Born in New Rochelle on July 9, 1959, Bill moved with his family to Pelham in 1970 from the Eastchester Road/Morris Park Avenue section of the Bronx. He graduated from Pelham High School in 1977.
Bill attended Pace University in Manhattan earning a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and went on to obtain a Masters of Fine Arts degree from New York University.
An eternal optimist, Bill was known for his good looks, bright smile, cheerful personality and keen mind. He was an avid reader who was never found without a book or newspaper in hand.
Theater, food and politics were Bill's lifelong passions to which he devoted his time and efforts distinguishing himself for his inexhaustible energy and incredible talent.
Blessed with a beautiful singing voice and a mastery of set design, Bill was involved in countless theatrical productions including performances at Circle in the Square and other off Broadway companies in addition to numerous venues throughout Westchester.
Bill's has served the Westchester County Republican Party as a District Leader for more than twenty-five years. His political experiences include the campaigns of many former and present state and local elected officials in both Westchester and Manhattan. He was also a very active member of the Log Cabin Republicans for over twenty years.
His love of cooking was reflected in not only the sumptuous meals he prepared in his family's Pelham and, later, New Rochelle homes, but also in the decades of outstanding work in catering and other professional roles in the New York City hospitality industry. Bill was renowned for throwing spectacular parities and elaborate dinners.
Bill spent his final months in Manhattan with his loving partner, David Mandel.
In addition to David, Bill is survived by his mother, Lucy M. Penna of New Rochelle; by his sister, Gina Marie Angiulo of New Rochelle and her husband, Tony; by his brother Bob and his wife, Elise, now living in Wilmington, NC; by his nephews William Carney of Schenectady, Capt. Matthew Carney, stationed at Ft. Drum, and Gianni Angiulo of New Rochelle; and by his niece, Sara Penna, attending Alfred University. He is predeceased by his father Robert M. Penna and brother Christian.
Visiting hours at George T Davis Funeral Home,14 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, will be on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at
St. Catherine of Siena Church, 411 East 68th Street, New York, NY; (212-988-8300) on Monday, February 17, 2014 at 1:00 o'clock PM.
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