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.
For those of you who knew Dad, we invite to leave a story or antidote if you can. We want to capture his friend’s and family’s thoughts in a book for his great grand children that did not have a chance to spend time with him.
What a great man Bill was. Always a smile on his face whenever you saw him, always a gentleman, always asked how the family was doing, and just an overall down to earth great guy. I first met Bill through the Fire Department and have known him for years. I spent countless mornings having breakfast at Carmella’s when I worked the midnight shift at the Police Department, and Bill would always have a hot cup of coffee and a conversation ready for me.
Rest easy my friend, until we see each other again…..
This memory of Bill always brings me a smiley face.
We met in florida on a warm sunny day and watched his grandchildren water board and just visited and relaxed. Later after everyone was down for the night except for Bill and me, and also after a few drinks later, we decided to do k.p.
Neither of us were familiar with a dishwasher and how much soap to use. We decided how hard could it be and used a goodly amt. Checking it after it started we were shocked to see suds on the cupboard , on the floor, and still coming out the door. We both thought it hilarious and laughed until we cried. I think we both hit the floor as we tried for about 2 hours to clean it up.
We thought no one would know when we finally called it a night. That was until morning , when son Bill came in and tried to use the garbage disposal -that no longer worked.
He gave us both the Marine Look that I’ll never forget and we both lost it again. Thanks for the memory Mr. Sekel. Jan.
We truly lost a great man and the world is a lesser place without Bill but heaven has gained a hero. I met Bill (or what I called him Mr. Sekels) through the fire company. He was one of many “old timers” that not only kept us young guys in line but also made sure we didn’t go hungry on drill or meeting nights. Him and Mr. Brown were book ends, always together for the 3 o’clock conversations and never apart in the kitchen. We all looked up to Bill and admired his strong dedication to not only his brother fireman but his community. It came as no surprise that Bill loved participating with the school children for the annual fire prevention program because Bill loved kids! He always knew how to get a smile out of any baby and always asked about our children. He would often give my Son Five Dollars, telling him to put it in his bank. That’s the kind of man Bill was, always willing to help others never looking for anything in return. I loved sitting around listening to Bill’s stories of the War and the times he grew up in, it made me appreciate what I had even more. With Bill’s passing there aren’t too many of his generation around anymore but I’m truly honored to have met him and I will forever remember this great man. I find happiness in knowing that he is reunited with his Wife and friends. Rest easy brother, you will forever be missed but never forgotten.
For the friends and family of Bill, both present and future. I got to know Sekel from the fire department. I sat around and listened to him and his best friend Mr. Brown tell old navy stories and bicker as they watched the stock market like clockwork every afternoon on tv at the fire house. We used to play jokes on him and change the channel when he wasn’t looking,the rant that always followed was legendary! No matter how old you were, when you heard him tell a story you couldn’t help but feel like a kid in story time. It was effortless for him to hold a rooms attention. He was such a compassionate and caring person he would do anything to help us. After hearing all the war stories he made me realize that there was so much more out there than just the shark river hills fire company. I joined the coast guard soon after. Your grandfather helped shape me into who I am today. And despite all the chicken navy jokes from him I know he was proud and happy for me. We all loved Sekel and we all miss him. Your grandfather was truly one of te best men from the greatest generation.
Bill was our good friend and neighbor for over thirty years.He was first to arrive at our house during our fire in 1983, even lost his glasses in the yard that night. He spent countless hours with us during those first days. He, Norm and Al spent every afternoon on our front porch in the eighties, for some reason always leaving before I got home from work. I think they didn’t want me to know they were gossiping. After Norm died, Bill was always there, even to taking down the Christmas decorations Norm had put up the month before he passed. He saw my family thru good times, and bad, sad and happy, and always could bring a smile to us. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Irene Megill and family
Although I only knew Bill for about 5 years, he was very special to me. I met him through the fire department and could see how much EVERYONE loved and respected him. We were lucky enough to have visited him briefly a few months ago and he had a great smile and hug for us as he proudly wore his fire department jacket. I am so lucky to have met this wonderful man and will miss his smiling face.
One of the most pleasant and friendly persons I have ever met. A lovely and devoted father and grandfather, Although I only met him on a couple of occasions while he was visiting family here in Texas, he was the type of individual you immediately bonded with and instantly liked. I know from his son, my brother-in-law, he was someone to be looked up to. Although we are saddened by his loss, and will miss him greatly, heaven is a better place today with his presence there.
Bill,
I sure hope you have found the brotherhood of FF’s in heaven
and you will be there with our brothers to greet me someday.
RIP Chief Sekel !
Bob Beisang
Past Chief, Caledonia NY
It is with a heavy heart that I write this note about dear Bill. Bill and my dad, Pat Dapolito worked together side by side at Midland Glass in Cliffwood NJ for many years and I remember fondly all the stories my dad came home with each evening after work. When my dad retired, Bill would come over everyday after work and sit and have a beer and a chat with dad, it was the highlight of dads day and if I close my eyes I can see them sitting on the front porch chatting away. My parents moved away and dad and Bill lost touch. When dad passed away my husband Scott came home and told me that my fathers dear friend was the gentlemen he was having breakfast with for years at Carmela’s and neither knew that they had something in common! Lucky for me Bill entered my life after dad’s passing and seeing him made it a little easier for me. He always had a smile for me and a hug. I will miss him and hope that he and dad are looking down on us chatting away and sipping a beer. Rest easy Billy.
Fran & Scott Carlson
Bill, what a pleasant person! I remember his beautiful blue eyes and friendly smile. It was delightful to have him in the Rochester area as extended family. He will be missed but not forgotten.
I also want my bf to be 白手興家, who will actually have the drive to push hisemlf forward if he has so much money in the family? The family can give you the money, but not the brain….what will they do if they can no longer get anything from the family one day? To rich to consider la…沒有人坐安思危的啦
Det ste4mmer att fe5 etniska eneglsme4n e4r aktivt kristna nu ff6r tiden men det betyder inte att det inte finns aktivt kristna i England.Det finns ve4ldigt mycket me4nniskor fre5n Afrika och ve4st-indien som e4r aktivt halleluja kristna i England.De e4r med i pingstkyrkliga samfund.
Man kan ju ockse5 ana vilka det e4r som bor ff6rsamlingen/stadsdelen numera. Ursprungsbefolkningen blir utbtyt mer och mer mot inve4llarna…..
My Friend recently lost her faethr. It’s very hard when a friend looses a parent b/c you may know that person, you may have grown up with them and you may have a lot you want to tell your friend. In my case My friend and I were insuperable growing up. I was at her house, she was at my house and I knew both her parents very well and loved them deeply. Not only is this loss hard for my friend, but i also wanted to show sympathy twards her mom. I decided to order personalized sympathy cards so i could write something personal in each card and give each person in the family one. I was happy to write about all the great things about their dad, husband and son to all the family. I know they really appreciated the sympathy cards. most times all you need is a nice card and a personal message.