GLENMONT Surrounded by family, William B. Strong, 84, died peacefully Monday at his home by the Hudson River after a valiant battle against cancer. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, he was the son of the late Augusta C. Burske and William B. Strong Sr. He graduated from Purdue University in 1940 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. During World War II, he tested Navy aircraft engines at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Mr. Strong moved to Delmar in 1952 and in 1964 purchased Hall & Company, a firm specializing in the construction of water and waste water treatment facilities, operating it until 1987. A principal partner in the former Questor Group during the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. Strong was involved with the development of many area real estate projects including Heritage Village Apartments, Woodlake Apartments, Woodgate, the Commons of East Greenbush, Bishops Gate, Loudonwood East and Cannon Point in Lake George. During the 1980s, in partnership with his son, Steven, Mr. Strong was responsible for the development of numerous additional real estate projects including Wellspring, Weatherfield at Albany Country Club and the Hampton Plaza. He also acquired an ownership position in the major parcel of land that is now Crossgates Mall. He was a past chairman of the Apartment Council of the NYS Builders Association and past vice president of the Albany Area Builders Association. A self-described workaholic, he began making mobiles as an avocation in 1973 for the relaxation it offered. In the ensuing years he created and kept for his own enjoyment over 200 pieces of finely crafted, diverse and unique sculptures. He will best be remembered by his family and friends for his amazing talent and creative work in many mediums. Mr. Strong is survived by his wife, Connie Loving Strong; his children, Steven B. Strong (Lori) of Menands, Kenneth C. Strong (Joan) of Nellysford, Va. and Connie Strong Wilbur, wife of Dr. Harry J. Wilbur of Glenmont; his grandchildren, Mrs. Lisa Acquario, Laura, Jennifer and Courtenay Strong and Amy and Andrew Wilbur; and four great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service, which will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2003 at 3 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar. Contributions in Mr. Strongs memory may be sent to the Salvation Army or the American Red Cross.