Bill Korwatch was born in the City of Yonkers on January 17, 1947. In 1965, almost immediately following his graduation from Saunders High School Bill joined the Marine Corps. After a few years in the Corps as a Lance Corporal, he was sent to Vietnam serving in the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division known as the “Magnificent Bastards.” In 1967-1968, he was an Infantry combat Marine in Vietnam and saw heavy combat in the thirteen months he served there. He received two battlefield promotions, two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was honorably discharged as a Platoon Staff Sergeant on May 20, 1971.
Bill was appointed to the Yonkers Police Department on December 17, 1971. He was assigned to patrol in the North Command. Bill would later become one of the original officers in a plainclothes Anti-Crime Unit established by the Department. It was during this time that he would earn an associate degree from Westchester Community College in 1977 and a bachelor’s degree from Iona College in 1979.
On November 23, 1979, Bill was appointed a Detective with the Department. After more than 12 years as a Detective, Bill retired from the Yonkers Police Department on January 17, 1992. After he retired, he worked as an investigator for the Westchester County Legal Aid Society.
In 2007, Bill moved with his wife, Christine, to Bremen, Alabama to live on Smith Lake. For the past 16 years Bill and his wife have enjoyed spending time fishing, boating and admiring the lake. He was grateful to be warmly welcomed into his new community of friends and neighbors in Alabama. He was an active member of the VFW, DAV and Military Order of the Purple Heart. Bill passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2022, after a long illness resulting from his time in the military.
Aside from being survived by his wife: Christine, Bill also leaves behind a daughter: Carol, and her husband, Daniel; two grandchildren: Laura and LJ; siblings: Cookie, Andrew, Jeanne, Wendy, and Valerie; mother- in law; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Korwatch will be Monday August 29, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Debbie Williams officiating.
The interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia.
Visitation is Sunday August 28, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home.
Moss Service Funeral Home directing.
