Billy was born on August 1, 1952, in Queens, NY to James and Margaret Arraj. He was a graduate of Regis High School (NYC), Princeton University, and the University of Chicago, where he received his PhD in South Asian Languages and Civilizations. A lifelong learner who had a passion for music and the arts, Billy was known for his patience, compassion, and ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He was also an extremely devoted father to his daughter, Collett.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, James, his mother, Margaret, and his brother, James. He is survived by his wife, Collett Davis Cox, and his daughter, Emily Collett Arraj, as well as by his sisters, Margaret and Jane, and his nieces and nephews, Charles, Elizabeth, John, Meghan, and Maura.
