William James "Billy O" Ostrander, 74, of Chapin passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Born on November 9, 1949, in the Bronx, NY to Lynden and Virginia Ostrander, he grew up in Old Bridge, NJ where he attended grade school and graduated from Madison Township High School in 1967. The oldest of three boys, Billy was raised in a loving home that was always full of family members. After High School, Billy enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully in Vietnam. In 1976, he married his wife Catherine and remained joyfully wed for 47 years. In 1978, Billy and Cathy bought their first home in Toms River, NJ where they happily raised their children.

Billy worked for Con Edison in Manhattan, NYC as a Senior Field Inspector for over 40 years. He loved working in Manhattan and enjoyed spending time with his family there. He started his second career in maintenance in Brick Township Public Schools where he was adored by kids and fellow co-workers. After moving to Chapin, SC in 2019 he began working in maintenance at Chapin Middle School. In his free time Billy O loved spending time with his family, and most importantly watching his grandkids grow up. He enjoyed sharing a glass of merlot with family and friends. Billy O loved music and would often take over the dance floor with his wife Cathy. He loved to sing and would never pass up a chance to get behind a microphone often performing at parties and family events singing his favorite oldies. His most memorable moments were vacationing with his family at Canoe Island Lodge in Lake George, NY and taking his kids and grandkids to breakfast at his favorite spots.

Billy O is survived by his wife of 47 years Catherine Ostrander; daughter Lisa (Joe) Traphagen; son Joseph (Tara) Ostrander; grandchildren Dylan Traphagen, Lucas Traphagen, Rylee Ostrander, Joseph Ostrander; brothers Michael (Nancy) Ostrander, Philip (Linda) Ostrander; many loving nieces, nephews, brother and sister in laws. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lynden and Virginia Ostrander.

A Mass will be held at noon on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. A visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin, 939 Chapin Rd, Chapin, SC 29036. A eulogy will be at 6:00 pm and military honors at will be conducted at 6:30 pm.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William James "Billy O" Ostrander.