William Joseph Novotny

William Joseph Novotny of New City, NY passed away on May 20, 2011 at the age of 79. The second son of Catherine and Rudolph Novotny, he was born on July 30, 1931 in Manhattan (Vinegar Hill). Bill married his beloved wife Mary Owens on May 3, 1958 at the Annunciation Church in New York. He was a graduate of the Annunciation Boys School and George Washington High School. Bill served in the 82nd Airborne during the Korean War and proudly joined the New York Police Department in June of 1957. He was an original member of the Rockland County Shields and was always proud to tell you that he had taken part in selecting the name. William was a member of the NYPD Detective Endowment Association, the NYPD Holy Name Society, NYPD Emerald Society, the 82nd Airborne Division Association, the American Legion New City Post, the 10-13 Club, and a member of St. Augustine's Church. After serving for 28 years and retiring as a detective, he was employed by Sanford & Dranoff, ESQ of Pearl River, NY for an additional 18 years before fully retiring on September 11, 2001. Bill was married 53 years on May 3rd. He enjoyed finding his Irish roots and traveling abroad to visit with family. William is survived by his wife Mary and their children: William and Lorraine, Jeanne and Steve Lawler, Michael and Eileen, Daniel and Stacey, Robert, Kevin and Kelli. He was a proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Brendan, Tyler and Cassidy, Clare, Devin and Liam, Brian and Michael, Daniel, Delaney and Teagan, Luke, Sierra and John, as well as eleven nieces and nephews. William was predeceased by two of his beloved sons, Brian on September 11, 2001, and John on February 17, 2006; as well as his brother Rudolph and wife Luanne, and his brother-in-law Bernie and wife Joan. Viewing will be held on Sunday and Monday, May 22 & 23 from 2-4 and 7-9 on both days at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday May 24 at St. Augustine's Church at 10am followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY. Donations can be made to the Brian C. Novotny 9-11 Memorial Scholarship Fund or to the John B. Novotny Memorial Scholarship Fund: 10 Acorn Terrace, New City, NY 10956.