William John Ronca

William John Ronca, 81, of Chapin, South Carolina, formerly a longtime resident of Stony Brook, New York, passed away on March 8, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Eileen (Hastings) Ronca and a devoted father, Poppy, brother, uncle, and friend whose warm presence will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 1, 1944, to the late William and Mary (Kealy) Ronca, Bill remained forever proud of his roots and his early days as an original Brooklyn Dodgers fan. His lifelong passion for New York sports was matched only by his unwavering devotion to Eileen, his wife of 56 years. Together they raised four children and created a joyful home filled with laughter, family gatherings, and countless cherished memories.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1965 to 1967, Bill was a longtime member of the C.W.A. union. He had a special gift for bringing joy to those around him, always ready with a joke and often found at the center of laughter and smiles. His humor, warmth, and easygoing nature made him a treasured presence in the lives of family and friends alike.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Michael Ronca and Devyn of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Karen Rideout and David of Breinigsville, Pennsylvania; Christopher Ronca and Jennifer of Manorville, New York; and William Ronca and Meaghan of Chapin, South Carolina. His greatest joy was being “Poppy” to his ten grandchildren: Kailyn and Alyssa Rideout; Emily, Brooke, Owen, and Nora Ronca; and Giulianna, William, Isabel, and Madison Ronca. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Piacentini and his brother Frederick Ronca.