"It's just tragic to see something like this happen to somebody that is really so nice," said neighbor Charlie Smith.
From his normally peaceful North Greenbush neighborhood, to the chambers of Troy City Hall, news of Bill Chamberlain's violent death has left friends and colleagues stunned.
"I was in shock," said City Council President Rodney Wiltshire. "I couldn't believe it. It's still not real yet."
"The mood upstairs was solemn, sorrowful, painful," said Mayor Lou Rosamilia.
For nealy thirty years, Chamberlain served the city of Troy.
"He was the man behind the scenes," Rosamilia said. "He was the man who coordinated everything."
Everything from the new solar farm to storm cleanup, even city festivals and events. The Director of Operations leaves behind a legacy that won't soon be forgotten.
"Bill was a great guy. He was a very strong personality," Wiltshire said. "He was the kind of guy that would tell you how it is."
As the city mourns his passing, the Mayor asked for a moment of reflection.
"Take a few minutes," Rosamilia said, "Get own on your knees, say a prayer for Bill and his family. And at the same time, say a prayer for your family."