Obituary for William Robert Kania
A very loved brother and uncle, William Robert Kania, age 73, died suddenly at home on August 31, 2020.
He is survived by his sister, Susan K. Heath (J Terry) and her four children John, Bill, Molly and James, and their families including his eight great grand nephews and nieces. His partner, Loretta, predeceased him in 2000.
He was born and raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and lived his adult life in Mamaroneck, New York, while he worked everyday in his favorite place on Earth, New York City, until he retired in Naples, Florida.
He was a proud and passionate Marine and a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran. He received the Purple Heart in recognition of his bravery and the extensive injuries sustained in the Vietnam war; but he never complained about his physical trauma, or let it hold him back from enjoying life on his terms.
And after a long recovery, he came back from the war, finished college, and had a very successful career of many years as an executive with Barclays Bank of London, England and then with Barney’s of New York.
He was known and loved for his gregarious personality, his contagious and outrageous humor, and his ability to story tell and brighten every gathering, evoking delight, laughter and tears with unforgettable riotous stories - a true Irish raconteur. Generous, loyal and loving to his family, he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his sister, Susan K. Heath (J Terry) and her four children John, Bill, Molly and James, and their families including his eight great grand nephews and nieces. His partner, Loretta, predeceased him in 2000.
He was born and raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and lived his adult life in Mamaroneck, New York, while he worked everyday in his favorite place on Earth, New York City, until he retired in Naples, Florida.
He was a proud and passionate Marine and a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran. He received the Purple Heart in recognition of his bravery and the extensive injuries sustained in the Vietnam war; but he never complained about his physical trauma, or let it hold him back from enjoying life on his terms.
And after a long recovery, he came back from the war, finished college, and had a very successful career of many years as an executive with Barclays Bank of London, England and then with Barney’s of New York.
He was known and loved for his gregarious personality, his contagious and outrageous humor, and his ability to story tell and brighten every gathering, evoking delight, laughter and tears with unforgettable riotous stories - a true Irish raconteur. Generous, loyal and loving to his family, he will be greatly missed.
Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
Please send donations in his name to
DAV - Disabled American Veterans
PO Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301