William R. DeCesare joined his dearly beloved wife, Kathleen in heaven on July 11, 2026.  Bill was born January 31,1942 in Lockport. He was the son of Tullio and Dorothy (Sarchia) DeCesare of Lockport. He resided his entire life in the same house on the Italian West End. In 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Newman. In 1967, Bill and Kathy welcomed their only child, Teresa Lynn.

  After getting his accounting certificate from Bryant and Stratton, he followed in his family's footsteps and went to work at Simonds Speciality Steel until it closed in 1984. He would finish his career at the Dale Association as the head of maintenance.  

Bill’s claim to fame was being a guitarist for one of Lockport’s first rock bands in the 1950s, The Royal Shades.  He would tell anyone who listened about his time with the band. He would later use his musical talents playing in a wedding band called The Talk of the Town. He was a member of St. Anthony’s parish until its closure. 

Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman and going to the Southern Tier with his friends, son-in-law and grandson brought him tremendous joy. Anyone who knew Bill, knew he had a deep passion for the New York Giants. A devoted fan from childhood, he made sure all around him were as faithful to the team as he was and it made for many emotional Sunday afternoons.

His grandson Anthony and granddaughter, Madeline Rose brought him immeasurable pride.  He loved fishing with Anthony and sitting through endless dance recitals with Maddie.

He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen (Newman) and his sister Anna Marie. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Lynn (Jim Sipowicz), grandson Anthony (Matalin) Sipowicz, granddaughter, Madeline Rose, brother-in-law, Tim Paul, brother and sister-in-law Roy and Joyce (Newman) Laubacker, a very dear cousin, Joe (Arlene) Cologgi and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Bill passed with family by his side in the care of Niagara Hospice House. Any memorial donations can be made to Niagara Hospice or DeSales Catholic School.  

The family will have a private burial.