Raffaele William "Bill" Annonio

“Awww shucks,” if you’re reading this then Bill Annonio has passed away. Always the epitome of a gentleman, he would be offering you a cup of coffee while you read on.

Born Raffaele William Annonio to Antonio and Carolina Annonio in Delmar, Delaware, on November 3, 1932, although he always said he was 29. Bill was a first generation child of Italian Immigrants.

Bill was a stand out high school athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. Bill’s passion for sports earned him a baseball scholarship to the University of Delaware where he played baseball while majoring in Chemistry. He was Co-Captain of the baseball team setting several long term hitting records, President of his Fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He continued playing baseball while serving in the Army and even played summer ball while working in the chemical plants for Union Carbide. That was the start of his highly successful 30 plus years career with Union Carbide. During Bill’s work career, he became an outstanding golfer playing with the greats like Arnold Palmer, Hale Irwin, Johnny Pott and other professionals. On weekends, if he wasn’t playing a round of golf he was watching it with his eyes closed.

Before starting his career full time, Bill fulfilled his military duties in the Maryland/DC area where he was set up on a blind date with Beckie, who became his bride and love of his life for 64 years. The beautiful blonde Southern Belle and handsome Italian soldier set off for New Jersey where they started their careers and family. Bill’s position with Union Carbide sent him traveling throughout the US and to several continents. He worked in plastics developing vinyl products and became a paint specialist. He helped develop several products that were patented. During his career he earned an MBA from Rutgers University. However, he was always happiest at home, wherever his family was.

Bill, Beckie and family moved from NJ to Ohio to New Jersey then Connecticut when the Union Carbide Headquarters was relocated. After an early retirement, Asheville, North Carolina, was the final destination to be closer to Beckie’s mother. Not ready to sit home, Bill learned tax preparation and volunteered preparing tax returns for the elderly or anyone who needed a hand, earning him the prestigious Western North Carolina Volunteer title. He was also an active member of Groce Methodist Church in Asheville.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and his wife, Rebecca Annonio. He is remembered and survived by his children, Laurie Wilkins (Scott), Bill Annonio (Sandra) and Carrie Barry (John); and his grandchildren, Jessica, Carrieann, Amanda, Sydney, Jack and Carson.

A Memorial Service is planned for 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 26, 2023, at Groce United Methodist Church, Rev. Gerald Davis will officiate. A burial at Green Hills Cemetery will follow at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association of Western North Carolina or to Four Seasons Hospice.