William J. Antonelli

Antonelli, William Joseph, 93, left this life to enter the gates of heaven on July 20, 2018. Born and raised in New York City, Bill enlisted in the Marines during WW11. He served 3 years active duty in the Asiatic Pacific Area, including 30 days on Iwo Jima before being honorably discharged. He married the “Joy of his life” and became a NYC Firefighter. They moved to Staten Island in 1961 and began Religious Education classes for the Mentally Handicapped, as well as a variety of other volunteer or part-time jobs. He enjoyed doing renovations on his home, as well as carpentry, woodcarving and model train collections. Upon retiring, they moved to Florida in 1978 and were active members of the Italian American Club. As the devout husband of Joy Antonelli, Bill was at her side till 2012 when the angels came and took her home. A piece of him went with her that day. He is the beloved father of 4 children: Susan Messina; Billy Antonelli Jr., whose arms await him in heaven; Deborah Marren and Bob Antonelli. He is also survived by his brother, James Antonelli. Bill was blessed with 7 grandchildren, 6 great- grandchildren, and an ever- increasing number of great-great-grandchildren. We are forever grateful to Dr. Gary Goldstein, for his decades of unsurpassable care and support. Bill was a man of honor, who steadfastly did the right thing; he was fiercely protective of his family and his love was “as big as the whole wide world.” Always, he is our hero. His family will honor his joyful reunion with his wife and son with a small ceremony and Military Honors at Sylvan Abbey on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.