Steve Kiely
I learned so much from my neighbor Bill. He taught me many practical and innovative things about being a homeowner. If I didn't have a tool, I could borrow it from Bill. he had it. He kept his yard pristine, doing most of the work himself well into his 90s. A highlight was when we went to the Pratt & Whitney museum years ago. It was like having my own personal tour guide, Bill pointed out a particular part that had to be re-engineered on the Wasp engine. He had an amazing 'green thumb' - when my garden would have a few green tomatoes his were already red and plentiful! He designed and was the primary builder of my garage back in the 50s. When in his 80s he installed most of the plumbing for his new 2nd floor bathroom. I loved his 1971 Chevy C-10 pickup truck, that about a year ago he still drove around the block - with it's manual transmission, with his caretaker. He influenced me to get a wood stove like he had. A very practical choice, and a 'hobby' that I now love. Up until a couple years ago he'd be splitting his own wood, most of it manually. Other neighbors were amazed by Bill as well, and commented that he probably made it so far by being so active, an inspiration to us all. Bill was amazing, and will be very much missed. My condolences to his family and other friends.