William Roane

William Roane, known as Bill, 76 of Staten Island, New York passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
Born Thursday January 2, 1947, Bill was the son of the late William and Margaret Roane.
Bill was born and raised in Staten Island, NY. After graduating from Saint Peter's High School, Bill attended the College of Staten Island where he received a B.A. in Psychology in 1987. He furthered his education, obtaining a M.A. in Psychology from Hunter College of the City University of New York in 1994 and a M.Ph. in Environmental Psychology from the Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York. He was a part of the CUNY Graduate Fellowship, made the Dean's List multiple times, was awarded by the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology, and was presented with the Outstanding Student Award for Service from the College of Staten Island.
Beginning in 1988 and throughout his career, Bill worked on research projects that evaluated, designed, and proposed housing programs for low-income residents and seniors with a focus on developing optimal shared housing environments for the residents of the New York city Metro Area. He then became a Board Member for the Staten Island Center for Independent Living.
Bill worked as a Tenured Lecturer at the Borough of Manhattan Community College for most of his professional career. He was loved by his students and faculty alike. Serving as an active member and chair of the Vassar College transfer program, Bill provided transfer opportunities for BMCC students to Vassar College through a summer placement program housed at Vassar. Every year, Bill advised and assisted students in their applications and the majority were accepted into the summer program. Several of these students were also offered a full scholarship to Vassar College. On the morning of 911, Bill was teaching in the BMCC building closest to the World Trade Center. He immediately calmed and led his class down the many flights of stairs and out of the building to safety as debris fell from the sky. Bill always put others before himself, giving his all to his students and the community.
Bill served the Richmond Senior Services Board (SSB) as a board member in 1991, elected Secretary in 1992-93, and Vice President from 1993-1996. He then served as the President of the Board. During these years, Bill devoted his energies to fund raising for Project Share, a rental housing program for elderly residents of Staten Island, and project development and fundraising for Marie's Place, an enhanced housing facility. He also served on the Board of Directors at the College of Staten Island, as well as being a Committee Member for the Alumni Association, where he was active in program planning and fundraising. Bill was also a member of the American Psychological Association, Environmental Design Research Association, and the International Association of People-Environment Studies.
Bill was recognized for his accomplishments, receiving many awards and accolades along the way. He was awarded the Alumni Association's Leadership Award from the CSI and the Who's Who in American Universities and Teachers for his work at BMCC. In 2010, Bill was presented with the Mildred Porretta Award for Community Service to the Richmond Senior Services Board (SSB) for his service to the board since 1991, as well as his service on other local not-for-profit boards.
Bill was a selfless person, always lending a hand and helping others out. He touched countless lives throughout the years and will be deeply missed by all those that are blessed to have known him.
Bill is survived by his cherished sister, Madeline Comba, his loving niece, Susan Lopez and her husband Doug, his loving nephew Andrew Comba, and his adored grand-nephew, Luis Lopez.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 14th at 10AM at St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, located at 109 Laurence Pkwy, Laurence Harbor, NJ 08879.
In lieu of flowers consider making a donation in Bill's memory to:
The William M. Roane Scholarship for Exploring Transfer Summer Program at Vassar College
Checks payable to BMCC foundation Inc.
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Room F1330
199 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HegartyScaliaFuneralHome.com