Shelter Island Reporter obituary: William Matthew Aston

William Matthew Aston, a longtime Shelter Island resident, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 25, 2026. He was 90 years old.

William was born on January 18, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, to Francis (née Kowalski) and Herbert G. Aston. He was one of two children. After high school, he served honorably in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960, attaining the rank of Captain. Following his military service, he attended the City University of New York,  where he earned his BS in Engineering followed by his MBA.

On February 15, 1958, William married the love of his life, Rosemarie (née Eisele) Aston, at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in Brooklyn. Together, they built a life centered around their three children, Jeffrey, Donna, and Laura.

William enjoyed a distinguished career in engineering and transportation, serving as Vice President of Planning Operations for Metro-North Railroad in New York City. During his career, he helped manage major modernization efforts for the MTA throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

William and Rosemarie lived in Huntington, New York, from 1964 until 2006 before making Shelter Island their home. He was a member of Our Lady of the Isle R.C. Church. He loved fishing, boating, sports, the beach, swimming, golf, and life on Shelter Island, but most of all, he treasured time spent with his family. Known for his kindness, optimism, and ready smile, Bill took great interest and pride in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

William was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Herbert Aston; his brother, Herbert “Skip” Aston; and his daughter, Donna Aston.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Rosemarie; his children, Jeffrey Aston (Monica) of East Setauket, New York, and Laura Barnoski (Edward) of Nesconset, New York; his grandchildren, Jeffrey (Bella), Brandon (Katie), Ariana (James), Zachary (Becca), Nicholas, Dakota, and Jacob; and his great-grandchildren, Vienna, Giada, and Anthony.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 5, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, 51400 Main Road (NY-25), Southold, New York 11971. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Isle R.C. Church on Shelter Island, officiated by Father Peter DeSanctis. United States Army military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the Mass.

Arrangements entrusted to the Shelter Island Funeral Home.