William G. Gard, 83, of Franklin Street, Auburn died Friday, May 13, 2005, at Auburn Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Gard was born in Auburn on June 29, 1921, the son of William H. Gard and Katherine Doyle Gard. He was a graduate of Holy Family High School, class of 1940, and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Dannemora. William was employed for 37 years with the New York State Department of Corrections. Upon his retirement, he held the title of Deputy Commissioner of New York State Department of Corrections.

Mr. Gard is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Pauline Baran Gard; two daughters, Katherine "Kitty" Parisi and her husband, Patrick and Paula Petrosino and her husband, Dennis, both of Auburn; two sons, William M. Gard and his fiancee, Terry Loftman of Colonie and Thomas Gard and his wife, Karen of Whitehall; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Gard was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Gard in 1993.

Family prayer services will be 8:45 a.m. Tuesday in White Chapel Funeral Home, 197 South St., Auburn, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fleming. Friends may visit with the family 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at White Chapel.

Contributions in memory of Mr. William G. Gard may be made to Holy Family Church, 85 North St., Auburn.