William D. Petty of Water Mill passed away on August 4, at the age of 86, following a courageous battle against Alzheimer's. Bill is descended from Elias Petty, who was the original owner of the Water Mill that is now the Water Mill Museum, back in 1748. Originally from East Hampton, Bill moved to Water Mill when he was 12. Bill joined the Navy after graduating Southampton High School in 1955, which led to him meeting his wife, Muriel, in Norfolk, Virginia when she was visiting her brother, Bill's shipmate. After his service in 1958, Bill and his father started WJ Petty and Son Plumbing and Heating in Water Mill. Bill and Muriel had 3 boys. 

While the boys were growing up, Bill was a member of the Water Mill Community Club where he coached youth baseball and soccer. Bill was a Melvin Jones Award recipient and past President and 50 year member of the Southampton Lions Club. He was a member of the Noyak Golf Club, Southampton American Legion Post 388 and volunteered at the Water Mill Museum. Following retirement, Bill enjoyed gardening, spending time with his grandkids, and even taught himself to build boats. 

Bill is predeceased by his father, William J. Petty; his mother, Bertha Zaluski; and his sister-in-law, Margaret "Peg". He is survived by his wife, Muriel; his brother, Richard; his sister, Deborah Foster (Brian); his three sons, Mike (Christina), David, and Bob (Kelly); his five grandchildren, Tim, Caitlin, Nicole, Nick and Alex. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at O'Connell-Rothwell Funeral Home in Southampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 8th at 10 AM at Our Lady of Poland in Southampton. Interment will follow at Water Mill Cemetery in Water Mill.

In lieu of flowers, donations to either the Water Mill Community Club, the Water Mill Museum, the American Legion Post 388, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital can be made in Bill's name.