William Dilollo

William B. "Billy" DiLollo, 83, of Elizabeth, died peacefully at his residence on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Billy's Life Celebration will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Gray Memorial Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Ave., Cranford, where his funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, followed by interment in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield. Born in Bristol, R.I. in 1929, William moved to New Jersey at the age of three, and his family eventually settled in Cranford. William, affectionately known as "Billy," married Margaret "Peggy" Little of Glasgow, Scotland in 1947, and together they raised their family in Elizabeth. Billy's passion for life was expressed through his great love of music and a spiritual life. He was an accomplished guitarist and singer. An ordinary evening at home would become an evening of musical joy when Billy took out his guitar. It was the untimely loss of his firstborn son, William, that brought him on a spiritual journey that would guide his entire life. Billy searched many faiths for answers to life's mysteries and found the answer in the teachings of Yoga. He applied his heart and soul to the words of the great Yoga masters, especially the instructions of Yogi Vithaldis Parekh. Later, Billy, himself, became a yoga teacher at adult schools in South Orange, Montclair, West Orange, Clark and Union. Billy also maintained a private Ashram for those serious students who desired to move beyond the physical Hatha Yoga. Tragically, Billy was to lose yet another son, Michael, his youngest and it was his deep spiritual strength that sustained him. In 1984, Billy established Armor Roofing, which became a distinguished family business, with Billy becoming renowned for his honest, good will and superior workmanship. Billy became a true friend and advisor who taught many young men his trade. In many cases, he helped those men establish their own thriving businesses. Billy was predeceased by his parents, Marianne and Bertrando Alberto, and by his siblings Maryanne, Emily, Lucius, and Guido, as well as his sons, William M. and Michael S. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Peggy and his loving children, son, David, Son James and his wife Rosanna, daughter, Elizabeth and her husband Joe Percario and by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is further survived by siblings, Frank, John, Albert, Conrad, Rosette Einhorn and Emma Keane. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Ave. New York, N.Y., 10001-5004 or Green Peace, 700 H St., NW, Suite 30, Washington, D.C. 20001.