On August 2nd 2023, William Edward Kispert, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, companion, and mentor to many, passed away at the age of 84. Born on June 11th, 1939, in Floral Park, New York, to mother, Clara, and father, Frank; they lived in their family home located in Queens Village, where Billy grew up alongside his older brothers, Frances and Michael, and their younger sister, Kathy. While in Queens, he attended and graduated from Martin Van Buren high school. The long summer days were eventually spent out on the North Shore of Long Island, working and visiting his parents when they moved out to Southold, New York.

After having a medical reaction during his infancy, Bill lived out his first number of years at a children’s hospital in Port Jefferson. There he spent many seasons looking out at the water from his bedside window, wondering what the outside world held for him. This experience may have hindered some, but not Bill. He had many experiences early in life which he never let set him back. If ever he was told he would have certain limitations, he used that “diagnosis” as fuel for his fire. Admittedly, there were many dark days in his life as a young adult; however, instead of feeling sorry for himself, he beat every odd with his perseverance and stellar mentality.

Bill lived his life with passion, and it showed in his many and varied interests. He was an award-winning artist, where he focused on 2 and 3D – design, wood burning and carving, as well as sculpture. His 3D pieces, which he collaborated, created, and worked on alongside his best friend, Ted, had a more modern feel, with heavy architectural detail; working with metal, welding materials and fiberglass. Bill’s 2D woodwork was much warmer; depicting nostalgic scenes and/or landscapes with strong folk-art inspiration, thanks to his many trips by land and sea.

Some of his best times were spent on the road in his orange VW pop-top camper, the Magic Pumpkin, or on the water in his 20-foot sailboat, affectionately named Mad Max. However, in the 60s and 70s, he began to settle down, and chose Queens as his forever home. Here he met his first wife, Jeanne. He took so much pride in his garden apartment, where he felt at peace, while he also threw blow-out parties in his heyday.

Bill’s other home was the water. Some of his best adventures later in life were spent alongside his favorite first-mate, Andy. He was most happy on his boat; especially going out for sunset or night sailing. He was an avid skier; having exciting adventures with many different friend groups he made along the way. Bill was also a very talented gardener; designing and completing much of the landscaping on the grounds of his best friends’ beach house out in West Gilgo and estate in Hempstead.

In 1985, Bill met Joanne Huber through their mutual friend, Nancy. Three months later, they married on October 17th, in Westbury Manor. Bill is survived by Joanne, and their daughter, Maria, with whom he resided in Little Neck, NY until his passing. The couple welcomed their miracle-baby into the world on July 29th, 1989. In the 1990s, Bill retired and became “Mister Mom” to Maria; he fed her creative side and took her on many walks in the woods, surrounding marshes, preserves, and for visits to the local environmental center; in turn nurturing her love of animals, nature, conservation, and exploration.

Bill had a passion for reading, learning, exploring, and having new experiences for as long as humanly possible. He didn’t have much, but he had it all; he was always ready and willing to assist anyone who may be in need or in a less fortunate spot than himself. Bill had a genuine heart full of compassion and is a wonderful soul. He had more energy and motivation than most; was witty, creative, and would share his knowledge in any way if it helped encourage or assist others.

Bill has been an inspiration in this life; he will be tremendously and deeply missed, but remembered every day and cherished always by those who love him. River Forever.