Obituary for Clinton Wolcott "Sonny" Preston Jr.
Watervliet – Clinton Wolcott “Sonny” Preston, Jr., 75, of Watervliet, passed away peacefully at home on November 22, 2022 with his beloved family at his bedside. Born in Alexandria, VA on February 26, 1947, he was the son of the late Clinton Sr. and Dorothy Gilbert Preston.
Clinton grew up on military bases around the world due to his father’s service in the US Air Force. His family later settled into their home in Albany where he graduated from Philip Schuyler High School in 1965. Immediately following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and began his own long and distinguished military career. Clinton was an Army Airborne Ranger who served 3 tours in Vietnam, survived becoming a prisoner of war, all while earning a bronze star, silver star, purple heart, distinguished service cross, and many other medals and awards. He also spent much of his enlistment as a Drill Sergeant. He was proud to serve his country alongside his comrades. Clinton was also proud of his Native American heritage Mohawk of the Turtle Clan. He could find laughter in any situation with his profound sense of humor. Clinton is an American hero who will certainly be missed by loved ones and friends alike.
Clinton is survived by his 4 children; Thomas (Steven) Preston, Phillip Preston, Angela (Mike) Preston, and Clinton Preston, III, his grandchildren; Julianna, Evan, Sophia, Haksa’diyo:hgo:wah, Hayo:wёh, Michael, and Vivian, his fiancé Joyce Leibach, and his animal companions Spirit and Sassy. He was preceded in death by his sister Peggy Sue Albertine.
A funeral will be celebrated Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 10 AM at Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, Watervliet, with interment to follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery. All are invited to visit with Clinton’s family on Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Clinton in a special way may consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
Clinton grew up on military bases around the world due to his father’s service in the US Air Force. His family later settled into their home in Albany where he graduated from Philip Schuyler High School in 1965. Immediately following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and began his own long and distinguished military career. Clinton was an Army Airborne Ranger who served 3 tours in Vietnam, survived becoming a prisoner of war, all while earning a bronze star, silver star, purple heart, distinguished service cross, and many other medals and awards. He also spent much of his enlistment as a Drill Sergeant. He was proud to serve his country alongside his comrades. Clinton was also proud of his Native American heritage Mohawk of the Turtle Clan. He could find laughter in any situation with his profound sense of humor. Clinton is an American hero who will certainly be missed by loved ones and friends alike.
Clinton is survived by his 4 children; Thomas (Steven) Preston, Phillip Preston, Angela (Mike) Preston, and Clinton Preston, III, his grandchildren; Julianna, Evan, Sophia, Haksa’diyo:hgo:wah, Hayo:wёh, Michael, and Vivian, his fiancé Joyce Leibach, and his animal companions Spirit and Sassy. He was preceded in death by his sister Peggy Sue Albertine.
A funeral will be celebrated Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 10 AM at Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, Watervliet, with interment to follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery. All are invited to visit with Clinton’s family on Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Clinton in a special way may consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.