William Clifford Yoos, Jr.

William C. Yoos, Jr., affectionately known as both Bill and “Sparky”, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024 at the age of 81 in Middle Island, New York. Born on December 17, 1942 in St. Albans, New York, Bill dedicated his life to his passions of education, community service, and his family.

Bill was raised in Wantagh, New York, graduated from Wantagh High School, and entered the United States Air Force in 1961. A radar technician, Bill was proudest of his time with the 656th Squadron in Saratoga Springs, New York, as well as the year and a half he spent on the mountaintop in Tin City, Alaska, overlooking the Bering Strait at the height of the Cold War. After being honorably discharged, Bill attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, graduating in 1969 with a bachelor's degree, a wife, Patricia, and a four month old daughter.

Bill accepted a teaching position with the Massapequa School District in 1969 and spent 30 years there teaching physics.He received his masters degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He settled with his wife and growing family in Setauket, New York, where he eventually raised two daughters and three sons. 

Bill dedicated his life to serving others. He joined the Setauket Fire Department in 1973 and served them for 26 years, becoming a Lieutenant, Captain, and Commissioner. A former Boy Scout, Bill became active as a leader when his sons joined, eventually becoming a Pack Leader, Scoutmaster, and Commissioner for the Suffolk County Boy Scouts, receiving its highest honors, the Silver Beaver Award, the Paddy Clarkin Award, and was a member of the Order of the Arrow.

After retiring in 1999, Bill moved to Spring Hill, Florida where he was active with Habitat for Humanity, building schools and houses in Haiti. He also was a founding member of People Helping People in Hernando County, Florida, providing food to those in need. He then moved to York, South Carolina, and he and his wife spent their retirement traveling and cruising to 47 countries, as well as exploring most of the United States. 

A man of faith, Bill served his churches wherever he lived: Messiah Evangelical Lutheran in Setauket, New York; Nativity Lutheran in Weeki Wachee, Florida; and Grace Lutheran in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Despite all of his time spent serving others, Bill still had time for fun. He enjoyed his ham radio, camping, fishing, kayaking, and hiking, and was a member of the 3500 Club, climbing all 35 Catskill High Peaks in the Catskill Mountains. He was incredibly proud of his family and enjoyed teasing and irritating them on a regular basis, but with great love.

Bill leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Henshaw) Yoos; his children, Karen (James) VanDerlyn, Kevin (Lisa) Yoos, Brian (Elyssa) Yoos, Scott (Christy) Yoos, and Sarah-Jean (Eric) Frank; and his grandchildren, Kristen, Allison, and Gregory VanDerlyn, Megan and Erin Yoos, Alexa and Jaime Yoos, Madison, Aubrie, and William Yoos, and Zachary, Avery, and Abigail Frank. He also leaves behind his sister, Cynthia (Robert) Terlaga, his siblings-in-law, Richard (Laura) Henshaw and Candace (Scott) Osias, as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friend of 70 years, Herbert Baynon, his “brother from another mother.”

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William C. Yoos, Sr. and Ruth (Lehr) Yoos, and two of his grandchildren, Andrew and Aidan Frank, who were dearly loved.

A celebration of life will be held on November 17, 2024 at the Setauket Fire Department located at 190 Main Street in Setauket, New York from 1-6pm. A memorial service will take place there at 3pm that same day. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joey D. Foundation (joeydfoundation.org) or to Habitat for Humanity.