TONY FINNO: I first met Bill in the 1980’s before he became president of Local 802, and I always enjoyed chatting with him about the practicalities of the workplace. I was representing music copyists at the time. We and Local 802 President John Glasel hammered out the first ever price list and rules for the Jazz At Lincoln Center series. Later, when Bill served as president, I had the pleasure of working with him during one of the Broadway negotiations. I had always known him to be calm and measured, but at one point one of the Broadway producers made an ill-conceived comment disparaging music prep musicians. It was then that Bill removed his glasses and threw them across the bargaining table, followed by some strong words in our defense! He was an unquestionable advocate for his fellow musicians and truly one of a kind. Rest in peace, my friend.

ANDY RODGERS: Bill was a great friend and wise counsel to us in the Radio City Orchestra during his tenure throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s.  “The Radio City contract is the toughest of all to negotiate,” he told us many times.  Hostile management and opposing lawyers were a given —  yet over time, their respect for Bill was evident.  He was passionate and eloquent in his advocacy of the orchestra at the negotiating table, always prepared and in command of the issues. As chair of the Orchestra Committee for many of those years, his door at 802 was always open to me and my colleagues.  I called him from time to time after he retired. We talked about music mostly, touching only lightly on union issues. Bill was as good a friend as the Radio City Orchestra ever had — and that was a big deal to me. Rest in peace, Bill.

JEFF RUTHIZER: Bill, as we all know, wasn’t just pretty good on the trumpet, which he regaled us with once or twice at dinners or other functions, and terrific as a union leader, he was also an incredible human being and an invaluable pension fund trustee.  I had the privilege of working closely with Bill at the AFM Pension Fund for many years during his two tours of duty as a trustee. Our service together stretched back over 30 years ago to the day in 1993 when he first joined our board. I was fortunate enough to be able to call him, in short order, not just a close, deeply respected colleague but also a good and trusted friend. For all that time, I can’t recall a fund meeting where I was not at some point, or many, in admiration of his judgment, depth of knowledge, and, most importantly, his untarnishable honesty and impeccable wisdom, the latter particularly when we needed it most. One thing stood out from it all in large, black letters: his lifelong devotion to the AFM membership and the betterment of the American Federation of Musicians’ and Employers’ Pension Fund. Without the slightest fear of contradiction, I am proud to say that of all the entertainment industry’s pension and welfare funds on which I sat as my company’s representative during nearly four decades in the business, never did I come across another trustee, union or management, who approached Bill’s high principles and standard of excellence. Simply put, he was the best trustee I ever had the privilege of serving with. We will not see his like again. (Mr. Ruthizer worked as the senior vice president of labor relations for ABC).

BRAD C. EGGEN: In reflection, all I can do is admire and praise the thoughtful demeanor and cautious insights of Bill Moriarity – – a talented friend and colleague for many settings, committees and years. As he led by example, I am the better for his presence. (Mr. Eggen is the president of AFM Local 30-734, the Twin Cities Musicians Union.)

Bill Moriarity (at right) and Jack Gale with the commemorative plaque honoring their work for Local 802