William Werle, known as Bill or Billy, age 68, died at his home on June 4, 2019. Bill led an extraordinary life. He was a multi-talented renaissance man. At heart he was a historian. He received a B.A. in history from Marist College in 1974. His love of history led him to pursue many interests. Bill was very knowledgeable about world history. He took a particular interest in WWII history, perhaps spurred by the fact that his father, Henry Werle, was a tank commander under General George S. Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. His historical interests led to his being an avid collector of various forms of popular art through the years. He collected many types of art. From paintings, to photos, classic comics and most of all music. Bill enjoyed his amazing collection of pop culture items from various eras. He enjoyed sharing his love of music with his "music geek" friends- all forms of music, but most of all the blues. He also collected classical, jazz (but "only to the 40s"), and various eras of pop. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of music and the artists that he loved.
In addition to being a historian, Bill's path led him to other pursuits. He worked for many years as a mason and plasterer. He learned the craft working at Vassar College under Alexander Scutti. He later worked doing ornamental plastering at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the Baltimore Culinary Institute and following that, the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. He worked as the Head Pastry Chef at the five-star Jean Louis restaurant at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. under world famous French chef Jean-Louis Palladin. Bill had a curiosity about the world and the things in it, especially pertaining to the past. He was particularly proud of his service in Masonry and his attainment of 32nddegree Mason and High Priest.
He was really handsome, extremely bright, had a wicked sense of humor, and was most of all compassionate and kind. He worked hard all of his life and was passionate about many things. Billy was generous to a fault. He would give you the shirt off his back. If he knew you had a genuine interest in something, or a dream, he would do whatever he could to help you realize that dream.
Bill was predeceased by his father, Henry D. Werle, and his mother, Jean Bauer McCarthy. He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Werle of Poughkeepsie, Sharon Alonzo (Jim) of Malta, and John McCarthy (Lori) of Saratoga. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many loving friends. Billy was a true animal lover who adored his many pets over the years, most recently his much loved cat, Max.
He loved his family immensely, and they loved him. Billy should have lived to be 100, but sadly, he has left us with a Billy-sized hole in our hearts. He will be missed more than he ever could have imagined.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 12, from 10:00-12:00 at Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie followed by a graveside service at Union Cemetery in Hyde Park.