William E. Pudney

William “Bill” Pudney of Old Tappan NJ passed peacefully on March 1 st , 2026 at the hospice home of Villa Marie Claire. He was surrounded by abundant love.

Bill was born October 8 th , 1945 at New Rochelle Hospital, son of the late Lewis and Dorothy Pudney.

He was raised in Larchmont, New York where he attended and graduated class of 1963 from Mamaroneck High School, Mamaroneck NY. In 1985, he went on to receive his Associate Degree in Police Science Administration from the Westchester Community College in Valhalla, NY.

In 1965 Bill enlisted into the US Navy as a Third Class PO. He served his country on the USS Shasta, an ammunition ship stationed in Vietnam. While serving on the Shasta, he was assigned to the Nuclear Weapons Handling team and held a Confidential Security Clearance. His service consisted of 2 years active duty and 1 year of Active Reserves. The ship and crew were awarded the Meritorious Commendation “E” for excellence while stationed in Vietnam. Bill received the following Medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal.

Upon returning home in 1968 he went to work for GM manufacturing assembly in Tarrytown, New York, in the inspection department. During that time, he took numerous professional training courses at: The New York State Corrections Academy, FBI Criminal Investigation School, The Westchester Corrections Training Academy and The Westchester County Police Academy.

1971 Bill began his career in Law Enforcement as a Corrections Officer at the Westchester County Corrections Department, where his mom Dorothy, worked as a C.O. for the women's unit.

In 1975, he met his beloved wife Gloria “Dee” and the two were married in 1994. Together, they move to Old Tappan, NJ where the couple would spend the rest of their days.

Bill retired in 2002 after 32 years of unblemished service with The Westchester County of Corrections. He left with outstanding commendations and awards from Westchester County's administrative offices, including the D. A's office. Bill was a man of great integrity, and was acknowledged by all his awards - from Vietnam to his retirement. Bill was a kind and generous man. He not only gave his time but his service throughout the years to many charitable organizations. Bill started and chaired Toys for Tots at the Westchester County Corrections Department and continued to do so for many years. He was also an animal lover who dedicated his time to volunteering at animal shelters. Bill was quick to participate in fundraiser motorcycle and/or bicycle rides for various charities. He was always eager to a support a cause.

Bill was a member of VFW post 1615 Blauvelt, NY. He also sat on the VA Committee of Old Tappan NJ. and a flag honors him in the park.

Bill was an avid motorcycle rider enjoyed traveling across the US with a special group, “The Parker Gang”!

For the past 50 years his wife Dee surrounded him with a loving, caring family that filled their lives and home with many joyous occasions, with many children, and yes… many ANIMALS.

Bill will be remembered most for his remarkable service to God through the unconditional love he shared with everyone and everything, in addition to his outstanding service to our country in Vietnam and his distinguished work in law enforcement.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Gloria Dee Bracconeri, his sister Jean Pudney Stocking, Aunt Priscilla Robbins and nephew Brian Stocking.

Bill is survived by his niece Diane Sieker, his great nephews William Sieker, Ben Robinson and Gregory Everett. He is also survived by the brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews that Dee and Bill shared over their 50-year love story.

A visitation will be held on Sunday April 19th 1-5pm, with a mass/service at 4:00pm at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home. A Burial on Monday April 20th at St.Anthony's Cemetery with Naval ceremony.