William G. Secen

William G. (Bill) Secen, age 101, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, in Williamsville, New York. Bill was an extraordinary man—not only for the longevity of his life, but for the person he was. He possessed a brilliant mind, one that remained exceptionally sharp until the end of his 101 years.

Bill enlisted in the Navy at age 17 during WWII and was selected for the V-12 Navy College Training Program, a wartime initiative designed to produce commissioned officers for the U.S. Navy. Through this program, Bill received his engineering degree from the University of Virginia. Following his service, he went on to work as a District Engineer for Westinghouse for 48 years, earning many awards along the way. Throughout his distinguished career, Bill was known for his exceptional engineering vision. Notably, he pioneered a groundbreaking project that enabled more efficient and safer mining operations—an innovative breakthrough that laid the structural foundation for how modern underground mines are safely powered today.

Bill’s time in the Navy greatly influenced his life; he faithfully practiced the workout regimens he learned while serving well into his late 90s. He firmly believed in living a healthy lifestyle and shared his love of exercise and sports, especially tennis, with his family by regularly planning family tennis matches. A passionate player, he was a founding member of the Hamburg tennis center, which provided him an outlet for the game throughout the long Buffalo winters. He actively played tennis until he was 96, building an endless circle of friends along the way.

Bill deeply loved his family and was dedicated not only to being a provider, but also to infusing adventure into their lives in big and small ways. He loved the outdoors and would pack up the family every Sunday to go to a local park, where he would cook and serve breakfast on a little camping stove. Twice, he drove his entire family across the country so they could see and visit places they had only ever seen in books—journeying through the amazing Western states, driving through the Rocky Mountains, traveling out to California and the Pacific Ocean, and exploring the desert Southwest, including sights like the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

One of his lifelong dreams came true early in retirement when he purchased his first "dream machine"—a massive motorhome which became a travel home for him and his wife to continue their adventures. They traveled extensively, visiting numerous sites and national parks, including a highly memorable trip to Alaska that offered friends and memories to last a lifetime.

Known for his vibrant spirit, he could dance the Jitterbug like no other, and he and his wife enjoyed dancing together well into their 90s. He also held a deep love for jazz music, fine food, and wine, maintaining an exceptional wine collection built over 60 years which he thoroughly enjoyed sharing with his wife in recent years. When he wasn't dancing or enjoying a good vintage, he was cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and his beloved Buffalo Bills, where he remained a season ticket holder well into his 90s.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Helen; his children, Nancy Secen, Michael (Cindy) Secen, and Linda (Michael) Collette. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Amanda Secen, Elizabeth Secen, Michael (Daisy) Secen, Abigail Secen, and Madelaine Patricia; and one great-grandchild, Molly Secen. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Anna (Rominick) Secen; his sister, Margaret Susich; and his brother, Frank Secen.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, July 1 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Road, East Amherst, NY.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, July 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace RC Church, 10950 Main Street, Clarence, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Bill’s memory to the Cleveland Clinic (Honor and Memorial Giving) or to the Carson Scholars Fund.