William "Bill" Alfred Starkey

William was born on January 3, 1939 to the late Elmer and Grace (Callahan) Starkey in Spring Valley, NY, where he lived with his 8 siblings. He was a self-made man, and as a young boy saw his family struggle with poverty and later vowed his children would never have to. He then learned to grow his own fruit and vegetables for the taking at such a young age, was no stranger to manual labor, and for years to come would tell the story of digging a trench before his middle school graduation, where he took on the honor of valedictorian. He graduated from Spring Valley High School and soon met his future wife, all the while learning mechanics and electrical work merely by reading up on the subject at hand, with the steadfast goal of building his own home. He was drafted into the US Army where he remained posted from 1963-1965, and upon discharge joined the Ramapo Police Department, holding down at least two other jobs besides. As a part time dog warden, he was known to bring home a stray or two and also built a business repairing televisions as he neared his goal for his growing family. He put in 39 years of service as a police officer and prided himself in making rank to lieutenant, but most of all for building rapport with his “guys,” whom he regarded more as family. He thrived as a firearms instructor and took home several gold medals gained at the New York State Police Olympics over the years. And despite his eventual retirement—which he stretched for the benefit of his wife in the event of his passing— he remained a member of the Police Benevolence Association. He was also a member of The American Legion, Kearsing and Edwards Post in Pomona, NY. Bill was an avid Mets fan, a lover of all animals, his family, and jokes. He was mostly known for his kindness, immense humor and humble disposition and credited God Almighty for all his successes and accomplishments.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jeannette Starkey; loving daughters, Teresa Nisbet and her husband Bill, Karen DeSanno, Sandra Gorlachov and her husband Alex, and Billie Starkey; adoring grandchildren, Billy, Chris and his wife Amanda, Ashley, Danielle, Joey, Lexi, Tommy, Danny and Sofia. He is also survived by his cherished great granddaughters, Haylee and Paisley. He is predeceased by brothers—Elmer, John and Eddie—and sisters Elaine, Eileen, Helen, Grace and Dolly.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 2-4pm & 7-9pm at the WANAMAKER&CARLOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 177 Route 59, Suffern, NY. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Thursday, April 15th at The Brick Church in New Hempstead, NY. Cremation Services will be private