William J. Reel

Our prayers and condolences to Bill's family from his classmates in the Yale College Class of 1962.

Bill was a wonderful co-worker at the Daily News. He enjoyed success but never let it go to his head. Godspeed.
-- Bob McCormick (Staten Island, NY)

Billy and I were kids growing up in Canaan, CT. We played baseball in the same Little League. Billy to the dismay of the coaches and the opposing batters threw curve balls. Kids weren't supposed to do that back then. A bunch of us kids played basketball in the old Catholic Church building. As I remember it, Billy was one of the very few kids who actually owned a basketball. Dan Hall and Billy used to play tennis on the old tennis courts in Canaan. Recently while producing a DVD, world series hero, Steve Blass, commented on how Ron Dower, Billy Reel and he used to practice turning double plays in Ron's backyard.
I'm sorry that we didn't get to renew our friendship in recent years. Now I pray for his soul and for God to watch over his precious wife and family.
Peace to all.

To the Reel family:

Those of us from Bill's days in Canaan want you to know how grateful we are for his friendship. Growing up, we learned from his positive outlook and his concern for others. His rare ability over the years to highlight the good that people do will be an inspiration and will live on in our memories of him.

To Mr. Reel's Family, I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I enjoyed his columns in the Daily News. I followed him then in Newsday and The Tablet. I felt like I knew this wonderful man. God Bless Bill and his whole family.

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our exemplar and the family at this time. Honorary degree recipients are chosen as examples of good men for us to emulate. We recognize them, as we do our fellow alumni, on the theory "that we can always pray for all good people". Perhaps, example was both formative to our students and alums. And important to our comrade in the "good fight". The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

I will always remember my Uncle Bill as a kind and loving family man. He was funny and upbeat and really knew how to tell a story! He was an inspiration. I'll miss you, Uncle Bill.

Bill Reel was a gentleman and a godly man. It was a true privilege to have known him. His smile was contagious.

May God grant you His peace and consolation during this difficult time.

The students and faculty at Holy Family Academy will remember you all in our daily prayers and at Holy Mass.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.