William “Billy” Hodgens was born in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York, in 1952. He came from a family of four siblings, MaryAnn, Isabel, Thomas (deceased), and James.

He played high school football and later received a scholarship to Kansas Wesleyan College. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Billy was stationed in England, where he met his wife, Julia. They returned to the United States in 1983. From there, he was called to the FDNY and became a firefighter. He was assigned out of the academy to Engine 224. Other companies he worked at included Engine 155/Ladder 78, Rescue 5, and Engine 160.

Over the years, he traveled to England often with his wife, son, and stepson to visit family and friends. Later, the family considered him a renowned traveler with his trips to Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, and the ultimate road trip, Route 66. His volunteer work with the organization Friends of Firefighters was life changing for him, filling him with purpose after retirement and providing a place for him to continue to give back to the fire community. The friendships he made there meant the world to him. He was a very humble man and deeply proud of his country and Irish heritage.

In the face of tragedy, he served in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero and the Staten Island Landfill. Due to his time spent at these sites, he was diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers and passed away in his home on November 17, 2020. He was cared for by his son and daughter-in-law and surrounded by his loved ones daily during his final weeks. The outpouring of love he received was a testament to the type of man he was and how much he meant to his family. He was devoted to them and always available for a chat and a hug.

He is survived by his son, Patrick, his siblings, and his nieces and nephews, Katie, Meghan, Ed, Brian, James, and Paul. His service and dedication to the FDNY inspired other family members to follow in his footsteps, including his brother, James; his son, Patrick; nephew, Brian; and step-grandson, Salvatore. Through them and all the lives he touched, his spirit lives on.