William J. Foley

William Joseph Foley, affectionately known as “FOLS,” passed away on November 22, 2021.  He was 80. Born in Yonkers, New York to Declan Joseph and Margaret O’Brien, Bill attended St. Joseph’s Parochial School and Archbishop Stepinac High School.  He received his BSBA Degree from Duquesne University in 1963.  He was a member of the Scabbard and Blade National Military Honor Society and an original member of the Alpha Delta Gamma Colony (Gamma Phi) National Catholic College Social Fraternity.  Bill was commissioned a second Lieutenant in the United States Army at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in the summer of 1963.  Following graduation from Signal Officer Basic Training, Lt. Foley volunteered for service in Vietnam where he proudly served as the executive officer of the 362nd Signal Company (Tropospheric Scatter Communications).  “Hang Loose with the Deuce.”  He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service, as well as the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.  He later served as Chief, Allied Liaison Division, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.

Following discharge from active duty, Bill joined the General Foods Corporation as Warehouse Foreman at the Clifton, New Jersey Distribution Center.  He was later employed by Westchester County, serving in many supervisory and management positions in the Department of Social Services from 1968 until 1982.  He received a Masters of Public Administration with Distinction from Pace University in 1982.  During a leave of absence from Westchester County from 1982 to 1985, he served the NYSDSS as Regional Director of Systems Implementation and later as Regional Coordinator (Region III).  Following the leave of absence, he returned to DSS as a District Director IIII at the Yonkers District Office. Mr. Foley transferred to Data Processing in 1986 and remained there until his retirement as a Senior Systems Analyst in 1996.

Bill was a member of the Lakers Athletic Club, serving as Vice President in 1972.  He was a proud member of the 1969 softball team that won the Yonkers City Championship in men’s softball. He was and will forever be a Laker.

Bill was larger than life, with a quick wit and a kind word, always.  He is remembered by family and friends as someone who lifted others up.  His name will forever bring cherished memories and smiles to the faces of those who knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda (Gianzero) Foley of White Plains; his daughters Debra (Christopher) Spennicchia of Brookfield, CT; Tara (Kristopher) Eifler of White Plains; and son Declan of White Plains; grandchildren Liam and Keira Spennicchia and Brigid, Fiona and Maeve Eifler; brother Patrick (Kathy) Foley of Columbus, OH. He was predeceased by siblings Declan, Edward and Eileen Foley.

A memorial service will be held at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home on Sunday, November 28, 2021 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.  Interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Yonkers, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of William J. Foley to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Donation Processing, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or at www.michaeljfox.org/donate .