We lost contact over our later years , but I will always carry Bill’s ways with me. A beautiful man . Rest in peace Bill.

I’ve known Billy since we were kids at Our Lady of Perpetual Help elementary school but I didn’t really get to know him until I started dating his sister Alice after high school. During our teen years, Billy and his crowd hung out on 116th Street in South Ozone Park about two blocks from where my group regularly met. We all knew each other but didn’t interact that much. I remember seeing Billy at Lenihan’s bar on Atlantic Avenue where he was DJ-ing. He would forever be known as Billy Bee Bop because of his love of music and his talent at spinning records. After I saw Billy talking to some girl one night, I approached him and asked who she was. Billy immediately tried to wave me off saying “Don’t bother with her, her boyfriend is a Marine”. Undeterred, I asked if he was there. Billy was caught in a lie trying to protect his sister from the likes of me. Anyway, I did speak with Alice and we started dating soon thereafter. I think Billy was ultimately happy with that. As my relationship grew with Alice, so did it with Billy and his family. We clearly had more in common than not. He was active in the church, embraced his religion and was a devoted son who loved his family very much. Later in life he became a loving husband and a dedicated father who always tried to do the right thing. Billy loved his children Michael and Nicole and always wanted the best for them. He believed “La familia es todo”, family is everything. He was also a patriot who flew the flag and took great pride in his father’s and his uncle’s service in World War II. Billy was a great guy with a dynamic personality who easily made friends with everyone he met. He had the gift of gab as they say. Billy developed a wide and diverse group of friends, from criminals to Christians. He was friends with the hoodlums scattered around our neighborhood while being very active with the OLPH church group. He embraced all walks of life. There are two things that always and immediately remind me of Billy. The first is Good Friday. He produced the Passion Play at OLPH for several years, working with many of the people that are here today. He brought such enthusiasm to that production. It was presented like no other around. It was simply magnificent and was an event not to be missed. I can still clearly remember the visual effects of lightning and thunder in that church hall, and it always makes me smile. The second thing is the song Rapper’s Delight by the Sugarhill Gang. I was amazed how he could rap every word to that song and I still see him whenever I hear “hip-hop, the hippie”. It was so funny I still laugh. As you can imagine, we spent many holidays together. Billy tried to emulate his Mother’s Christmas Eve cooking of fish and pasta. His Mom’s Christmas Eve was the best meal of the year and Billy always made an effort to match her success. He tried to make other gatherings special too. For some reason, however, Billy believed that getting bread for dinner always meant carb loading. It was a minimum of 6 loaves of Italian bread at any dinner where Billy was asked to get the bread. And every once in a while, he showed up with a cheese wheel that “fell off the truck”. Go big or go home was Billy’s philosophy. As many of you know, Billy liked his cigars. Mark Twain once said “If I cannot smoke cigars in Heaven then I shall not go!” But unlike Mark Twain, I’m betting Billy can convince St. Peter to change his mind. I will sorely miss Billy. We all will. He was a friend and he was family. I will miss his laughter and his love. Until we meet again, rest in peace my brother.

My sincerest condolences...thoughts and prayers to the family at this most difficult time. Always looked forward to seeing "Jersey" at the starter desk! He had such a great smile and was a bright light...very sad to hear...he is truly missed ?

So shocked & sorry to learn the passing of Bill. My husband & I had great respect for Bill & often enjoyed little chats & laughter at PGA Golf Club. Our prayers for his family at this time; such a loss. ❤️

I can not say enough about how much Bill will be missed at the PGA. We always looked forward to catching up with him before going out to play. I called him “Jersey” as he was from Ocean Township & we left Jersey under 3 years ago. Such a great guy!! ???

We are so very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed interacting with Bill at PGA Golf Club and will miss his insights. Prayers to the family during this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.

I worked with Bill as a Starter at the PGA Golf Club. Bill was a true gentleman. I truly enjoyed his wit, sense of humor and upbeat approach to life. He will be sorely missed at the club and, I will miss him tremendously!

Dear family. What a loss you have suffered, and our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I worked with Bill at the PGA Golf Club. He loved working here and was not only good at what he did he made everyone around him better each day he was here. He was always upbeat and wanted to know how he could help in any capacity necessary. He was a true gentleman and enhanced everyone's experience that had the pleasure of coming in contact with Bill that day. His quick smile and belly laugh will be truly missed by us all. We have all been greatly enhanced in our lives by knowing Willaim Huelster and seeing how one man can be so proud of his family and enjoy every day that he was alive. The PGA Family has lost not only an employee but a very enjoyable person. Thanks for allowing us to get to know him so well. my deepest condolences to his family.

Sorry for your loss. Bill was a happy go lucky guy and he loved his life. It was a pleasure to meet him and enjoyed our conversations about our accents. RIP.

So sorry for your loss. Bill always had a smile on his face when he saw us on the golf course! Way too young, prayers for his family ??

Maria we are so sorry to hear the news of Bill’s passing. You guys were such great neighbors and we miss having you next door. Bill was such a good salt of the earth man and we are grateful we knew him even for just a few years. Sending our deepest condolences to you and the kids. With love from New Jersey.

When I reflect on Billy what comes to mind was his impressive use of music to elevate an occasion. And that could be a house party, or DJing at a bar no doubt. But what left an indelible mark in my heart is what happened to the Passion Play after Billy helped bring music to it - listen to Gabriel's Oboe by Ennio Morricone you'll know what I mean. And the arc of a Shelter Island retreat was shaped by Billy's soundtrack, from uplifting music of the day but turned on its head a bit, very much in the spirit of Art Candreva... think of them as love songs from God... to the quiet fall on your knees music of reconciliation in the chapel. I did not consider what a profound gift that was till this week. I laugh and weep thinking of it all now. In the name of love thank you Billy, you big lug, you dear angel. .

The Simonelli family sends our condolences to the entire Huelster family. I loved my talks about Giant football, Mets baseball and Billy's unique take on things. Whether it was coaching little league, at Antonio's or on the beach with a cigar seeing Billy brightened up my day. God Bless Billy and the family keep the many wonderful memories close to you.

I worked with Bill at PGA for the past 2 years. He was a great guy to work with and always had something nice to say about everyone he came in contact with. We shared experiences and laughs. He will be missed and my condolences go out to his family.

Dear Huelster Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Bill for only two years as a starter at PGA. As a new member he made my husband and I feel so welcome. We both enjoyed seeing his friendly smile. We always had a nice conversation with him. He was the kind of guy who made you feel good. I am very saddened and will truly miss his presence ❤️

I was so shocked to hear this news because Billy was always larger than life. He and my husband coached our boys in baseball together for many years. He always had a smile on his face, a funny remark, and just a genuine kindness that made him so likable and fun to be around. I remember how deeply he loved his wife, Maria, and what an amazing son he was to his mother, who he adored. As our boys got older, I’d see Billy working at Antonio’s, where he was right at home. He would always ask about my boys and family, tell me how much his missed the days in the dugout, and tell me about his children, who he was so very proud of. I remember him telling me how excited he was about his move to Florida. He was a good man and he will be so very missed. I know my life is better for having known him. My love and condolences to Maria, Michael, and Nicole. You were his life and brought him so much joy. May God bless you and give you strength.

Dear Huelster Family, We met Bill as he was one of our starters at the PGA Golf Club. We were always greeted with a smile and would look forward to our conversation prior to our round or passing in the clubhouse. We were so sad to hear the news Saturday morning; Bill was kindhearted, welcoming and always showed the utmost professionalism. We are so sorry for your loss, our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Randy & Heather Niquette

The world is a sadder place without Billy in it. Billy was larger than life and I always felt happy and safe around him. He was one of the guys from the neighborhood and I loved him like a brother. I never questioned that he would always be around - no matter where he lived. Billy and I made sure to catch up by ourselves at the - all too many - wakes we attended over the years. We would just pick up where we left off with easy, fun and heartfelt conversation like no time passed between us. And I always knew that if I really needed him he would be there. Now the world feels a little darker. Billy, you will be missed dearly. Rest easy my friend!

I met Bill while he worked at the PGA Golf club. He was the perfect starter as he was friendly and always smiling. We were both NY Giant fans so we had a bond. We were both excited for the upcoming season. When I heard the news on Saturday morning , I felt so sad to lose a fellow Giant fan, and also great employee at the club. I know the Giants will have a great season, as Bill looks down on them this season. Bill I will miss being able to talk to you after every game. My condolences to his family , know that he touched many of us at the PGA . Rest in Peace Bill

Dear Family, Bill was such a happy and engaging Starter here at the PGA. He was always upbeat and a true professional. Bill will be genuinely missed. God Bless Bill…and May our Lord give you all peace & comfort at this difficult time. Respectfully, Anna & Bob Shulha

I offer my deepest condolences to Billy's wife and children. I also offer sympathy to all who knew him, myself included, for we all will deeply feel his absence. I went to OLPH with Billy and we shared a love of music and the NY Mets. We reconnected on Facebook several years ago. Billy was instrumental in connecting so many OLPH alumni. We all enjoyed his daily posts on Facebook. Such a genuine and funny human being. I miss him.

Billy, your sudden departure left us all shocked and heartbroken. Thank God my faith prevails and lets me understand that our dear Lord has bigger and better plans for you now. You will continue to leave a mark on our lives from Heaven in ways that we won't understand but one day will. Thank you for being a treasured friend and leaving us all with so many wonderful memories. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.

I am so sorry for your loss, Maria. My prayers are with you and the family. - Justin & Julia Pane

Love you Bill! You brightened every single day!

I am shocked, saddened and broken hearted. Billy was one of those guys who treated you like you were on the top of his friends list… and like you were the only guy in the room. I was his hero … always. The last time I saw Billy was about a year ago. Joe Annese arranged a meeting with him and Joe’s mom at my house. Billy came over, and said (no less than a half dozen times) man, Phil, you have a beautiful home. He meant it. I spent 20 years in the military, and married a woman with impeccable decorating taste. (I wasn’t allowed to put my military stuff on the walls : D ) But it was clear to him that the obnoxious kid he grew up with, that played silly “F” tricks at parties, who posed for zombie pictorials with, who he partied with until the sun came up in Daytona Beach, who died his hair pink at the punk rock party, who had 4 “Fs” fake-tattooed on his arm, had come to a place where he had a “beautiful home” And yet, we posed for more pictures, hugged again, said “see you soon”, not even thinking that this was the last time we would ever see each other. Billy was larger than life. Billy was loud. Billy was hilarious. Billy was not satisfied until everyone in the room was happy and laughing. He always spoke the truth.. until it made somebody mad… at which time he backed off a little until his words became a funny quip. I miss you brother. I miss the “have a nice day” pictures from the golf course. I will miss the “hey… how u doin” random phone calls.” I regret not spending more time with you after you moved to within an hour’s drive from me. I’m sorry. I truly am. But heaven is a better place right now. I know it. I feel it. Rest east Buddy. You earned it.

I am keeping you all in my prayers. ?Grateful for meeting Billy at St. Gabriel’s and being welcomed into the OLPH Family! He will be missed. RIP ?

I have been praying for Billy and his family, Maria, Alice, and his grown children since I received the call on Saturday night. I first met Billy when I was in first grade, 55 years ago. It is hard to believe that he is gone. I haven't seen or spoken with him for a while, but old friends can never be replaced and so this news was quite a shock. He was always the life of the party. So many good and happy memories vie for attention as I write this. His Ralph Kramden was fabulous, and I was happy to be his Ed Norton. His Howard Cosell imitations while watching Monday night football and ordering a full extra large pie with an Eggplant parmigiana and meatball parmigiana hero all exclusively for the two of us, was the halftime highlight. To order our pizza, I would always call Friends pizza on Liberty Avenue using this goofy voice. I always used the same voice and so when the pizza guy heard my voice he knew that 130-06 Lefferts Blvd was calling. Billy always answered the door and collected the food. One night I stood behind the door and started talking to the delivery guy using my kooky voice. The guy tried to look at me because all football season he only heard my voice. Billy, couldn't hold it and said to the delivery man, "Don't mind him, that is my insane brother! He has to stay in the house!" Schlepping his records for him as he was being a D.J. at, Houlihan's bar with Dick as the bouncer and The Brow behind the bar. Billy offered to pay me for helping him load the car and stay with him all night as he spun his records and get him drinks whenever he wanted them (The both of us drank for free all night) and then at the end of it, I would help him pack up the car, Billy had a lot of records and people loved him as a DJ. One night, I was wearing a certain type of shoe, something like a loafer, he took one look at my shoes and said, "If I am going to pay you, you have to wear better shoes!" Planning retreats, laughing, watching endless Honeymooner reruns and then imitating what we saw, perfecting skits and impersonations, that were just for us, talking sports, enjoying good food, buying clothes on Liberty Avenue, praying together, sharing sad times, getting scared together, enjoying music, (especially U2 and Billy Joel) and movies. Billy loved. He loved his family, John Wayne, Lawrence Taylor, Daryl Strawberry, U2, God, he loved everyone who is reading this. And we loved him. We still love him. It hurts now but better days will come. We will meet again in heaven. Bang! Zoom... Billy went to Thomas Edison high school, I did not. One day he had to go back to the high school for transcripts or something. He invited me to come along. We both went to the main office. One of the Dean's at the school recognized Billy and they got into a conversation. So Billy and the Dean are talking about old times. The Dean says to Billy, "I remember you well." So I looked at the dean and said, "Don't you remember me?" The Dean paused for a split second and said," Yes, sure how have you been?" and he extended his hand to me. We shook hands and I ran with it. I made up stories asking if he remembered them. Some he did, others he didn't. I told the dean of Thomas Edison that I didn't come to school that much, so I am surprised that he remembered me. At this point Billy was laughing out loud. The Dean, looked at Billy and said, "What's so funny?" To which Billy replied, "My shoes are too tight!" The Dean looked at him and said, "You always were a character!" Thank you Billy. God bless you. You made my life better by being in it.

I was so stunned and saddened by Billy's passing. Billy was such a great friend and had a great sense of humor. When I met him at the Cigar shop in Ocean Twp. we became close like we were blood brothers. He was enshrined into our Brotherhood almost immediately. I'm really having a tough time with his passing, but I know he is in a better place. I'll never forget you "Big Bill" aka "Cigar Shop Billy" I will always remember the great times and laughs we shared forever!!! Love you my Brotha!!! R.I.P. ?????????

I remain stunned, shocked and so deeply sad at the thought that Billy, our BDD brother, has passed on. Words can’t express how much Billy meant to his close pals at Bantam Doubleday Dell throughout the years and so many publishing colleagues and customers throughout the industry. Billy was larger than life. Beloved. Huge heart. Quick wit. He made you smile when you were down and belly laugh when we were just sharing a meal together. Billy always, always, had your back. He was a trusted, salt of the earth friend and colleague. Despite the miles and the years you could catch up with Billy and feel like we were back in the trenches together - just like old times. Shared memories. Tall (and true) tales. And always lots of laughs. Billy hailed from Howard Beach and me, from the Bronx (and later Rockaway Beach). We were kindred spirits in many respects. I loved Billy. He was a gentle giant, smart seller, creative custom publisher and valued partner. He was continuously funny. Billy lit up a room like he lit up a fresh cigar: the hilarious jokes, incredible stories and funny pranks just kept flowing when we were together. I am sure many of us have the same memories of Billy. He made you feel happier with every interaction. Billy so loved Maria and the life they made together with their amazing children. His legacy remains in each one of them and all of his family, friends and former colleagues who treasure the wonderful times spent together with the one and only Billy! We are all grieving the loss of a bright light, someone we truly loved working - and being friends - with. Thoughts of this terrible loss remains but so too will our memories of Billy last a lifetime. Gone but never forgotten. Billy, I know the road rose to meet you on your express train to heaven. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Keep them laughing up there as only you can. Maria, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I pray for comfort, courage and peace during this difficult time. JK

My sincere condolences on your tremendous loss. I hope memories of Billy give you comfort. Heaven gained another Angel. Rest in Peace

So sorry for your loss.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.