William B. Callas

William (Bill) B. Callas, of Baiting Hollow, passed away peacefully at home on June 18th, surrounded by his loving family, following complications from prostate cancer with metastasis. He was 82 years old.

A lifelong New Yorker, Bill was born in Manhattan and spent his childhood in The Bronx and later in Queens. From 1961 to 1965, he proudly served in the United States Navy. Though he did not see active combat, the destroyer he served on—the USS Strong—stood as part of the Navy’s line of defense during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962.

After completing his military service, Bill embarked on a 31-year career at Con Edison. It was there he met the love of his life, Patricia, whom he married in October 1965. Together, they made their home in Lake Ronkonkoma, where they raised their three children: William (Lorraine), Deborah (Dennis), and Melissa (Raymond). Pat passed away in 2023, just shy of their 58th wedding anniversary.

Bill was a man of deep faith and service. He was a founding trustee of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Lake Ronkonkoma, where he also served as an usher, an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and a dedicated volunteer at the parish food pantry.

Devoted to his family, Bill was a hands-on father who actively participated in his children’s lives—from Little League to dance and cheerleading—always present and supportive. He also served as an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 272.

A passionate sports fan, Bill was a lifelong follower of the New York Yankees. He built an impressive collection of autographed baseballs and treasured trips to “The Stadium,” sharing his love of the game with Pat, their children, and later their grandchildren: Dennis, Patrick, Kathleen, Meghan, and John. He also cheered enthusiastically for the New York Giants, especially when they triumphed over the Washington Redskins.

After retiring from Con Edison in 1997, Bill and Pat embraced their roles as full-time grandparents. They never missed a chance to babysit, attend a recital, graduation, football game, rugby match, or dance performance. Their boundless love and presence shaped the lives of their grandchildren in countless ways.

Bill and Pat also shared a love for travel. Together, they explored the world—cruising through the Caribbean, visiting Alaska and Hawaii, and journeying to Italy and Ireland. Many joyful summers were also spent with family in Ocean City, Maryland, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Bill will be remembered for his faith, loyalty, gentle humor, and unwavering love for his family. He lived a life marked by service, integrity, and devotion—a legacy that lives on in all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 23, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, at Alexander-Rothwell Funeral Home. located at 6447 Route 25A, Wading River, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, June 24, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Wading River, NY. Interment with Navy Honors will follow at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY.