William "Bill" J. Abaray

William James “Bill” Abaray, 74, a lifelong resident of Verona, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, with his beloved wife, Maureen, by his side. Born on May 25, 1951, to the late Michael and Mary (Sehovski) Abaray, Bill was a man of few words but endless action—someone whose quiet presence often spoke louder than any gesture could.

Known in his youth among his football teammates as “Whitey”—a playful nod to the spotless uniforms his mother kept—Bill carried that same care into every part of his life. After the passing of his wife, Kathleen, he devoted himself to raising their sons, David and Sean, drawing on steady support from his siblings, friends, and his employers at Edgewater Steel.

Years later, Bill met Maureen while volunteering at their church Fish Fry. He was the quiet, dependable man in the kitchen who arrived after work, stayed late, and helped wherever he was needed. Their relationship grew slowly and naturally from years of shared service—two people who found comfort in simply showing up for others. Their time together was a gift—an unexpected blessing for them both—and the life they built in those years became a source of deep love, gratitude, and companionship.

Bill expressed love through his actions. He became known for the legendary “Abaray Standard” of snow removal, complete with a corn broom to ensure not a single flake remained. He spent countless hours mowing grass for neighbors, anonymously sending gift cards to families facing hard times, volunteering with the Boy Scouts, offering quiet support to children who were struggling, and delivering wedding soup to his sister-in-law whenever she needed it. Whether he was fixing a home, helping a neighbor, or tending to the needs of his church community, Bill showed up without fanfare. He was an exceptional man and will be deeply missed.

As Bill’s health declined, Maureen supported him with the same steadiness and quiet care that had defined his own life of helping others. She walked beside him with gentleness and respect, honoring his dignity and making sure he was never alone in navigating what lay ahead.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen; his sons, David (Katie) Abaray and Sean (Kim Beech) Abaray; his stepson, Justin (Gurjeet) LaFace; and his grandchildren. One of seven siblings, he is also survived by Michael (Mary) Abaray, Carol Rich, Paula (Rob) Spear, Maureen Abaray, Thomas (Misty) Abaray, and Lawrence (Leslie) Abaray, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He was embraced by the extended McDonough family, who loved him as their own. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and by his first wife, Kathleen.

Though Parkinson’s was a cruel thief, it never touched Bill’s kindness or his heart. He leaves behind a legacy of selfless service and a family who knew they were loved by the way he showed up for them every single day.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 3-7 pm at Burket-Truby Funeral Home, 421 Allegheny Avenue, Oakmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 20, at 10:30 am at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church 387 Maryland Avenue Oakmont.