William J. "Bill" McAvinue

William John McAvinue, 75 of Louisville, died peacefully at home with his wife of 54 years by his side, on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
He was a native of Philadelphia, PA, the son of Marguerite and William P. McAvinue. Bill graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for boys in 1967, then came to Kentucky with Vista Volunteers of America. In the fall of '69, he enrolled in Jefferson Community College where he met his future wife, Linda Baker.
Bill and Linda were married in May of 1970. They returned to Philadelphia so Bill could appear before his local draft board and make his claim for conscientious objection. Bill received C.O. status and returned to Louisville and completed three years of alternative service work. Having completed his service, Bill tried every employment from restaurant management to insurance sales before finding his niche in computer programming.
A self-educated programmer through use of the public library, Bill learned computer languages and became a programming consultant at the American Printing House for the Blind, where he worked until retirement.
Bill loved competing in the game of Duplicate Bridge and was a lifelong member of the ACBL. He earned his life master certificate in 1992 and was one of the top players in this region of the country. Bill enjoyed teaching the game to novice players, and he was a beloved director at his local club. After retirement, Bill competed with Irish players on two different trips abroad.
Bill loved the family vacation trips to Sea Isle City, New Jersey, ocean swimming, and hanging out with the Philadelphia McAvinues at the beach; but, what he loved most was spending time at home with his wife and sons.
Mr. McAvinue is survived by his wife Linda, his sons; William Robert and John Brennan McAvinue; his brothers, Kevin and Neil McAvinue; sisters, Pat, Eileen, and Mary McAvinue; and granddaughters, Olivia and Lida McAvinue.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Monday, September 9th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1960 Bardstown Road. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 8:00pm, Sunday, September 8th, at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center.