Webster: March 3, 2014 at age 84. “Bill” or “Poppy Bill”, Formerly of Neptune, New Jersey (for over 50 years), more recently resided in Webster, New York (last 2 years). Bill is survived by his daughter, Emilie (Denis) Monefeldt; son, William Edward (Dawn) Sekel, Jr.; grandchildren, Melissa (Tony Zelinsky) Stanberry, Vanessa (AJ) Cassandra, William Edward (Leigh) Sekel III & Jennifer (Daniel) Pless; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Sekel (age 10), William Edward Sekel IV (age 8), Liliana Cassandra (age 6), Gavin Pless (age 5), Cameron Cassandra (age 5), Ruby Pless (age 2), Olivia Sekel (age 1 1/2) & Michael Cassandra (age 1 1/2); brothers, Robert (Mary) Sekel; Leo Sekel; sister, Ruth Wilson; many dear friends.
He is predeceased by his wife, Ethel Sekel for over 38 years; sister, Dorothy Estenes; brother, Joe Sekel & brother-in-law, Andy Estenes.
Bill is a Veteran of the United States Navy, was Volunteer Fireman for over 60 years, who rose through the ranks to become Chief in 1964 (Shark River Hills Fire Department). He was active in the community as a fire prevention speaker at schools and events and a New Jersey State Fire Department delegate. In his spare time, Bill was an avid baseball fan, fisherman, coin and stamp collector, enjoyed spending time with friends, family and especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed helping to cook and serve New Year’s chowder at he firehouse and spending time at Carmela’s restaurant.
In lieu of a service, the family asks that his friends and family leave a special thought, memory or note to Bill’s family on his memory page at RochesterCremation.com.
Donations may be sent in Bill’s memory to Shark River Hills Fire Company, Station 34-3 (Tax EIN 22-2353819), 200 Brighton Avenue, Shark River Hills, Neptune NJ 07753, Phone (732) 988-9349. A registered 501 (c) (3) organization in honor of Fire Chief William Sekel, Sr.
Rochester Cremation, 4044 W. Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14623, 359-2300, RochesterCremation.com.