Public Employee Press

Memories are saved for late TDM’s kids

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

William Seitz loved everything about nature from tadpoles in a pond to the stars in the wide expanses of outer space. He cherished his family — his wife, Michelle, and daughters Sydney, 11, and Jessica, 7.

“You can’t spend your life worrying about what you can’t control,” Michelle recalls Willie saying. He lived by this rule and worked as Traffic Device Maintainer for the last two years of his life.

Seitz’s fledgling career in public service ended Dec. 8 at age 41, when he lost his 10-year battle with a rare form of cancer, metastatic leiomyosarcoma.

At his funeral, Michelle had one request, speaking on behalf of their young daughters: “Tell me about my father. Please send me a note telling me something about my father. A favorite story, what you remember most about him, maybe even a picture. My mom will save these for me and share them with me when the time is right.”

Local 1455 President Mike DeMarco met Seitz in 2003 at an orientation for new TDMs. Here’s his story:

“Billie was an exceptionally strong guy who went for his chemo treatment Monday and was back to work Tuesday. He did all he could for his family and especially his children.

“In June 2004, we talked about vacations. Billie was trying to save time to take his family on their annual trip to Lake George and coincidentally, I was going to be there at the same time for my parents’ 50th anniversary.

“Both of us had spent our childhood summers at the lake. We talked about different places to stay, the Seven Flags theme park and places to eat. Then Billie told me about the best ice cream place in Lake George, Martha’s Dandee Cream and Motel. He loved the many times his family shared in the Adirondacks.

“I have three children who are close in age to his daughters Sydney and Jessica. That summer our entire family, all 15 of us, went for ice cream at the place Billie recommended — and it was the best ice cream in Lake George. Our family has fond memories of that summer, thanks in part to Billie Seitz,” said DeMarco.

As president of his local, DeMarco convinced the Dept. of Transportation to waive the two-year minimum employment requirement and let Seitz’s co-workers donate sick time. Collectively the men and women of Local 1455 gave more than 1,200 hours to help Seitz. Despite his worsening condition, the paid leave kept his paycheck coming in until his death.

“Although it was around the holidays, the members felt Bill’s situation warranted the sacrifice,” DeMarco said.

A gentle soul, Seitz shared his home with three rabbits, three hamsters, fish and tadpoles. He delighted in his daughters’ giggles as they learned about nature and life from the animals. After 9/11 he decorated the Richmond Hill house with red, white and blue Christmas lights.

“My husband was a very special person, never lazy, always gentle and always did his best for us. We will miss him greatly,” said Michelle Seitz.