Most Syosset residents know Star Auto & Hardware merely as Bill's Hardware. They also know that they can go to Bill's to get construction advice, instructions or even to borrow tools that are too expensive to purchase. Bill Schier, often referred to as the best storekeeper Syosset has ever known, lost his battle with lung cancer and passed away on July 7.

William F. Schier was born on September 16,1916, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from Marquette University's School of Engineering in 1942 and moved to Brooklyn in 1949 where he worked as a plant engineer for the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. In 1949 he met his wife Jean, who also worked at the Brewing Company, and the two were married three years later. In 1955, Bill and Jean Shier moved to Syosset and that's where they stayed and raised their family. They have three children, Joseph, Deborah and Carol and now have four grandchildren - Melissa, Michael, Alex and Baby-Daniel.

In 1967, Bill decided to buy Syosset's local hardware store from the previous owner. The store was originally opened in 1954 and after Bill took over in 1967, everyone knew the establishment as Bill's.

Competing with large chain stores selling similar products was never easy, but Bill's Hardware still thrived. "Good customer service was my dad's key to success," said Joseph. "He gave personalized service to each customer and he would walk them through each job - whether it was small or large he would tell them how to do it. There are also tools in the back that are loaned out to customers."

After Bill was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2000, he was still in the store as much as possible. As his illness worsened, Bill was forced to retire in December 2000 at the age of 81.

The store, which is located at 117 Jackson Avenue, in the Rite Aid Shopping Center, will remain open with the help of everyone in the Schier family. Cousin Andrew Kaczmarak and son Joseph, who will supervise all necessary operating conditions, will keep Bill's legacy alive. The store is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Bill's wife Jean credits Bill's knowledge of maintenance to his background in engineering. "Bill's honesty, truthfulness and his willingness to lend people things from the store was the secret to his success," said Jean, who works for the Syosset School District. "His love of Syosset and the love he had for the community was so great - That's why we have been in Syosset for 46 years. The community itself have been very loyal friends and customers. They are good people."

Bill was one of three brothers and John Schier, Bill's only surviving brother, resides in the state of Washington. The family of the late William F. Schier wishes to thank all of the customers of Syosset, and others from Long Island, for their loyal support in tribute to the memory of the late W.F. Schier.

"Bill's biggest tributes are what his customers have to say about him," said Jean. "The customers became his family."