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Tribute: Former Cliffside Park Fire Chief William 'Billy Pie' Killinger, 62

One of the best. One of the nicest. One of the most selfless.

William P. Killinger

William P. Killinger

Photo Credit: Joseph Cinque

That's how community members are remembering William P. Killinger, a longtime member and former chief of the Cliffside Park Volunteer Fire Department.

Affectionately known as "Billy Pie," Killinger died on Jan. 26, at 62 years old.

"Sometimes in your life you meet someone who doesn't ask anything from you but your friendship," borough volunteer firefighter Joseph Cinque wrote on Facebook. "Billy Killinger was one of those people who gave far more than he asked in return. 

"I consider myself lucky that he called me his friend and feel blessed to have had him in my life."

Killinger was a 37-year CPVFD member and served as chief from 1988 to 1992. He was the president of the department and local firemen's relief association at the time of his death. 

He was also a life member of the New Jersey Firemen's Association, Cliffside Park Firemen's Exempt Association, and former president of the East Bergen Firemen Mutual Aid Association. 

"It won’t be the same without him," firefighter Joseph Koonce, Sr. said.

Killinger was preceded in death by his parents, William Killinger and Josephine (nee Garbo); and sister Priscilla Saukas.

He is survived by his son William "Will" Killinger; siblings Charles, Donna & Peter Killinger; along with many loving cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Jan. 30 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the McCorry Brothers Funeral Home on Anderson Avenue. A fire department and mutual aid walk will follow a 6:30 p.m. service. A funeral service will be held Jan. 31 at 9 a.m., with a committal prayer at Madonna Mausoleum in Fort Lee.

"In his quiet civil way," added Glenn Marvel, "he made a difference in the lives of many."

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