William Anthony Filomena

It is with heavy hearts and much love that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Filomena of Arlington, Texas, who passed away at home on July 9, 2026, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure, COPD, and kidney failure. He was 92 years old.

Bill was born on July 10, 1933, in Ardsley, New York, to Nick Filomena and Margaret DeFelice.He graduated from Ardsley High School; received his undergraduate degree from Marist College

and his MBA from St. John's University. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War, a service he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.

Some of the best stories begin unexpectedly, and Bill's did too. He met his wife, Jeane, at the wedding of his sister to her brother. They shared nearly 50 years of marriage, falling just three months short of that remarkable milestone.

Bill built a long and successful career with General Foods/Kraft, a career that allowed him to enjoy a well-earned retirement filled with adventure. Retirement, however, was where Bill truly spread his wings. He discovered a passion for cruising that became so much more than a hobby—it became a way of life. Beginning in 2008, he embarked on more than 132 cruises. His love of travel even earned him a mention in a Cruise Experts news article. By the time his travels were complete, Bill had fulfilled a dream few people ever achieve: he had visited every continent on Earth.

Bill loved to read, and as a disaster relief responder with the American Red Cross and FEMA, he gave his time and energy to people facing some of life's hardest moments.

Life surprised Bill once again when, at 88 years old, he found love with Sammie Williams.Together they shared four wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and new adventures.

Bill leaves behind a legacy and will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Sammie Williams; his children, Mary Patricia Chance, Dawn Sawyer, Bill Sean Chandler, Robyn Filomena, Kevin Filomena, and Holly Rooney; his cherished grandchildren, Kimberly Chandler, Kristina Filomena, and Alyssa Filomena; his brother, Louis Filomena, and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick Filomena and Margaret DeFelice, his sisters; Carmela Fornabaio and Alicia Varian, and by his wife, Jeane Varian Filomena.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas. Family and friends are invited to attend, and share their favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Bill's honor to the charity of your choice.