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William Kinane Obituary
September 19, 1941 - July 23, 2022
William (Bill) Patrick Kinane
September 19, 1941 – July 23, 2022
Bill Kinane passed away in his home at the age of 80. He is survived by an abundance of family and friends, who loved and respected him deeply. This includes his wife of 53 years, Judy, his children; Joanne, Patrick, and Michael; his four grandchildren and his brother Tom. Bill was born in Brooklyn, NY to William Sr. and Julia Kinane. He was very proud of his Irish and Brooklyn roots and cherished his childhood memories of playing stickball and cheering on the Brooklyn Dodgers. (Not LA!) Bill earned his bachelor's degree at St. Francis College in New York and later received a master's degree from DePaul University of Chicago. He served in the US Marine Corps and was eventually recruited into the FBI, where he led a distinguished career for 34 years. While in the FBI, Bill held senior leadership roles specializing in Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism. Towards the end of his FBI career, he served in a diplomatic capacity as a legal attaché at the American Embassy in Moscow, where he helped open the first FBI office in the former Soviet Union. He and Judy share many memories of their time in Moscow and all the amazing people and places they were able to experience together. After he retired from the FBI, Bill joined Guardsmark, a global provider for security services, where he held a senior leadership role. He also served as an advisor to the Council on Foreign Relations on homeland security. During his time at Guardsmark, Bill and Judy lived in New York City, which created wonderful opportunities, experiences, and friendships.
While he led a robust career, Bill was all about family and community. He coached his children in Little League, softball, soccer, and CYA basketball for years, attended mass every Sunday and was a daily visitor of the local dog park with his loyal companion, Winnie the Newfoundland dog. He also served as the un-official Mayor of local Novato coffee shops and pubs, where he enjoyed many a coffee and pint with good friends, reading the NY Times, discussing world events, and cheering on his Oakland A's and SF Giants. He and Judy loved to travel and explored several countries and continents together. He specifically enjoyed visiting their home in Sunriver, Oregon. Bill was a walking history book and was frequently asked to speak and share his knowledge with local and national organizations.
A natural and compassionate leader, a loyal friend, and a loving family member. While his name was Bill, he was also known as Seamus, Ace, or Coach. He will be missed greatly and yet we are comforted by the warm memories and knowledge that he led a life of purpose and integrity. The world needed him, and the world is a better place because of him. Rest in Peace, Ace.
A mass in his honor will be held on Friday, August 5th 3 pm, at Our Lady of Loretto in Novato, Ca. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the International Red Cross for Ukraine (icrc.org/en/donate/Ukraine)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Kinane
Rose Mary Day
September 29, 2024
So very sorry to find that my cousin Bill has died. I just listened to him on Jerry Williams podcast. I would also like to send my condolences to the entire family. Maybe a member of the family could contact me here in Chicago. Rose Mary Gillespie Day
312-543-5820 or e mail
[email protected]
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
John A Kuprevich
July 25, 2023
Just learning of Bill´s passing, my sincere condolences to his family. I met and worked with Bill at Guardsmark. That smile of his I shall always remember! He was an incredible colleague and always willing to advise or step in and help! He will be forever remembered! RIP my friend!
Zeljko Arsenijevic
January 13, 2023
Learnig late about Bill's passing.First, condolences to Judy and the family.
Bill left deep impact on our family's destiny, helping to shape our future in the most critical moment. Thank you again !
Fantastic person, always remembered.
Family Arsenijevic
(Vojin, Jelica, Marina and Zeljko)
Idaho Fallls and Sacramento
Bill Armstrong
January 6, 2023
I worked with Bill at Guardsmark. He stayed with my wife and I when he came to Southern CA on business. He was a terrific, caring, intelligent person. We were both Marines and had that connection.
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Stephen Kasloff
August 12, 2022
Bill was the very essence of a Renaissance Man and simply one of the most brilliant and kindest human beings I´ve ever had the privilege to know and work with. I learned from him every time we spoke. I loved his knowledge of the sweep of history, his insight into human nature, his down to earth warmth, and his big hearted sense of humor. The world is poorer for his loss but richer for his life. Deepest sympathies and condolences to Judy and Mike and the entire Kinane family. May his memory be for an eternal blessing. A contribution has been made in his honor and memory to Ukraine relief as suggested. He is irreplaceable and unforgettable. Knowing him was a great blessing.
Stephen Kasloff
Philadelphia
Jonathan Bowman
August 9, 2022
Very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Bill was my Supervisor on the FBI's Russian Organized Crime Squad in San Francisco. He was an exceptional person and leader. He was also a mentor. He had just returned from being Legal Attache (Legat) in Moscow and, as I was a Russian speaker and newer agent, he took me under his wing. It was in no small part due to Bill that I followed him into the Legat program. Bill was just a warm, likeable person. I never heard a single negative comment about Bill. I remember fondly him routinely yelling "Bowman get in here" as I passed by his office door because he needed help figuring out the computer system. He was an old school agent and so computers weren't his forte, but he knew the Bureau like the back of his hand and I learned so much from him. Thank you Bill. God bless you. You will be missed.
Owen Doherty
August 7, 2022
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kinane family. Beautiful obituary. I recall years ago, when Bill & Judy would visit my mother & father in Marin. Fond memories.
God Bless-
Cousin Owen Doherty
Paris, VA
Cynthia Sawyer
August 6, 2022
We just learned this sad news today, August 7th. I am grateful to have known Bill for so many years. Sending you all so much love for so many wonderful memories of Novato years and beyond.
Janet Castle
August 6, 2022
It was such an honor and privilege to know and love Bill. Our coffee conversations will never be the same without him. He was fascinating to learn from and listen to. His send off mass was a beautiful celebration of a life well lived. Hugs to you, Judy, Mike and Winnie.
Tammie Fehn
August 5, 2022
Sending my heartfelt sympathy to Judy and your whole family at this time of unbelievable loss. Everything I know about Bill and how he loved his family and life, only further illuminates this beautiful telling of his journey.
He set a great example and led a rich and joyful life. I hope his celebration brings many happy memories to the forefront and gives you peace and comfort. With love and best wishes from Seattle; take good care.
Dawn and Dell Kronewitter
August 4, 2022
Our deepest condolences to you Judy, Joanne & Family. Thinking of you all & sending love.
Lynnette Watterson
August 3, 2022
I was so sad to hear of Bill´s passing. He was an exceptional person-very intelligent with a great sense of humor. Being his Secretary was a highlight in my Bureau career. Bob joins in sending our love to Judy and "the kids." I´m so sorry that because of circumstances at work, we will not be able to attend the Mass on Friday. Knowing Bill was an absolute privilege for which I am very grateful. He enriched so many lives.
Garry Ridge
August 3, 2022
Our love to the family- from what we read & what Jo has shared there are an abundance of positive lasting memories that will keep Bill´s spirit alive.
Joe Hisquierdo
August 3, 2022
My condolences, Judy and family. Bill was a wonderful
person and an outstanding FBI Agent. I will include him in my nightly Rosary's.
Stan Sewitch
August 2, 2022
I didn't know Ace directly. But I knew him through his daughter Joanne. From what has been written here about him, I can say with great confidence that Joanne's apple resides in contact with the trunk of his wonderful tree. I wished I'd met him, even once. I would have been better for it.
Fran and John McGovern Ireland
August 2, 2022
We were so sad to hear of dear Bill's sudden death. We were looking forward to having him here next week with Judy and family. John was looking forward to their chats on world affairs and books. Bill was a warm gentle man and will be missed.
Go dtuga se suaimhneas do.
Mike Pyszczymuka
August 1, 2022
Entering into the Legat Program with the FBI, I had the privilege of meeting and befriending Bill and Judy. While at the end of my tour in Kyiv, Ukraine, Bill invited me and my wife Christie to Moscow...this was a professional lure and recruitment effort by Bill and Judy and it worked. We enjoyed our visit and were treated to one of the finest personalities in the Bureau. Bill loved his work and always saw the good in all that he touched. He and Judy were superb representatives of the FBI at US Embassy, Moscow and they were respected and loved by the US contingent, by foreign liaison and by Bill's Russian operational contacts throughout the Russian government. Bill was a true made in the USA, quiet, smart, and results oriented.
May you Rest In Peace my friend and mentor....
Willie Reagan
August 1, 2022
I first met Bill when we were in language school together in Monterey. Bill organized a team of agents to play in the base basketball league. The other teams were made up of soldiers in their early 20's. We were all over 30 and the soldiers referred to us as the old men. Thanks to Bill's aggressive play under the boards, we won the league. Bill would always invite the other team to join us for a beer after the game. The soldiers loved him.
Lenore Lamey
August 1, 2022
When I first became a secretary for the FBI, I had the pleasure to work for Bill. He was a wonderful man and I learned a lot from him. I really enjoyed our friendship during the years and how much fun he was to be around. RIP Bill
Marina Troy
August 1, 2022
Dear Judy, thinking of you at this time of tremendous loss for you and your family. Sincere condolences.
Lisa Gentry
August 1, 2022
My condolences, Judy and family. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Bill was a wonderful person and we're so blessed to have had the pleasure to know him.
Virginia Wright
August 1, 2022
Very fond memories from the NYO. Rest in Peace.
Marty Gilvary
July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace Bill, the world truly is a better place for you having been here. Thanks for all your generosity with wisdom, and for your kindness and friendship.
Tim McKinley
July 31, 2022
Goodbye, Bill. It was an honor to work with you.
Jerry Allen
July 31, 2022
My condolences to the family
Mark McMurtry
July 31, 2022
Bill was my SSA as a young agent on SF Russian OC squad. I was lucky to work for him. God bless
Walt Giachini
July 31, 2022
To Bill Kinane: wit, raconteur, Renaissance man. I shall miss our eclectic coffee house talk, and, especially, happily complying to "Here, will you hold Winnie, while I get a cup of coffee?" So long, Bill, "you´ve only slipped away to the next room." Walt
James Treacy
July 31, 2022
Having worked with Bill in SF and later in Legat-Moscow, his passing leaves the world a poorer place. He was a great guy and a wonderful mentor-I enjoyed gabbing with him about our Irish heritage over a beer as much as I did talking US-Russia policy over a cup of coffee at the Embassy. He had a huge impact on my life and career, and I hope Judy and his family take comfort in knowing what a mark he left on so many people during his life.
George Walker
July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace Brother! Many a day spent together in Birmingham England! Hard work, good laughs, and a successful venture. See you at some point hopefully! Walker!
Dick Held
July 31, 2022
Dear Judy and family, You and all of us who knew him have lost a special person. He was one of the most authentic people I have met, a consummate gentleman and professional. RIP Bill, we are grateful for your life and example. Dick Held
Paul Henebry
July 31, 2022
Rest in peace Bill
John and Ruthie Seaman
July 31, 2022
Dear Judy and family,
We both worked with Bill in the FBI. His amazing intellect and wonderful sense of humor made him a privilege to know. May Beautiful memories of your life with such a beautiful person sustain you through this difficult time
Alan Perry
July 31, 2022
Enjoyed the many Guardsmark days with you! May you Rest In Peace!
George and Monika Grotz
July 31, 2022
Dear Judy, so sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. We will always remember his humor and positive outlook on life´s interesting challenges. May your strength endure during this difficult time.
Patrick and Rita Murphy
July 30, 2022
Rest in Peace Bill. It was a pleasure to hve known you.
Pat and Rita Murphy
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