William J. Heinrich Dies, Was Dancer, NASCAR Fan

William J. Heinrich

William J. Heinrich, a lifelong resident of Long Island City and Astoria, died on Mar. 27, 2006. He was 82 years old.

Heinrich served in an Army Motorcycle Military Police Unit during World War II. After his discharge from the service, he embarked on a career with Knoll Associates in Long Island City, starting as a driver. When he retired, he was traffic manager for Knoll's Long Island City location.

An avid stock car enthusiast, Heinrich owned and raced modified stock cars at local area tracks and avidly followed NASCAR activities. He was a dedicated, ardent supporter of the Long Island City YMCA and an accomplished ballroom dancer who won many awards at Harvest Moon Ball competitions with his partner and companion, Dorothea Aust.

Besides Aust, Heinrich is survived by his daughter, Susan, son-in-law, Robert King, granddaughter Denise, her husband, Raoul Velazquez, and great-grandchildren Brianna, Joshua and Matthew.

Following a Mass at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Long Island City, on Friday, March 31, he was entombed in a crypt at St. Michael's Cemetery, East Elmhurst.

Heinrich during his World War II service with the United States Army.