Submitted by his Wife

Billy was involved with volunteer firefighting for 33 years. He first joined the Shickshinny Volunteer Fire Company at the age of 19 and continued there for 18 years. At that time‚ he joined the Mocanaqua Volunteer Fire Company‚ where he was a member for 15 years. He was a past president of the fire company‚ an office which he held for five years. At the time of his death‚ he was a fire police captain. Billy also belonged to the Shickshinny Area Volunteer Ambulance‚ where he held the office of president.

Billy loved life and people. He would help anyone if he could. He also helped as a crossing guard and was at the bus stop everyday with the regular guard when he was able to be. He would also play Santa for the children in this area from time to time if he was asked to. Billy was the type of person who had friends wherever he went. He had a hello and a smile for everyone.

No matter what time of the day or night‚ when the tones went off‚ Billy would drop what he was doing and respond. He made his last call on September 15‚ 2007‚ at the age of 51. A call came in for a fire alarm at the Shickshinny Hi-rise. Billy had just sat down to watch the Phillies play. He got up and responded to the fire hall. While on scene‚ Billy fell ill‚ and he never made it home from the call. We all take solace in knowing that‚ at the time of his death‚ Billy was doing something he loved and was with his friends.

Billy’s love of volunteering was passed on to his family. All of his children have been involved in volunteer firefighting and EMS service since they were in their teens.

Billy left behind his wife‚ Debra; sons‚ Bill Jr. and Stephen; daughter‚ Amy; grandson‚ Jonathan; family pets‚ Trish and Titan. He is also survived by his mother‚ Sara‚ and his sisters and brothers and their families. He also left behind many good friends.