Father, Brother, Uncle, and friend to many, Bill passed away surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness.
Bill was predeceased by parents, Raymond and Lorna, sister Barbara (Gary) DiNoto, and niece Dana DiNoto. Survived by sons Dillon and Jack, former spouse Becki, brother John (Aggie) Wallner, niece Tiffany (Jason) Tibbitts, nephew Rob (Tatiana) Wallner, many close cousins, and special friends including Carrie Black, Amy James, and Mark Iafrati.
If honesty and candor are the measures of a man, then Bill was ten feet tall. Never, ever shy to share his opinion or one of his countless personal or professional achievements, Bill found great pleasure in hoping he may motivate someone to get out of their comfort zone and just “go for it”. While his direct style may have been perceived as over-the-top at times – often coming across as infallible – make no mistake, Bill exemplified humility. An unwavering emphasis on family and personal relationships was his North Star and the guiding principle of his life. Above all, his greatest pride and joy were his sons, Dillon and Jack. If you knew Bill, then you understand.
Bill grew up in Rochester, NY, graduated from John Marshall High School, and earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He went on to excel in business as a Global Client Executive — revered by his clients and colleagues alike — making a home in cities across the United States including Dallas Texas, Denver Colorado, and Haddonfield New Jersey. All along the way, he found time to give back through the gift of his time to charitable organizations. Author, Entrepreneur, Rotarian, and Mentor are just a few of Bill’s many other titles and gifts to all of us.
A tireless passion for athletics and physical fitness dominated his free time. Bill took up Olympic-style weightlifting in his late teens and excelled for over forty years. From winning the gold medal in the Empire States Games in Syracuse, New York to winning a bronze medal in the Pan Am games in Toronto, Canada, to making the USA Masters Weightlifting team and competing in the Weightlifting World Championships in Europe, Bill taught us the lesson: Set the bar high.
A Celebration of Life is to be held on Friday, October 21, 2022, from 3-6 PM at Rochester Cremation, 1118 Long Pond Rd (south of Maiden Lane, Greece, NY 14626.
This is truly sad news as I was due for a Bill motivational 1-2 hour conversation you correctly state in this letter. You mention how much he cared for the boys which is also spot on. They were always central to our chats. 16 years ago 3 men killed my son Kyle in a random act of violence and I have to tell you bill acted like it was one of his boys and we grieved as though Kyle was his 3rd son. It was so genuine. Bill lifted my heart and mind. I am much fuller for our times together. I toast you, dear sir and truly hope you make time for me when we meet again.
Sincere regards, Leo Quinn
I am now retired and in the last few years, became a new friend of Bill’s. I will miss him. We each shared a passion for Marketing and Sales. His personal success and his support for anyone like him that pushed the envelope were many. I read his book on handling your money during your life. He originally wrote it to help his sons who he loved dearly.
To me, his best statement: ” You can make more money, change your life style, but you cannot buy more time”. I would add:
Everyday is a Gift called the “:Present”. Take pictures, you are building memories that will last forever.”
You will be remembered forever.
Bill was a much loved member of the Rotary Club of Haddonfield. He was a great friend to many and we loved hearing about his athletic achievements and his pride in his sons. He will not be forgotten.
Denise C Stuart
I am so sorry to hear this unsettling news. Bill was a great man. Always upbeat and positive. Too young to leave us all so soon. I am sorry the boys have lost their beloved father. My condolences to his entire family.
I had the sincere pleasure of working with Bill at EMC. Looking back- each interaction was filled with delight, humor and value. He was a sincere person and solid professional who loved his family and found joy in each day. Really going to miss him. They just don’t make ‘em” like Bill anymore. My thoughts and prayers are with his family; especially, as you get through the upcoming holidays.