In Memory: William P. Dion, Jr., Age 92

William P. Dion, Jr., a longtime resident of Rye, passed away November 30 after a brief illness. Bill, the son of William P. Dion, Sr. and Agnes Street Dion, was born on March 2, 1928 in Rome, New York. Growing up, he enjoyed his hometown’s typically snowy winters. As a teenager, Bill owned a horse, Lady, which he hitched to a sleigh, giving friends and relatives fun filled rides over the snow covered streets of Rome.

After Mr. Dion graduated high school from St. Aloysius Academy in 1947, the Dion family moved to Rye. He was the proud owner of a Ford Model T, which he drove from Rome to Rye when the family relocated. Bill was a Korean Veteran who served from February 1951 through March 1952. After returning from Korea, he married Betty Gowan of Rye the summer of 1952. The Dions had two young children when they purchased their Rye home in 1959.

Bill earned a Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Iona College while working for Revere Copper and Brass, Inc. as a sales representative. In 1972, he was promoted to Executive Sales Manager of copper and brass building products, and then appointed National Sales Manager of copper and brass rolling mill products in 1975. Mr. Dion remained with Revere through the early 1990’s.

Bill was a Cub Scout leader and served as a Lector at Church of the Resurrection. He was a hands-on Dad and Grandpa, affectionate, playful, and present. Bill’s kind heart, good humor, and engaging personality endeared him to family members, neighbors, friends, and colleagues. And we all could use one of Bill’s goofy jokes now…

Mr. Dion was predeceased by Betty, his wife of 58 years, his sister, Lucille DiGiorgio, his younger brother, Bob, and his nephew, Billy Hagele. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Avery (Edward) of Rye; his son, Mark Dion (Madge) of Mamaroneck; granddaughters Kristen Avery, Bonnie Avery, and Rebecca Frink (Christopher); and five nieces and nephews.

A private service was held at Greenwood Union Cemetery. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Sarah Neuman Center, The New Jewish Home, Mamaroneck, NY.