NORWICH – William B. Meinhold, 63, of Norwich, passed away Fri., Dec. 26, 2008 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital, Norwich.
The son of Josephine Brennan Apirawic and step son of Edward Apirawic, Sr., Bill was born in Queens in October of 1945. He grew up in West Islip where he attended the local schools. Following his education, Bill entered the United States Navy to serve his country from August 1963 until his honorable discharge in August 1969. After his discharge Bill lived in California, Florida and Norwich, where he had made his home for the past nine years. Over the years Bill worked as a self employed mason, primarily building swimming pools in the areas where he lived. Bill was known for his great sense of humor, his wild wit, and for being a free spirit.
Bill is survived by his children, Tara and Willliam “Billy” Meinhold of Odessa, Fla.; his sisters and their husbands, Patricia and Robert Schubert of Winnabow, N.C. and Louellen and Wayne Thiel of Norwich; and his brother Edward “Buddy” Apirawic of Mastic Beach. Also surviving is his companion of several years, Kathleen Franklin of Norwich along with several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Annemarie.
Graveside services for Bill will be held at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 7 from Long Island National Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, Norwich.