Obituary of William K. Peteroy Jr.

William Kenneth Peteroy, Jr. peacefully went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 3, 1941, in Staten Island, New York, William—known lovingly as Willie, Dad, and Pop-Pop—spent his entire life in the place he cherished most.

Willie’s life was firmly rooted in his faith from the very beginning. As a young boy, he served faithfully as an altar boy at Blessed Sacrament Church, and in later years, he continued his service to the Lord as a devoted usher. At one time, he discerned a calling to the priesthood, but God, in His greater plan, called him to the sacred vocation of marriage and family. In his beloved wife, Maria (Moschella) Peteroy, he found his life’s partner, and together they shared more than 65 years of faithful, loving marriage grounded in God.

He attended McKee High School and was proud of his time as a Golden Gloves boxer in Brooklyn, carrying that strength and discipline with him throughout his life. Willie began his career on Wall Street at Lehman Brothers before dedicating himself to a life of honest work and service. He also worked part-time as a presser. As a sanitation worker for the City of New York and a proud member of Teamsters Local 831, he worked with dignity and perseverance, ultimately retiring with the honor of Sanitation Worker of the Year.

Willie found joy in the blessings God placed in his life. He loved Broadway shows, musicals, trips to Atlantic City, and time spent in Florida with his family, where he and Maria lived part of the year. Yet his greatest happiness was found in the simple, everyday moments—walking and swimming with his wife, watching classic films from the 1940s, and cheering on the Yankees.

He was a man of connection and presence. Willie never let a day go by without speaking to his brothers and brothers-in-law, sharing stories, laughter, and love. His voice and steady presence were a constant gift to those closest to him.

He often said, “Never say goodbye… say so long, see you next time,” a reflection of his deep faith in God’s promise of eternal life. And true to himself, he would always part with a simple and heartfelt, “Ciao.”

Above all, Willie was a man of God and a man of family. A devoted husband, a proud father of seven, and a loving grandfather, his family was his greatest blessing and his life’s purpose. He raised his children in the faith, leading by example with strength, humility, and unwavering love.

Everyone who knew Willie loved him—and he loved them in return with a full and generous heart. His life was a reflection of faith, kindness, and quiet strength, and his legacy will live on through the family he cherished.

Willie is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; his children, William K. Peteroy III, Michele Peteroy-Randazzo, David Peteroy, Laura Peteroy-Corio, Melissa Peteroy-Okrie, Vincent J. Peteroy  and Patricia Peteroy-Quinn; his 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; his brother, Louis Peteroy; and his sister, Marianne Melfi. He was predeceased by his brothers Frank (“Chicky”), Lawrence, and Ronald, as well as beloved family members who welcomed him into eternal life.

Though his family will miss him deeply, they take comfort in their faith, trusting in the Lord’s promise. Willie now rests in the peace of Christ, embraced by God’s eternal love.