William Thomas Vericker of Riverdale, known to his family and friends as Billy, died peacefully at his home at the age of sixty-nine on May 14, 2020. He is survived by his husband, Kevin Coogan, his three sons, Michael, David, and Matthew, four brothers, Kevin, Daniel, Stephen, and Chris and his in-laws, Nada Vericker, Cato Soto, Kathleen and Brian Connolly and Vincent and Patricia Coogan. His parents, brother Thomas and children Dennis and Susan predeceased Billy. He is also survived by his nieces.
Billy was born to his parents Bill and Frances on August 22, 1950 in Sunnyside, Queens. When he was a teenager, the family moved to New Milford, NJ. He also lived in Hillsdale, NJ before moving back to NYC. He met Kevin in 1999 and together they moved to Riverdale. He attended Fordham University on an academic scholarship and received his Doctorate from Teachers’ College, Columbia University. He taught elementary school, helped mentor and prepare prospective firefighters, and even waited tables before, later in life becoming a college professor, first at Manhattan College and then at Monroe College’s King Graduate School where he taught Criminal Justice. He took great pride in his work with students.
When the effects of the pandemic lessen and things start to open up, we will have a memorial service and celebration of Billy’s life. Donations can be made in his name to God’s Love We Deliver, one of his favorite charities