William Dennis "Bill" Livesey
April 22, 1944 - February 23, 2023
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William Dennis "Bill" Livesey
April 22, 1944 - February 23, 2023
Obituary
William Dennis Livesey passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side after a long illness.
Bill, or “Billy” as he was affectionately known, was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1944. He loved reminiscing about the good old days, playing ball in the neighborhood, the Brooklyn Dodgers, his Italian heritage, and cherished times spent with his parents and grandparents. He grew up with and remained close to his loving sisters Mary Weisenreider and Virginia “Ginny” Niebling, as well as his cousins Arthur, Carolyn, and Jimmy.
In 1961, Bill graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, which he considered a highlight of his education. He stayed active in the Alumni Association and attended many class reunions. He graduated from City College with a degree in History in 1966 and soon after served in the Army. While stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he met his wife Deanna at a USO dance. It was love at first sight. They were married in 1969 and recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Together they raised two daughters Debbie Givens and Christina Livesey. He encouraged his children to pursue their education and interests in language, literature, and art. Bill was a proud and devoted Papa to his two grandsons whom he adored. He will also be remembered by his nephews Dennis, Stephen, and David, his niece Samantha, his brother-in-law Richard, and his sister-in-law Linda.
Bill worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 35 years, retiring as a Senior Vice President of Institutional Business. A man of great intellect, he was very dedicated to his work and his colleagues at offices in New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, and Illinois. He had a remarkable career and was proof that with hard work you can achieve anything in life.
Everyone who knew Bill knew that he loved to eat. He spent his free time dining at fine restaurants or cooking at home and watching Julia Child. He was an avid runner and completed marathons in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Bill loved traveling the world with his family and friends to various countries in Europe and Asia. He also took up drawing and extensively read and studied James Joyce, his favorite author.
Bill had a generous nature and compassion for others. In his youth he volunteered for the Head Start program, was a lifelong blood donor, and after retiring was a hospital volunteer and a mentor to entrepreneurs at SCORE San Diego. In keeping with Bill’s giving spirit, his tissues were donated through OneLegacy to benefit others in need.
The past several years were a trying time for Bill but he persevered with grace and dignity. Bill had many angels on earth throughout his illness. His family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who helped him along the way including Dr. Rao, Sonny, Catalina, Robert, Cee Cee, Jannah, Jayson, and Michelle.
In recent months, Bill enjoyed the companionship of Babalu, his ruby red Cavapoo puppy. For Bill, Babalu was his “boo”, his guard dog, and without a doubt “the greatest dog of all time.” Babalu was a great source of joy to Bill and is now a tremendous comfort for his wife Deanna and daughter Christina.
Bill was truly one of a kind. He was loved by many and will be missed beyond measure. A private memorial service will be held in the coming weeks. If you wish to honor Bill’s memory, the family asks that any donations be made to his favorite charities, the ASPCA and Save the Children.
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Save The Children
- Website: https://www.savethechildren.org
4 responses to William Dennis "Bill" Livesey
Mary Weisenreider says:
March 4, 2023
Although so deeply heartbroken by the loss of my beloved brother Bill, we who knew and loved him are so very blessed to have had him in our lives. Bill will continue to live within us in our thoughts and prayers and hearts.
Good job, Bill, on a life well spent. Go with God and enjoy your heavenly reward.
May God watch over and bless your loving family who took such wonderful care of you. May he mend their broken hearts and turn their sorrow into joy.
Your loving sister,
Mary
Christina Livesey says:
April 21, 2023
Dear Dad, I’ve been thinking of you and many happy memories from growing up. I thought of the doll’s house you built for us, how you painstakingly glued on every wooden shingle and painted it with little jars of white and brown paint. I remember one Christmas Eve in Illinois when it snowed so much that it was almost impossible to see outside. Debbie and I were afraid that Santa would miss our house. We watched from the window as you went out in the cold dark night and lit candles in brown paper bags up the walkway so Santa could see us. Every time you’d light a candle, the wind would blow one out behind you and Debbie and I would gasp. And you turned around and dutifully relit the candles again and again, calming our fears. I remember how you used to bring us back gifts from airports of different cities you traveled to for work. And how when you were home every weekend, you’d be in the kitchen early in the morning cooking for us. You worked so hard yet you devoted any free time you had to your family.
I like the picture of you finishing the Marine Corps Marathon which you said had the hardest ending of any marathon. It reminds me of how you never gave up, especially in these last few years which were such an uphill battle. You ran a good race, Dad! Your family is so proud of you and everything you accomplished in your life.
With love always, Christina
Deanna Livesey says:
April 22, 2023
Happy Birthday Dearest Bill,
I thought the words in this poem express my thoughts better than I ever could…
Love you eternally,
Deanna
“I’m Free” by Anne Lindgren Davison
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of day
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch
If my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Deanna Chrissy and Babalu says:
April 22, 2024
Dear Dad,
Wishing you a Happy Heavenly 80th Birthday. We’re taking good care of your puppy Babalu. He’s the sweetest boy. We love you and think of you everyday!
Love, Deanna, Chrissy, and Babalu