William 'Bill' Aquino, Jr., 64, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Niagara Hospice House. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late William and Joan (Piotrowski) Aquino; and beloved husband of Beth (Clause) Aquino, who he married on February 19, 1977 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church.

Bill was raised in Niagara Falls and attended local schools. He served a short term in the United States Navy where he gained an abundance of knowledge and experience with electronics. He received his Associate's degree in Electronics Technology and was currently employed by TX RX Systems, Inc. in Angola, NY for the past 27 years.

Bill had a love for astronomy and was a member of the Buffalo Astronomical Association, serving as their Observatory Director for many years. His work, highlighted by being one of the first astronomers to capture the afterglow of the Gamma Ray Burst, as well as several other pieces, was featured in numerous publications and included in a self-published calendar annually.

Bill enjoyed tending to his garden and working around the home. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family who will miss him dearly. He also loved taking their late beloved Mia (Pittie) for her late night walks.

In addition to his wife of 46 years, Bill is survived by his children, Eric Aquino and Kelly (Derek Reigel) Aquino; his siblings, Cheryl (Mark) Henry, David Aquino, Chris (Mary Beth) Aquino and Lisa (Ray) Weiss; his mother-in-law, Sonya (late Kenneth) Clause; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gail Clause, Norman (Theresa) Clause, Matthew (Melissa) Clause, Cheri Clause and Kevin Clause; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his sister Lori Ann Aquino and two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Clause Jr. and Mark Clause.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 27 from 3 – 8 P.M. at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Bill's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM in St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 237 4th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the Buffalo Astronomical Association at buffaloastronomy.com. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.