William Arthur Ayrovainen

William Arthur “Bill” Ayrovainen, a native of Brooklyn, NY and longtime resident of the Township of Washington, NJ, died at home on January 25, 2018 at age 90.

Mr. Ayrovainen graduated St. John’s Preparatory School in Brooklyn in 1945, then went on to St. John’s University, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1949. He served as Staff Sergeant in the US Army from 1950 to 1952 as a surveying instructor. Beginning in 1952, he had a dedicated career of 32 years with Marsh & McLennan, where he rose to be a vice-president of the firm.

He is survived by his beloved spouse, Catherine (Katie) Ayrovainen (nee Gilhooley). Married on December 25, 1950 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Brooklyn, NY, the couple had just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on Christmas Day.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five of his six children, Catherine Carnahan (husband Jim) of Parrish, FL; William M. of NYC; Martin M. (Kathleen) of Montclair, NJ; Elizabeth Ayrovainen of Fairfax, VA; and Mary Selman of Chesterbrook, PA. His youngest son, Richard, of Watertown, MA passed away in 2002. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: James, Terrence, and Caitlin Carnahan; Kelly and David Lauder; Alexandra Ii; and Timothy Selman; and four great-grandchildren, Aidan, Liam, Sofia, and Patrick Carnahan. Also surviving Mr. Ayrovainen is his younger brother, Martin J. Ayrovainen (wife Florence) of Saybrook, NY and one niece and numerous nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Agnes Ayrovainen of Massapequa, NY.

Mr. Ayrovainen will be remembered as a humble, well-spoken and conscientious man who enjoyed spending time at home with his dear wife. He and Katie were faithful parishioners of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. He liked reading, especially biographies of political figures and books about military history. He loved music of many genres, and was known for his quick wit, his facility with numbers, and his keen sense of humor.

The funeral mass celebrating his life and faith will be on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11am at OLGC Church in the Township of Washington.

Donations may be made in the name of William A. Ayrovainen to his beloved alma mater, St. John’s University, ℅ The Alumni Scholarship Fund, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439, or to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Office of Mission Advancement, 1725 Brentwood Road, Building #4, Brentwood, NY 11717-5587.