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Kevin, Maria, Kyle and Jenna-Lynn Dean
March 19, 2009
I met Bill about 13 years ago, he was one of the best people I have ever met. Bill was always willing to help with anything, he always had a smile on his face and always knew how to have a good time. In fact I can't remember a time with him that was not good.
Bill was a great friend to my wife and I, he was somewhat of a father figure to Maria. He was our son's 'honorary' Godfather. When our son was about to be born, Maria and I did not have any baby furniture, Bill stepped up and bought the crib for us.
I remember a time when I called him to brag about a new gas grill that I had just gotten, within an hour Bill was knocking on the door with steaks in hand.
That was the type of person is was, just great. I have not seen or spoken to him in a few years but thought about him often as did Maria.
Bill, you are going to be missed brother but never forgotten.
Michelle Blue
March 18, 2009
To Tracy, Billy and Bill's family, I am so sorry for your loss.
I have a few memories of Bill I would like to share:
Bill and I lived across the street from each other in Novato, CA military housing. We had some great times. Our families would often get together and play Pictionary. I had so much fun and often I would return home exhausted from all the laughter. Bill had a knack for making people laugh. Bill LOVED his steaks. During one ill fated barbecue, Bill was carefully tending to his 24 hour specially marinated steaks when he saw trickles of water dropping on his steaks. He looked up to see where the water was coming from and discovered that it wasn’t water. His neighbor’s dogs were peeing off the upper balcony. He was sooo mad. Bill also loved to cook. He shared his recipe with me for making the most awesome spaghetti sauce. Little Billy (and I understand he is not so little anymore) astonished us all at 3 years old when he was able to program a VCR. But, Bill was the proudest father of all :O) After we were transferred to Maryland, Bill invited us over to his house for some of the best food and company. I was so fortunate to know Bill. Bill had the biggest heart of anyone I knew and it did not matter who you were, he was always willing to lend a hand.
Bill, I am in disbelief that you had to leave this earth so early. I know you are up there with your son and all of those who missed you while you were here. I wish I could thank you one more time for all that you have done for my sister and me. I was so fortunate to know you and I will miss you.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate.
Julia Moreno
March 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tracy and her family - Bill was such a nice guy - always smiling when we saw him around the football field and willing to help out whomever needed it. He doted on Tracy - your lives together were just too short - know he will always be with you providing you strength during this difficult time.
Gary & Robin Kidwell
March 13, 2009
Our prayers go out to Tracy and the family for their loss of such a wonderful, caring person. We will be thinking of all of you all.
Maureen Zwick
March 10, 2009
I met D'Arc at Misawa NSGA, my first duty station, when I was only 19 years old (26 years ago). He became a mentor and friend. The level of excellence that he lived up to was an inspiration for me. Though I’ve not been in touch with him for a couple of years, I’ve thought of him often. I had hoped we could get our families together this summer when we visited DC. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. It just didn't seem possible that someone with such exuberance for life could be gone.
My heart goes out to his family and friends. Let's remember him the way he was: full of zest and mischief, a very dedicated professional, but most of all -- a unique and wonderful human being. One I will never forget.
Carl Brainard
March 9, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the D'Arcangelo family. Bill was my sponsor when I arrived at Misawa AB, Japan in 1983. One of the first reactions I received about D'Arc; that he was well-liked by his superiors and more importantly, his peers. He will be truly missed. God's Speed Shipmate. You'll always be remembered by the "CT" community as well as others.
Carl E. Brainard
Leslie Piotrowski
March 9, 2009
D'Arc. The name said it all. You were the only person I let call me "Lester" and I will always hear you yelling my name from across the flight-line in JAX or down the passageway in P'Cola. You always made work seem like a party even after an 18 hour day. I'm sad for your family, your friends and anyone who never got to know you. You are a great addition to Heaven my friend and the angels are smiling. God Bless.
Scott Blue
March 9, 2009
D'Arc will be sincerely missed. He was a great mentor and friend. Fair winds and following seas Bill.
Rudy Gazarek
March 9, 2009
Although I knew Bill only a couple of years, his can do attitude will live with me for a lifetime. I had the pleasure to work with Bill as he was a guest speaker at our senior level funtions. His wit and enthusiasm was infectious touching the lives of all those he has crossed paths. I am forever a better person for knowing Bill - this world has lost a great man.
To Bill's family - my condolences. You can be only comforted knowing his legacy will live on by those he touched and guided throughout his life - he trully was a wonderful person.
James "Willy" Wilson
March 9, 2009
D'Arc, you may be gone but you will not be forgotten. You were a brother to me. You now serve on the staff of the Supreme Commander. Thank you for being a friend. We all miss you.
Willy & Janette, Matt & Mary
Rob Trigiano
March 9, 2009
To the family and friends of Bill - my thoughts and prayers are with you on this very sad occasion. It is never easy losing a loved one, a friend or shipmate. But only time can heal the wounds. I remember "running" with Bill in the mid 80's while stationed at HQS CNSG on Nebraska Ave NW and again in Pcola. My my what fun we had. Know that Bill was loved by many; he was unique in many ways and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.
To Bill - rest in peace my brother...we have the watch....
Joey Allen
March 9, 2009
D'Arc was a friend and a shipmate who loved life and lived everyday to the fullest. He'll be missed by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. My deepest condolences to his family.
Bill De Mattia
March 8, 2009
Our entire family fondly remembers Bill from Misawa and will miss his wit and smile. Never had to worry about the front office being on the ball with Bill in charge (the CTACM that really worked for him would agree). Imagine he's firing that Harley up and keeping everyone in line at his new duty station. God Bless Bill.
Bill and family
March 8, 2009
Bill and the kids
March 8, 2009
Bill, Tracy and In-laws
March 8, 2009
Bill and Tracy on top of the empire state building
March 8, 2009
John Armstrong
March 8, 2009
To Bill’s Family & Friends,
I wanted to share a few thoughts about Bill that I hope will inspire you to remember him in your own special way.
I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that Bill played a significant role in my life; as a close friend, a mentor and inspiration, and as a true shipmate. And, he will be remembered whenever I think of the happiest times of my life.
I’ll always remember meeting you in our direct support division where you were the consummate professional in keeping the division together and making things run smooth; I’ll remember the fun road trips we took in Japan to visit the spring festivals or to see new places and meet new people; eating yakisoba and drinking Kirin in Downtown Misawa, and then dancing to “Thriller” at Garos until the early morning; you editing my first college writing assignment on you and I “Slamming” beer; receiving your sea-tads messages while I was deployed on a submarine during what seemed like a very long cruise; sticking up for me with the Master Chief when I needed an advocate; getting in the best shape of our lives at the base gym; buying your car, and then becoming your driver – that was silly; the Thanksgiving you, Ken, Ice and I shared laughing and partying all night; you taking me to the airport on my last day at NSGA Misawa; all the fun we had during my visits in Pensacola and acting like the sailors we were and are; meeting your father, mother and sister; meeting the many people you loved and supported for years; visiting while I was in San Francisco and laughing for hours; hearing about how happy you were when your son was born; partying in Washington, DC in your new place; you participating in my wedding party; the unexpected job recommendation that showed up without me even having to ask; and hearing how happy you were to be married again.
The only thing we have in this world that is of any true value is the love, friendship, camaraderie, and happiness we share while we’re here. In my life, Bill was a never ending source of special memories and treasures that are weaved into the fabric of who I am and who I’ve become.
My heart goes out to all the people who love Bill. May you be filled with love, comfort and joy by his memory.
Eddie Ford
March 8, 2009
I was stationed at NSGA Skaggs Island California with Bill and have many, many happy memories of him. He will be missed and the world will be less of a fun place without his wit and charm.
Susan Adams
March 8, 2009
May your happy memories soon replace your grief, and may they endure forever. You have my deepest sympathies.
Tony Larsen
March 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bill taking Billy to 1st day of Kindergarten in Guam
March 8, 2009
Bill playing with Little Billy North Carolina 1991
March 8, 2009
Bill with Little Billy in North Carolina 1991
March 8, 2009
Roland and Donna Smith
March 7, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
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