William "Bill" J. Abaray

William James “Bill” Abaray, 74, a lifelong resident of Verona, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, with his beloved wife, Maureen, by his side. Born on May 25, 1951, to the late Michael and Mary (Sehovski) Abaray, Bill was a man of few words but endless action. Known in his youth among his football teammates as “Whitey,” he carried that same quiet care into every part of his life. After the passing of his first wife, Kathleen, he devoted himself to raising their sons, David and Sean, supported by his siblings, friends, and his employers at Edgewater Steel.

Bill later met Maureen while volunteering at their church Fish Fry. The quiet, dependable man who arrived after work, stayed late, and helped wherever needed, he built a relationship with her that grew slowly from years of shared service. Their time together became a deep source of love, gratitude, and companionship.

He expressed love through his actions. Bill was known for his legendary “Abaray Standard” of snow removal, countless hours mowing grass for neighbors, anonymously sending gift cards to families in need, volunteering with the Boy Scouts, offering quiet support to struggling children, and delivering wedding soup to his sister-in-law. Whether fixing a home, helping a neighbor, or tending to his church community, he showed up without fanfare. As his health declined, Maureen supported him with the same steady, quiet care that had defined his life.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen; his sons, David (Katie) Abaray and Sean (Kim Beech) Abaray; his stepson, Justin (Gurjeet) LaFace; and his grandchildren. One of seven siblings, he is also survived by Michael (Mary) Abaray, Carol Rich, Paula (Rob) Spear, Maureen Abaray, Thomas (Misty) Abaray, and Lawrence (Leslie) Abaray, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He was embraced by the extended McDonough family, who loved him as their own. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his first wife, Kathleen. Though Parkinson’s was a cruel thief, it never touched his kindness or his heart. He leaves behind a legacy of selfless service and a family who knew they were loved by the way he showed up for them every single day.