To the family of Bill Lewis-
 Your tributes to and memories of Bill released a flood memories of the wonderful friendship Bill shared with me (Al Roach), Dick Delaney and Bob Cuny  at Rutherford High School 1962-1965.

For moat of those years we were a close knit group of guys.  Like most teenage boys we all went by our last names.  Bill and Delaney had a multiyear dispute -who was better, Mickey Mantle or Duke Snider. Loud, emotional words were spoken over the years on that topic! When we  were sophomores we all went out for the RHS baseball team- Cuny and Delaney made varsity -Bill and I played JV ball (until we were cut our senior year.) Bill and I would walk the 1 1/2 mile home from practice and almost every day we would play "stone soccer", a game we invented.  Standing on opposite sides of a side street we each defended a sewer opening and tried to kick a rock into the other guy's sewer or goal. What fun we had.
I think Bill played shortstop and filled each inning in the field with lots of chatter, much directed at the hitter.
Many Saturday mornings we four would play pickup basketball down at Union Avenue Elementary School outdoor court.  Bill loved to drive to the basket, no matter how many were defending him.  He could also shoot from the outside.  Other days we would play ping pong- I think in Bill's cellar or mine-  both Bill and I often got upset with Delaney for chipping the table by slamming his paddle when he lost a point.
Weekend nights we 4 often spent crusin' Park Avenue, a main street in town, honking at girls and waving to friends.  We never could cruise in Bill's family car - his dad we rather strict. Whoever was riding shotgun back then spent lost of time punching buttons on the radio, trying to avoid commercials and songs we didn't like.
I lost connections with Bill after I joined the Marines after college.  He was a wonderful friend in so many ways and clearly loved by his family.

 So long Bill, thanks for adding so much joy to my life, 
Al

Dear Dad,

Thank you for everything you provided me in life.  You made me the person I am today.  I'm so happy we got to travel the US via Amtrak across country.   It was an amazing experience.  You always woke up the next day (bc we didn't have a sleeper car) and quoted that you felt like you went through a meat grinder.  You taught me everything about baseball, which is like a game of chess and I appreciate every moment we spoke about the Yankees or Gators (You were on point about Billy Donovan in basketball) Thank you so much for always providing.  You worked at at a tire shop when you lost your job but you were always there for your family.  The Jersey Shore was the hangout for your friends and family and we all absolutely loved it.  Mom was the love of your life and we were all so ecstatic when you guys got to celebrate 50 yrs of marriage!!!  You are very fortunate to have lots of grandchildren and I know you loved them very much! Thanks for treating my wife like a daughter as well.
Dad, I hope you're having a catch with Mickey right now.  You'll be missed greatly.

Love you,
R&B

Brian and I were remembering how Bill would include him in many discussions, sports oriented discussions, what to look for in purchasing a new car, finances, etc. Brian also fondly remembered serving as an alter boy at their wedding.  He was a wonderful man who truly added a lot of laughter and knowledge to our lives.  
With our love and deepest condolences, 
Brian and Patty Byrnes

My prayers are with Bill and his family and friends.  

I met Bill in the Knights of Columbus at Holy Name of Jesus.  I remember he drove me to my 3rd Degree Exemplification in Kissimmee.    After I moved back to Florida, in September of 2024, I reconnected with him at Social Seniors on Wednesday morning.  

May perpetual light shine upon Bill and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God.  Amen.  

God bless!

" I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it."Mark Twain
Bill's humor, subtle, double-edge comments on life could be easily missed when he spoke. I sent him a small cross with a prayer card to show support, to lend strength, to help him find rest. I wanted him to know he was in my thoughts. I called him. He thanked me the cross and prayers, he paused, with emphasis said, only one word, appropriate. He repeated the word for emphasis. He wanted me to think about that word. I looked it up- suitable, fitting, proper, apt, relevant. It was befitting to the moment. It was Bill's way of deep engagement into his thoughts. I will miss that with him. Laura Bennitt Wright

OBITUARY

William Joseph Lewis

May 31, 1947 – March 5, 2026

Fountainhead Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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