He was the devoted husband of Annette, loving father of William (Jennifer) and Robert (Cheris), beloved grandfather of Matthew, Michelle, Violet, Christopher, and Graham, and grateful brother of Patricia Bates.
Bill was a professional structural engineer who spent 35 years with the Suffolk County Department of Public Works as Director of Bridges, Structures, and Waterways, and later retired as Vice-President of Dunn Engineering Associates, Westhampton Beach, NY.
He enjoyed a wide range of sports activities as a competitive tennis player, avid skier, dedicated jogger, and improving golfer. He also spent many happy hours boating and fishing on Long Island Sound.
Prior to moving to Mt. Sinai in 2009, he resided with his family in Nesconset for 43 years. His many community activities included YMCA baseball coach, Cub Scout/Webelos leader, and Boy Scout Assistant Troop Leader.
He is remembered fondly for his courageous 19-year battle with multiple myeloma, but remembered mostly for his easy going personality — quick to laugh and equally quick to help others when needed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
Reposing at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY. A visitation for William will be held Friday, September 17, 2021 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Funeral mass on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St Louis de Montfort RC Church, 75 New York Ave, Sound Beach, New York 11789. Cremation Private.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavisportjefferson.com for the Lifford family.