William J. Moffatt

In Loving Memory of William "Bill" J. Moffatt

A life lived “like his hair was on fire” was unexpectedly extinguished yesterday, but the spirit of William "Bill" J. Moffatt will forever burn bright in our hearts. Our family joyfully celebrates his 78 incredible years.

Born on January 3, 1946, to the late William H. and Frances (Johansen) Moffatt, Bill was the spirited middle child, sandwiched between his beloved sisters, Marilyn Barone and Betty Buttermark. He leaves behind his adoring wife, Barbara Wonsowicz, and his cherished daughter, Danielle Moffatt Linden, and her husband, Edward Jr. Linden. Bill was a proud grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren—Erica Strohmenger (who is married to Roman Strohmenger), Christian Linden, and Chase Linden—and two extraordinary great-grandchildren, Noah and Selah Strohmenger.

Yet, that formal obituary jargon doesn’t do justice to the vibrant life Bill truly led. He was a man who embraced every moment, living life in the fast lane with exuberance and joy. His lifelong passion for fast cars, motorcycles, and boats wasn’t just a hobby; it was a calling. From the moment he graduated from McKee High School, he hit the ground running, garnering accolades for his mechanical prowess and stunning design concepts at auto and bike shows. His expertise not only placed him on several racing teams but also took him on thrilling adventures across the United States and Europe. The number of Corvettes and Harley Davidsons he owned—and meticulously designed and painted—is simply too many to count.

Among his many adventures, one trip stood out as his ultimate happy place: a motorcycle journey through the open roads of Australia, where he and Barbara exchanged vows amidst breathtaking landscapes.

A true Harley devotee, Bill spent his later years running CYCLE PRO on Richmond Terrace, where he specialized in what he loved most—repairing Harleys. We fondly referred to him as “the Harley whisperer,” for he possessed an unparalleled depth of knowledge about the machines he cherished. Year after year, he was a familiar face at bike week in Daytona and at Sturgis, living for the thrill of the ride.

But don’t let the grease under his nails fool you; Bill was a man of intellect and insight. He was well-read on a multitude of subjects and always offered profound perspectives in conversations. His loyalty to friends and family was unwavering, a testament to the depth of his character.

As we remember him, I can’t help but smile, picturing him in “Bill’s Heaven,” cruising along endless highways on his Harley, the wind in his hair and a mischievous grin lighting up his face. Godspeed and God bless you, Uncle Billy! Until we meet again, please give our love to Nanny and Grandpa. You will be missed more than words can say.

Give hugs to Nanny and Grandpa from all of us until we meet again!

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