Bill was a native of Staten Island, NY and served our nation in the
Vietnam War. When he left the army he attended The New York College
of Insurance and stayed in NYC as a broker with Marsh Insurance then
later joined AON also in NYC. He was fortunate to have a sister, Mary
Beth, who invited him for a weekend in Luray, Va. There he’d meet
Nancy Collins.
Their bond was instant and he proposed via Fax. Nancy then brought
Bill to New Jersey and they split their time between Plainsboro and
Long Beach Island. He never grew tired of watching the sun set over
the bay. Bill was quick witted and would poke fun at those he loved;
always in jest. He was generous with sharing his time and talents.
Bill loved his dogs but was a pushover with his granddaughters.
In addition to his dear Nancy, Bill is survived by a son, Richard and
his wife Carolyn; a brother, Richard, and his wife, Joan, sister, Mary
Beth Hamilton and her late husband, Charlie and granddaughters,
Allison and Emily.
Come celebrate 66 great years, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at
Sweeney Funeral Home, 478 Cooper St., Beverly. Mass of Christian
Burial 10:30am at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, St. Peter Church,
Riverside. Burial Monument Cemetery.
Tell a great story of William at sweeneyfh.com.
10 Comments
Nancy,
Rick and I were so shocked and saddened to hear about Bill. I literally cannot remember my time in the insurance industry without remembering Bill. Whether it was my first limo ride home from Delmonicos, which Bill would arrange often, or the time the four of us made snow angels outside the River Cafe, Bill was truely a good friend to both of us. He was always the first to step in with a joke when I needed cheering up or just to listen to my rants. Please know that we will think of you and Ricky in our prayers and hope that you find strength in remembering the good times.
Dearest Nancy,
Jim and I have nothing but happy memories of our times spent on the Jersey shore at Collins Family gatherings. Bill always kept us laughing with his one liners or jokes. WE loved his NY accent and sense of humor.
You were both so generous in sharing your home, your bikes, preparing meals and always made us feel welcome. We witnessed the love he had for his dogs; his babies for sure. I can still hear his voice in my mind which brings a smile to my face.
My last memory was Bill showing Jeff’s friend how to eat muscles and the ribbing that went along with it. Her response to the experience: “I just love Uncle Bill!”
His infectious smile, his quick wit and his presence will surely be missed by us all. May our memories of the good times shared keep us smiling.
Our love and our prayers are with you Nancy,
Jim and Bev Collins
Nancy, Stan and I are shaken by the news of Bill’s passing. Our prayers are for you and Billy. Unfortunately I just read today (9/5) of the news in the Sandpaper. We enjoyed his sense of humor and sharp wit whenever with you two. I continued calling him “Redheaded Billy”, even after his hair turned gray. I think he got a kick out of that. You married a gem and your were his prize, my friend. God bless you and keep you strong.
Bill and I have been friends since High School. I have nothing but fond memories of our anticts while coming of age; the joy of each small triumph in young adulthood; and our successes later in life. Even after 50 years we were still on the same page and I thought Bill would always be here for a chat. I am shocked and so saddened by his passing…
Hi Rich
you and i don’t know each other very well, but i also went to HS with you and Bill. i actually connected with Bill at PS42 when he was in 3rd grade and i was in 4th grade, and when he went to Staten Island Academy, i went to McKee, so we rode the 103 bus together every day. i think we both transfered to Tottenville in 1962. i hooked Bill up with Michelle Nesti, who is Rick’s mother. Anyway, it breaks my heart to know that my good friend Bill is passed. i’ve been in Arizona since 1972, although i saw Bill frequently every time i came through New York on business travel. the last time i saw Bill was like 2013. we had a long lunch at the Great Kills Yacht Club at the foot of Nelson Ave. Bill drove in from NJ to meet me. i never met Nancy, but Bill was as good a friend as i had growing up. definitely the end of an era for me. i am semi retired now, and still living the good life in Phoenix AZ. i have no idea if you remember me, but we have a common connection with Bill. Hope all is well. I can’t believe all these years have passed and i didn’t know about Bill’s passing. Anyway, be well. regards
Curt
I’ve known Bill since I was 14 years old, we had so many great times and laughs together. Although I haven’t seen all that much of him over the past 20 plus years, he still remained in my heart. The last time I had seen him was at his son’s wedding and we had a dance together. Rick I know how much you will miss him and I will be praying for you and Nancy and all your family. I hope to see Bill again on the other side, it is such a shock and I am sad to be writing this.
Dear Nancy,Just so you know, I’m thinking of you and Bill and am very sorry for your loss. You both have exrpeienced much change recently. For you, I am grateful that you have your art. It is a gift especially at times like this!!xoxCosntance
It’s so nice to have you back in Blogland. I know it wasn’t an easy few days for you and your family. The photo you chose today looks very much like the tree that’s boisslmong in my front yard.
Hi Nancy,Welcome back. You and your family have been in our tgothhus and prayers each day.I could actually do flip flops that the Queen’s cobbler has been seen, but please take care.xoxo~Tracie
Hi Nancy
this is way late, but i just found this web link this week, and my heart breaks that my good friend Bill has passed. you and i never met, but Bill and i go back to 4th grade together, and i was probably the only friend that he had during High School that his mother approved of 🙂
I’ve been in Arizona since 1972, and saw Bill often when i would go through NY on business trips through the 1980’s and 90’s. we would either meet in Jersey or on Staten Island.
Anyway, i am still trying to get my head around Bill being gone. i think you guys were very happy together. the last time i saw Bill, we met at the Great Kills Yacht Club on Staten Island and had a very long lunch. i was passing through NY on a business trip. this was probably 2012 or 2013.
Be well. know that someone else misses him very much and knows he was one of the good guys.
regards
Curt