William "Big Bill" Schroeder, 96, died peacefully on April 7, Divine Mercy Sunday, surrounded by family. Born in Brooklyn to Harold and Anna Schroeder, he is survived by his sister Mary and looks forward to joining his siblings, Harold, Frank and Margaret in heaven.

Beloved by his wife of 58 years, Veronica (Nee Ahern), who heroically took care of his every need and want- to the end.

He was immensely proud of his four children, Patricia "Red" McCann (Joe), Francis Schroeder (Michele), Susan Buckheit (Joe), and Mary Flanagan (Dan)- though they all became very expensive for a while.

He loved and was equally proud of his 12 grandchildren: Patrick & Molly McCann; Daniel, William & Sara Schroeder; Lindsay (Josh), Melissa & Michael Buckheit; and Katy, Patrick, Molly & Grace Flanagan.

Born and raised in Brooklyn during the depression, he worked his way through school and graduated from St. Francis College. He knew the value of a buck and had a successful career in sales, which allowed him to proudly educate and launch his children into a good life.

He and Veronica travelled around the world, both natural sight seers. They had over 45 years of laughs with their comrades- The Legendary BB&R, (Booze, Broads, & Relaxation)! He was a great coach and natural cut-up with the kids. He was notoriously quick-witted, was a long-ball hitter, worshipped the sun & surf, loved jazz clubs, museums, and arboretums- and was a classic story teller, truly one-of-a-kind. Never big on ego, his notorious license plate read, 'OVERTAXED'.

He was a devout parishioner at St. Agnes Cathedral for 65 years, kept the board in line as a Trustee at Nassau Community College, was proud of his important work at The American Family Association of New York and he was unapologetically Pro-Life, believing that God is the Creator of all human life.