William Francis Schroeder

1935 - 2019

William Francis Schroeder

Suffern - William Francis Schroeder, known to his friends and family as Billy "13", passed away peacefully the morning of September 5, 2019 with his wife by his side. Billy was born on August 13, 1935 to Helen Marie Garden Schroeder and Francis Leo Schroeder.

In his teens, Billy was a track star at Saunders High School in Yonkers, NY. He joined the National Guard at the age of 16 where he excelled and became a sharp shooter. At 18 he joined the Navy and proudly served on the U.S.S. New Jersey B.B. 62 and the U.S.S. Boston. After leaving the Navy, Billy spent his career working for Sheet Metal Union 28 where he became a sought after master copper craftsman.

Billy married the love of his life, Joan Catherine Sweeney, in January 1958. They began married life in Mount Vernon and had two sons, William Francis and John Francis. Shortly thereafter they moved to Spring Valley, New York where they had their third child, Theresa Anne (Schroeder) Gore.

Billy, a devout Catholic, enjoyed life to the fullest. He spent countless hours volunteering at St. Joseph's Parish as an usher and often a handyman. He was a volunteer fire fighter with the Spring Valley Fire Department, Scout Master for Troop 185 and a Mason. He enjoyed spending time with his family including teaching his children his archery skills, spending time at Jet games, going on family camping trips, boating, fishing and NASCAR races. Billy was always there for his friends and family. A truly remarkable man. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Billy is survived by his wife Joan and their three children William (spouse Donna), John, and Theresa (spouse Chris). He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Dobbins, his grandchildren, Kelly Marie Schroeder, John Wilson Schroeder and Catherine Emma Gore along with nephews and cousins of all ages.

Family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern NY 10901. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 245 North Main Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Cornetta's Restaurant and Marina, 641 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY 10968. In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to St. Joseph's Church in Billy's honor.