William George Gonyea

William “Billy” Gonyea, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on April 15, 1948, in Suffern, New York, to his parents, Margaret Hanna and Adrien Gonyea.

On July 3, 1970, Billy married the love of his life, Maryellen Keesler. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared 56 years of marriage. Their union was blessed with three amazing children: Donna Anne and her partner, Vincent Chindemi; Carrie Lena and her husband, John E. Gunnello, who predeceased Billy in July 2023; and William Keesler and his wife, Kerry Mood Gonyea. Billy was also the proud grandfather of John William Gunnello, Alexa Ryan Gonyea, and Lucas William Gonyea, who brought him tremendous joy and pride.

Billy was a hardworking carpenter, beginning his career with Local 964 before becoming a private contractor. Of all the jobs he held throughout his career, one of his favorites was working for his son-in-law Johnny at his sanitation company in Newark, NJ where he served as a hand collector for the company’s local customers.

Billy truly enjoyed meeting people and getting to know the owners of the bodegas, liquor stores, and small businesses throughout Newark. He had a gift for conversation and loved sharing his stories. The shop owners came to know and appreciate Billy, not only for his hard work but also for his willingness to help whenever they needed an extra pickup or were looking for a new contract. His kindness, humor, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Billy will be remembered most for his love of family, his strong work ethic, his stories, and the many friendships he made throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

The family of William “Billy” Gonyea will receive friends and family on Monday, August 17, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Michael Higgins Funeral Home in Stony Point, New York.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 18, at St. Peter’s and St. Mary’s Church in Haverstraw, New York, followed by burial at Mount Rest Cemetery in Stony Point, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Billy’s memory to the American Kidney Fund at Give.KidneyFund.org.

May Billy rest peacefully, surrounded forever by the love of the family he cherished so deeply.