William "Bill" Joseph McMenamy, Jr.

William “Bill” Joseph McMenamy, Jr. died peacefully November 16, 2023 in the early morning. Bill was born at home in Manhattan, New York City on August 31, 1929, the fifth child of William Joseph and Mary Jane (O’Kane) McMenamy. He was preceded in death by all six of his siblings, Thomas, Marie, Eileen, Margaret, Lily & Michael. He is survived by his wife of more than 71 years, Katherine Antoinette (Henry) McMenamy, his two children Ellen McMenamy & William B. McMenamy (Debbie), his step grandchildren Nita Hurley, Ali Sinden & Reid Sinden, his step great-grandchildren Ellie, Liam & Nita, his sisters-in-law Olga (Michael) and Janet (Thomas) and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews & great-nieces.

Bill attended Our Lady of Good Counsel grade school in Manhattan and Cardinal Hayes Catholic High School in the Bronx. Bill resided in Manhattan until his marriage in 1952 to Katherine, the love of his life.  After their marriage, Bill and Katherine honeymooned at Jacksonville Beach and decided to make their home in Jacksonville, where both of their children were born. They were parishioners of St. Paul’s Catholic Church (Riverside) for a few years and later, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church for almost 30 years. In 1984, they moved to Green Cove Springs and became parishioners of St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Middleburg) for a few years after which they joined Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Green Cove Springs/Fleming Island) where they have been parishioners ever since.

Bill had a long and successful career in the automobile business. He was employed by the Nimnicht family for more than 35 years at Riverside Chevrolet and its successors, Big R Chevrolet and Nimnicht Chevrolet. He retired from Nimnicht Chevrolet in 1993 as General Sales Manager after many years in sales management.

Bill was very active for many years with the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men’s organization whose members are united by the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. He was a Past Grand Knight (CEO) of Father Maher Council in Jacksonville where he earned the honorary title of Sir Knight by achieving Fourth Degree membership status. Bill also served on the committee that founded the Knights of Columbus council in Jacksonville Beach. After retirement, he joined the Sacred Heart Council in Fleming Island. 

After retirement, Bill enjoyed regular rounds of golf and camaraderie with friends. He was a big sports fan and followed and watched them all. Bill also became an active volunteer for Challenge Enterprises of North Florida, Inc., an organization whose mission is to promote possibilities and provide programs for individuals living with disabilities. Bill loved being and working with “the guys” as he called them. He especially enjoyed the Special Olympics trips when he acted as unofficial golf coach. He was blessed to have two of “the guys” (Bob and Mark) as neighbors in the nursing home at Penney Retirement Community.

To say Bill was an animal lover would be an understatement. From his childhood to his move to Penney Retirement Community, his home was always inhabited by furry and/or feathery family members. He always said that he had the ability to communicate with his animal friends and you would believe that if you saw him interact with them.

Bill’s strong Catholic faith was the centerpiece of his life. Everything he did was guided by his faith. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, in-law, grandpa, uncle, and friend. He was an even better example to all he knew as to how to live one’s life.

A funeral Mass in memory and celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 Highway 17 South, Fleming Island, FL 32003. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to: 

Challenge Enterprises of North Florida, Inc. (Donations can be mailed to 3530 Enterprise Way, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 or done online through this link) or 

Community Hospice & Palliative Care (Donations can be mailed to 4689 Hwy 17, Fleming Island, FL 32003 or done online through this link).