William Edward Auer

William Edward “Bill” Auer, 78, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Born on December 2, 1946, in Queens, New York, Bill was the son of Anthony and Mae Auer. He grew up in a vibrant household alongside his three sisters Dorothy (spouse: Edward Sullivan) Mary (spouse: William Stenger) and Suzanne (spouse: John O’Rourke). The Auer family owned several properties in Rockaway Beach, including a tent colony, bungalows, kiddie park, and Auer’s Frozen Custard stand, where Bill and his sisters worked. His early years in Rockaway laid the foundation for a life filled with energy, humor, and an enduring love for family.

Bill shared 53 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife Janet before her recent passing. Together they built a loving home and raised three children: Mary Ellen (spouse: Dennis Williams) of Rock Hill, SC; Kristen of Virginia Beach, VA; and Billy (spouse: Joseph Rapanotti) of Atlanta, GA. Bill took immense pride in his role as a father and later as a grandfather to Kaitlyn (spouse: Zach Carter), Torie, and Kierstin — all of Rock Hill, SC.

Bill devotedly served 20 years as a police officer with the New York City  Police Department at Midtown South Precinct. Upon retirement, he relocated his family from Long Island, NY, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He attended the Police Academy again in Columbia, SC, and was a Public Safety Officer at Coastal Carolina University. Bill also kept busy with hobbies like woodworking, reading and traveling. With a keen eye for collectibles and antiques, he found joy in shopping and loved the thrill of a deal. He turned all of those passions into a Disney eBay empire that kept him buying and selling for the rest of his life.

Above all else, Bill will be remembered for the joy he brought into every room with his amusing sense of humor and magnetic personality. He had a gift for storytelling—his colorful tales and quick wit made him beloved by many who were fortunate enough to know him. From grilling burgers for neighborhood cookouts to cheering his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, Bill brought smiles wherever he went. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished so deeply and the countless memories shared with friends near and far.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church in Garden City, South Carolina, at a later date. Details regarding the service and a celebration of his and Janet’s lives will be shared with family and friends privately.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

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