In Memory

Bill Powers

Bill Powers



 
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10/23/21 08:09 AM #5    

Raymond Winus

I remember Bill well.  It always saddens me when one of the Heart family passes.  My heart goes out to His family.


10/23/21 10:02 AM #6    

Frank Vasil

This is so very sad RIP Billy Powers! A real Gentleman and good man. Thank you for your service to our Great Country and protecting and serving the people of Yonkers. I am so lucky to have known Billy Powers!

10/23/21 03:05 PM #7    

John Patrick Torpey

RET DET WILLIAM J. POWERS #645

Appt: August 4, 1972 Ret: January 28, 1993

Bill Powers was born in Yonkers on November 19, 1948. He grew up living at 156 Voss Avenue and attended both Sacred Heart Grade School and their High School. When he graduated from high school in June 1966, he was 17 years old. We were involved in the Viet Nam War at the time and apparently Billy wanted to serve his country. So, in July of 1966, one month after graduation, Bill joined the Army. Bill was sent to Fort Gordon, Ga. for boot camp and advanced infantry training.

He turned 18 in November of 1966 and in January 1967, six months after joining, .........he was in Viet Nam. He was assigned to the First Infantry Division (Big Red 1) Alpha Company,1st Battalion 28th Infantry as a combat rifleman. In late October 1967 he came down with Malaria and spent a month in the hospital. Bill fought in several major battles, earning several citations and finished his year tour as a Sergeant and was sent home in the 3rd week of January of 1968. He missed the big Tet Offensive by three days. That was something he was lucky to have missed.

Some of the awards he received were--The Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Congressman's Medal of Merit, New York State Cross of Gallantry, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Medal. After returning home from Viet Nam he finished the last 18 months of his time at Fort Carson, Colorado.

He was relieved from active duty in July of 1969, and in March of 1970 he was appointed to the Westchester County Parkway Police Department as a police officer. He remained with them until August 4, 1972 when he was appointed to the Yonkers P.D. Bill was assigned to patrol duty in the 4th precinct and worked patrol for eleven years until May of 1983 when he was assigned as a Detective. He remained a detective right up to his retirement on January 28, 1993.

Bill had previously married PO Linda Freddolino Powers and following their retirement they moved to Colorado where he worked as the the Late Tour Police Communications supervisor for the Colorado County Sheriffs Office for many years. In 1983 he was awarded the Exchange Club Police Officer of the Year Award, and in 1991 he was awarded the PBA's John Silinsky Award for the off duty arrest of a suspect during a burglary in progress of a house on Voss Ave. As a detective he and Det. Chris Deering were awarded a Macy Award for solving a long, difficult homicide that occurred in the rear parking lot of 14 Sweetfield Cir. He was also the PBA's Sgt.-At-Arms for 10 years

. Sadly, on Wednesday October 20, 2021 Bill was suddenly stricken while working in his garage and passed away at the age of 71. Rest in Peace old friend.

Personal note: I'm almost lost for words. When I heard this I was shocked. Those of us that are older should be used to this.......but I'm not. Billy was a friend, as is his wife Linda. I worked with Bill throughout the 1970's in the 4th pct, (North Command). What a great guy. And damn good street cop. Add to that a terrific personality and gentleman,...... this really hurts. And, I worked in the 1st precinct in the early 1990's when Linda worked there. I knew them both very well. This was a good man with a big smile who will be missed.

PS: Bill wrote to me on occasion and told of stories from Viet Nam. I'll share them some other time.

George Rutledge


10/23/21 03:08 PM #8    

Barbara Luthin (Mignano)

So very sorry to hear of Billy's passing. Always such a sweet guy. Rest in peace, dear friend.

10/23/21 03:32 PM #9    

Linda Brown (Dyekman)

Bill you were the best of us, always happy, always sharing your smile and always thinking of everyone else. You are a shining light in our memories and have left an indelable make on our Hearts...See you when we are all home again at the big Sacred Heart reunion. It was an honor to know you. Sincere condolences to your family and loved ones. Linda Brown
 


10/23/21 03:48 PM #10    

Emily Kelly (Langan)

I have so many great memories of long summer nights spent with Billy, Tex and Sue...and all the neighborhood kids. We were quite a crew!  After High School, we all went our separate ways but the memories are still fresh!   My sincere condolences to your whole family.  
Rest In Peace, Billy.

 


10/24/21 03:32 PM #11    

Steve Schlegel

We have lost one of the original good guys.  Billy was one of the best and he will be missed.  Steve Schlegel

 


10/24/21 06:58 PM #12    

Tony Alfonso

Bill was one of my closest friends in high school. I have so many great memories from hanging out on Convent Place, Grey Oaks, Jones Beach and the blacktop.

Two special memories!  I was planning to visit a college in upstate New York and had no one to go with.  Bill jumps in and says, "I'll go and I'll drive!"  What a fun road trip, as you can imagine.

Years later when I was working at Roosevelt High School, Bill was assigned to work a detail at the high school.  He walks into the mail office and loudly announces, "Where's my friend Tony?"  The expressions on the secretaries' faces was priceless!

Bill was one of the friendliest and well-respected and supportive members of the class of 1966.  He will truly be missed by many and especially me.  


10/25/21 11:14 AM #13    

Jim McLoughlin

Very sad to hear of Bill's passing. It was great visiting with him at our 50th anniversary and 70th birthday celebrations. Always a nice and friendly guy. His was a life well lived. RIP Bill. 


11/28/21 05:22 PM #14    

William DePouli

I was shocked to learn of Bill's passing.  We lost one of our best from our class and will be sorely missed.  It was a great gift to have him with us.


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