It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my dear friend Bill McKechnie. “Willy”, as I called him, and I shared a friendship that spanned more than 40 years.  I treasure that friendship and all the memories that come with it. Bill was a man of loyalty, loyal to his fellow police officers, his country, his God, his family and his friends. 

We shared a passion for golf and I hope that he gets that hole in one on the golf course in heaven. I’ll miss you Willy, rest in peace.

Dennis Ahern

I had the pleasure of working alongside Bill in District 4. We became very good friends and remained in touch over the years. In one of our last conversations, he reminded me that he sees me everyday, I asked him what he meant and he said he has the photo from the first copy of the on the line magazine on his desk. (which he sent me a copy) He will be missed by all. My condolences to his family.

With my deepest sympathy to Bill's wife Diane, his children and his beautiful grandchildren. As I've had the pleasure to meet with them all in June of 2024. Bill and I go back in time to 1964 where we both worked for the Irving Trust Co. at one Wall Street and became friends. I even introduced Bill to his first driving lessons until he became licensed. Later in the year I recall expressing to Bill that I read in the Chief, that the city was looking to test for NYC Transit Police Officers, and we should sign up. You know the rest.                                Rest in peace my friend.
Tony Piazza

Dad, you will be forever missed.  You shaped my life in so many ways, and taught me so many valuable lessons.   I truly appreciate our talks and the countless advice.  You always told me how proud you were of me, which made me feel so special.   I looked up to you and tried to emulate every move you made.  The friendships you formed and the love you shared with your family and friends were truly amazing to watch.  I'm blessed to have had you in my life, and I will live the rest of my days continuing to make you proud.  I love you with all my heart.  RIP.

I would like to send my deepest condolences to Williams family.
I met Bill on the job in the middle 70's, and I thought what nice guy,
and as the years went by, he was everything that I thought and more
a well-spoken gentleman who cared very much for his brother officers. GOD bless him.
   Respectfully,
   George GunzL

To the McKechnie family,
It is with deep sadness that we learned of our friend & colleague
Bill’s passing & we grieve with you his loss. Our heartfelt condolences & thoughts & prayers go out to Diane & the family.
May Bill rest in eternal peace with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
With deepest sympathy,
Kathy & Russ Qualliotine

The McKechnie Family,

With a heavy heart, I remember Mr. Bill McKechnie, a longtime colleague and the Past President of the New York City Transit Police Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. Bill was a true gentleman—steady in character, generous in spirit, and deeply devoted to the men and women he served alongside. His legacy of service and friendship will live on in all who had the honor of knowing him.
Bill served with unwavering dedication, integrity, and compassion. His leadership, guidance, and tireless commitment to his fellow officers will never be forgotten.  I offer my heartfelt sympathy to his family and all who mourn his loss.
May he rest in eternal peace.

Steven Farkas
Inverness FL

Rest in peace Bill..  Thanks for all you did for Transit Police Officers..

Bill and  I go back a long way. Had many a great time with him on Long Island. Bill was my sponsor for the Knights of Columbus in 1974. We remained friends during our time on the Job and afterwards. It was always great seeing him at the reunions. My condolences to his Kids and Wife. He was a great person and truly will be missed. Rest easy my friend.

Sorry for your loss. Bill was a very smart man and great leader for Transit PBA.

My Condolences to Bill McKechnie's Family.. 
He was a Great Guy to Know & talk to & to work under..
He will be Missed...   
Jack Cottone

What can I say about Bill a long time friend, partner at West 4th st in the old dist 4 even though we were miles away now and then just a little note how you doin buddy  it was called a wellness check just to check on how we both were doing. Rest In Peace my friend.

Although rare, there are times in life we meet people who we believe will always be here.  We don’t think about certain people leaving this world, almost like that is not possible.  Bill is one of those people.   I would expect to see him at every reunion.  Diane (and family), Kathy and I are so sad to hear of Bill’s  passing. He was truly larger than life.  We send our love to you, offer our condolences and will pray Bill already has a fine seat among the angels.   I offer a simple Irish prayer.  May Bill have been in heaven well before the devil knew he departed this world.  Rest in peace Bill.  Always Transit!

The Executive Board and members of the NYC Retired Transit Police Officers Association offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to Diane and the McKechnie family. 
It was shocking news to hear about Bill passing away. He was one of the Transit Police legends and will be missed. 
I had the honor of being a TPBA trustee and delegate during Bill’s tenure as President of the TPBA. He led the Transit Police to high acclaim and recognition. May he rest in eternal peace.

I am devastated with the passing of my good friend Bill.

I met Bill over fifty years ago when we worked as cops in District 4.  I liked Bill from the moment I met him.

I couldn't have been more pleased when he was elected President of the PBA.  Bill was perfect as president.  He was dignified, smart, well-spoken, a great negotiator, always handsomely dressed and had the best interests of his membership in mind.

When Bill walked into a room, people would always stop and say "Look, there's Bill McKechnie."  He had that type of persona. 

I always told Bill that he was the best Union President in NYC, which he indeed was.

When Bill moved to Florida, we kept in constant touch with one another by phone or emails that we wrote practically every day.  Our emails covered almost every topic but primarily politics that we mostly agreed upon.

I knew that Bill was ill but, when I heard of his passing, a piece of me died with him. 

I will always treasure my memories of my good friend Bill for he was a special   person in my life.

My heartfelt  condolences go out to Diane,  Bill's children, his  grandchildren and his extended family.
I am left with the belief that Bill is at peace in heaven. 

Nick Raptis

RIP Bill - You were there for me and my partner Janis Wood when we needed all the help we could get. Your unwavering support and your creed of always doing the right thing for our guys helped us survive through an ordeal that few have lived through unscathed. You were always there for us. You were always there for the membership.
As we are all getting older and closer to being judged a final time, I know you will be there again for us saying - He or She is one on mine and I am here to go to bat for them.
My heart and prayers go out to the McKechnie family. From all of us in the extended TP family we thank you for sharing him with us.  He has quite an extended Transit Police family - we will miss always him.

Sorry to hear about Bill, may he Rest in Peace

So sorry to hear of Bills passing.  He was a great guy and will be  missed by all those who knew him. My condolences and prayers go out to his family. May this good man Rest in Eternal Peace with Our Lord and Savior in Heaven. 🙏🙏🙏

NY Transit Police reunion 2023.  Bill you will be missed.

Absolutely, one of the best. Many great memories of his leadership in the Transit Police. Loved by all who knew him. Prayers to his family and friends

Bill will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.  For me in particular Bill was an important member of our Championship  “Fathers” softball team in the late 70’s.  A pleasure to sit & have a beer with & if you needed help in any way Bill was always there for you.  Will miss his political views and his persuasive way to change your opinion.  God Bless you Bill & Rest in Peace. Bob Donnelly.

Our Summer Dad, every summer as kids, a fun sweet Cheeky uckle and man to all he was around, I love you my birthday Taurus Twin ,
Heaven Just got a little more fun.

What a sad loss,Bill lead our union with great strength.His unwavering dedication to improve the lives of every member of our association .He worked tirelessly every day.Everyone of us owe a deep debt of gratitude to him.His quest to elevate the PBA became apparent almost immediately  and continued throughout his presidency .
It was my great honor to work as his executive secretary,working side by side with him on a daily basis.He was one of the most loyal men I have known!
 BILL THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES 
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
MY sincere condolences to his wife Diane his children grandchildren 
 May you be consoled by fond memories of times past
Stan White

My son Jon and I are deeply saddened on your passing please say hi to Larry for us rest in peace brother our reunion will be epic when we all meet again

Bill was a terrific boss to work for. When he appointed me to the board, I was completely caught by surprised. I will never forget his love for the Transit Police. He always was the biggest supporter of the union for our rights to police the subways for the people who road them.
He never backed down from a fight for our rights.
Tank you Bill for what you did for me and the members of the Transit Police during our tenure.
Dominick Conciatori
.

I KNEW BILL, HE WAS A FINE PERSON ALWAYS THERE TO HELP HIS BROTHER OFFICERS
FOR THOSE WHO KNEW HIM HE WILL BE MISSED
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
HERB EICHENHOLZ

OBITUARY

William L McKechnie

May 2, 1944 – November 29, 2025

Aycock Funeral Home Young & Prill Chapel

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