Robert Rossi

I WENT TO CARTER ELEMENTARY SCOOL WITH BILLY.  HE WASN'T MUCH OLDER THAN 7TH OR 8TH GRADE WHEN HE PASSED FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS. HE WAS IN MY THOUGHTS RECENTLY(FOR NO APPARENT REASON OTHER THAN FOND MEMORIES). HE WAS ALWAYS A HAPPY GO LUCKY KID IN SCHOOL, IN SPITE OF HIS ENORMOUS STRUGGLES. I NEVER EVEN KNEW HE WAS SICK UNTIL HE PASSED. I CAN ONLY REMEMBER HIM SMILING.

Diane Dinneen

Billy was a great kid.  I remember him fondly from Newman. He was quiet, but, had a constant smile. We knew he was sick and sadly he missed a bit of school. Yet, his illness did not define him. His sweet demeanor and warm genuine laugh and smile did.  Always so glad that I knew Billy, even if it was for too short a time.

Gerry Ginsburg

Billy lived two houses from me on Evelyn Rd. and we grew up as neighbors and friends.  We went to Carter-Avery together, as well as Newman and NHS. His death from cystic fibrosis shocked this tight neighborhood, although we all knew he was very sick. 

One wish his mother, Mary, had was that Billy be remembered.  One way is from his picture in the yearbook.  But even more meaningful, I believe, is that he be remembered by all who knew him.  He was a happy, smiling, bright and thoughtful playmate and friend whom I miss.  Thanks, Rob, for thinking of him.

Ed Merritt

Billy and I were good friends. We went to CCD at the Mary Immaculate church in Newton Upper Falls, with his mom providing the transportation on Tuesday evenings, if I recall. It was so long ago.