William 'Billy' Basilone Jr., 708 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, passed away tragically at 12:24 a.m. on Saturday morning (12-31-11) in St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Youngstown, he was 58.

William was born on May 29, 1953 in Farrell, Pa., the son of William Basilone Sr. and Dorothy Brutka Basilone.

A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Hickory High School in 1971. He attended both Edinboro, and Youngstown State Universities. He worked at one time for the former National Malleable Casting Company, Sharon. William was currently the owner and operator of Basilone's in Farrell, a local establishment that he has owned since the 1980's. He was the successor to his father's business which was the popular Hill Top Inn also located at 708 Roemer Blvd.

He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell.

A USGA member, Billy loved the game of golf and was the long time sponsor of Basilone's Golf League. He was generous to many and sponsored countless sports related endeavors throughout the area, too many to name.

Some of his social memberships included; Sons of Italy Shenango Valley Lodge #875, and the Italian -American War Veterans Post 39, both Sharon, the Sportsman's Club, the Italian Home, the First Slovak Workingman's Educational Club, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 55, all of Farrell, Hermitage, and County Maigh-EO, Youngstown. He was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Joseph J. Fitzmartin Council 1446, Greenville. He was a member of Avalon golf and Country Club and he paticularly enjoyed spending time at both Squaw Creek, Vienna Twp., and Avalon Lakes, Howland.

He is survived by his companion Marggie Burger, Farrell, his mother, Dorothy Basilone, Hermitage, his son, Westley William Basilone, Hermitage, his daughter Katlyn Basilone, Ann Arbor MI, his feline Bo Bo, at home, his sisters, Debby Balagna and her husband Jerry, New Castle, Beck Valentine, Sharpsville, Mary Jo DePreta and her husband Mike, Mercer, Beth Basilone and her companion Steve March, Hermitage, and Nanette Lehman and her husband Mike, New Wilmington; He also leaves many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father.

A cause or organization for memorial contributions is currently pending at this time.

Calling hours: 3 to 9 p.m. on Thursday (1-5-12) and from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Friday (1-6-12) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon. A rosary will be recited at 8:45 p.m.

To view his obituary or to post a tribute to his family, visit the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday (1-6-12) in Our Lady of Fatima- St. Ann's Church 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, with Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor as the celebrant. A brief prayer service will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home prior to processing to the church.

Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage.