William M. Leitner

William M. Leitner, 96 years old, died on December 25, 2018.  He was affectionately known as “Billy the Whip” for his incredible skill at spinning his partners around on the dance floor.

Bill had a lengthy career with PSE&G as a foreman, retiring in 1984 at the age of sixty-two.  He was very talented and knew how to fix everything.  He had an iron-like handshake, and was always willing to help a friend in need.  Bill’s hearty and infectious laugh was unforgettable, and he had a great sense of humor.  He was also a very kind soul; one of those people who never uttered a bad word about others.

Active with Annunciation RC Church in Wayne, Bill was a founder of the “Prime Timers” club, where he made many dear friends.  He was also a big sports fan, rooting for his hometown NY GIANTS and the JETS.

Bill met his wife Rose while dancing.  He loved dancing and during the 1940’s, Bill went dancing almost every Saturday night.  He met Rose in 1944 while dancing to the Duke Collins Orchestra at the President Palace Ballroom, and she was the best dance partner he had ever had the chance to spin with on the dance floor!  They were married on December 7, 1947 and enjoyed their honeymoon at Niagara Falls.  They moved to Wayne in 1960 and enjoyed sixty-seven years of marriage before Rose’s passing on Christmas Eve of 2014.  She was everything to Bill, and he has missed her terribly in the years since.

Bill is survived by a large and loving family of nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  He was predeceased by his beloved Rose in 2014, and by all of his brothers and sisters.