William Santosuosso passed away on July 3rd. Bill was born on July 24th 1947 and lived his life in Whitinsville, MA and New York City. Bill earned his B.A. in psychology from Holy Cross in Worcester and earned a certificate of advanced graduate study from Yale University as well as a certificate in educational administration from Boston College. Bill remained an ardent Holy Cross supporter and class agent throughout his life.

Bill was passionate about theater and the arts, and he lived for several years in New York City, where he maintained a successful private counseling practice that specialized in working with writers and actors to improve their creativity. In the late 1980’s Bill left NYC and returned home to care for his ailing mother. There, he became a counselor at an alternative school in Worcester dealing with troubled youth and later an administrator at a private school in Rhode Island.

Bill was a huge fan of Liza Minnelli. He met her in person several times. He could often be heard belting out her songs at the slightest opportunity. Throughout his life, Bill accepted challenges that most others would avoid. In New York City, he unexpectedly was approached by a homeless and struggling teen. Instead of looking the other way, Bill took it upon himself to learn that teen’s story. This led Bill to start a nonprofit foundation whose mission was to scour the streets of NYC, looking for homeless youths and setting them up with living and educational opportunities.

Bill was an incredibly passionate person whose capacity for love made him extraordinary. Bill’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and a life well-lived. He was deeply loved and respected, and he will be sorely missed by those who had the good fortune to know him.

Services will be private.