It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of  William “Bill” Moerck. A resident of Massapequa, NY for nearly 50 years, he died unexpectedly in E. Northport, NY on September 6, 2024 at the age of 82.

Born on February 9, 1942 in NJ to Fredrick W. Moerck and Anna Rosemarie Moerck (nee Heeg), Bill and his elder brother Richard “Rick” were raised in Brooklyn, NY.

Bill married his sweetheart Carolyn Ann Moerck (nee Jacobs) in 1967; three years later they moved from Brooklyn to Massapequa, where they planted deep roots and raised a family, including three daughters and later, two nephews.  

Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife Carolyn, his beloved parents, and dearest brother Rick.

He is survived by his three loving daughters and nine grandchildren: Linda (Mark) Cisz with Bryan, Kaitlyn, Stephen, and Charlotte. Deborah (Alan) Johnson with Emily and Kiera. Cheryl (Travis) O’Donnell with Silas, Mabel, and Sparrow.

He is also survived by his two nephews whom he took in and raised after tragic circumstances: Christopher (Tracy) Jacobs with Shayna, Christopher, and Lillianna, and John (Theresa) Jacobs with Arianna, Karolyn, and Khloe. 

He is also survived by dear family members including his sister-in-law Joan Moerck (brother Rick’s wife), his dear nieces Dianna and Tracy, and nephew Dan Moerck.

He is also survived by his son-in-law Alan’s sister, Andrea Johnson (Frank) with Lev. Bill stepped into the role of father figure to Andrea in her adult life and surrogate grandparent to Lev.

In 1962, Bill enlisted in the National Guard, served 8 years in the reserves, and was honorably discharged from duty in 1970. After receiving an Associate Degree in Engineering, he started his early career working for Honeywell, then for two educational TV studios, WNYC and WNYE. He proudly accepted an Emmy Award for his work as lead sound engineer for a documentary film (about Israel). In the 30 years following, Bill commuted on the LIRR to 30 Rockefeller Center working as a highly skilled technical engineer for NBC Studios. While employed there he developed a patent for premiering high definition television to the world. Other career highlights: he met many famous actors and musicians performing on SNL, worked on the Late Night with Conan O’Brien Show, and traveled with the NBC camera crew to two Olympic games. He proudly (and very enthusiastically) gave the very best “behind the scenes” private tours of NBC to all of his friends and family. 

Right at the time of retirement, Bill bravely supported his wife Carol through a devastating battle with end-stage Pulmonary Fibrosis. The scars etched on his heart by this unbearable loss remained with him the rest of his life.

With the love and support of his family and the company of friends, the last sixteen years offered him enjoyment and happiness. These years included travel to far destinations including Hawaii, Israel, China, Alaska, the Caribbean, and multiple trips to many European countries. He always returned feeling moved and humbled by his experiences, armed with rich stories of life-changing memories. His most meaningful experience centered on how close he felt to God after leaving a note in the Western Wall in Jerusalem. He felt very deeply that this experience allowed him to directly feel the presence of his beloved wife Carol and his “son” Stephen Richter, as if personally touched by the hand of God. 

Bill moved to Florida after buying his dream home in Palm Beach Gardens in 2019, and loved his life there while remaining completely enamored with home-for-the-holidays family visits. He was never lost for words, unapologetically “sure” of his views, and never shy about having a supply of tears on hand at a moment’s notice. He loved his family, offered support and encourgement, and was deeply proud of his family and their accomplishments. He defied his age by maintaining a very busy schedule of travel, pickleball, golf, bike riding, walking clubs and pursuit of fun. 

The last few years of Bill’s life were truly blessed by the unwavering support and love from his dear girlfriend Joanne. She was his rock, his partner in crime, and helped him navigate every curveball thrown (at the two of them) with not only grace, but with lots of laughter. 

Bill’s body and mind were deeply affected in the last two years by complications from three strokes, but his spirit stayed strong. Admirably, he continued to approach each and every day with positivity and a smile. For those of us mourning his loss, “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” May his memory be a blessing.

See below for visitation and funeral arrangements:

Visitation:

Massapequa Funeral Home-SOUTH CHAPEL

4980 Merrick Rd

Massapequa Park, NY 11762 

516-882-8200 

Tuesday 9/10 From 2-5pm and 7-9pm

A brief prayer service will take place at 8pm on Tuesday

Funeral Mass

St David’s Lutheran Church

20 Clark Boulevard

Massapequa Park, NY 11762

9/11 at 10 am

Cemetery

Cutchogue Cemetery

30535 Main Road

Cutchogue, NY 11935

1pm 

Luncheon to follow at 2pm

On The Docks

177 Meeting House Creek Road

Aquebogue, NY 11931

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of William Moerck can be made to The Stroke Foundation or The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Thank you.