William Joseph Nohilly, age 79, of Irving, TX and Bolton Landing, NY passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Bill was born March 31, 1943, in the Bronx, NY to Beatrice (Egan) and Martin Joseph Nohilly. William obtained his bachelor's degree from Manhattan College and his master's degree from Union College.
William married Karen Ann Brogan in The Bronx, New York, on December 26, 1964 after having met at age 14. They were happily married for 53 years until her death in 2018. She was his anchor. She was his one true love.
Captain Nohilly proudly served his country as a United States Marine, training in the reserves throughout college and serving active duty in Vietnam from his graduation in 1964 through 1967. His children were spared any stories until after they were 30. After hearing what he did for his company and his country, they are very proud of him as well.
Bill had a 30-year career with IBM as an Engineer retiring as a Vice President. He had an instrumental role in the mainframe computers built in the Hudson Valley during his time with the company and was known as the Father of the 3090. While proud of the machines and legacy he left, he valued most the friendships he built. To all of you in his IBM family, know that you were very special to him.
“Wild Bill” was larger than life. The man grabbed every moment with both hands and wrung the fun out of it. He leads the family by a staggeringly wide margin in ponds jumped, recreational machines destroyed, Park Rangers antagonized, and pranks played. The man simply loved to tell a story at the holiday dinner table, family gathering or, frankly, anytime anyone would listen. The life he led ensured there was plenty of material. He went out of his way, way out of the way, to make sure everyone had a good time. Family was at the cornerstone of Bill’s life. While he was called many things in life, his favorites were Grandpa, Dad, and Uncle Bill. He cherished his time with family which included all his nieces and nephews; always available for a weekend project or a fun family outing. Every niece and nephew has an Uncle Bill Story.
William is survived by his children, Ginny Milich and husband, Lou, of Frisco, Texas, and Marty Nohilly and wife, Kara, of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey; his grandchildren, Karen Cross and her husband Chance, Louie Milich, Chrissy Milich, Andrew Nohilly, and Patrick Nohilly; his sisters, Mary McCormack and husband, Jim, of Fort Montgomery, NY, and Ann Nelson and husband, Wayne, of Carmel, NY; his brother, James Nohilly of New Britain, CT; and his sister-in-law, Patty Nohilly of Hampton, VA. Having known the Brogan family from the age of 14, he was immediate family to them as well where he is survived by Ginny Hill and her husband Chippie, Andrew Brogan and his wife Jane, Rosemary Sullivan and her husband Son, John Brogan and his partner Arlene, and Trish Gannon and her husband Mike. There are way too many nieces and nephews to list here, but know you were special to him.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen (Brogan) Nohilly; his parents, Beatrice and Martin Nohilly; his in-laws, Virginia and Andrew Brogan; and his brother, Brendan Nohilly.
He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. His formal service will be held during his internment at Arlington National Cemetery with his wife Karen (est. 2024). There will be no formal wake, Bill often stated he wouldn’t be caught dead at one of those things. Instead, parties will be held for Bill and Karen in Westchester as well as Bolton Landing in coming months. Details to follow.