William Leonard Rothwell

William Leonard Rothwell, age 64, was risen to be with Our Lord on March 27, 2023, after a heroic, years-long fight with cancer. Billy, as we all called him, was born on March 10, 1959, to William James Rothwell and Helen Joyce Rothwell. He grew up in Gardena, CA, and graduated from Gardena High School. Shortly after graduation, he began working with his father repairing type-setting machines. He then attended LA Trade Technical College, where he scholastically qualified for the Deans Honors List, and later earned an Associate in Arts Degree at El Camino. During his 30-year career, Billy worked as an Engineering Technician for several major aerospace companies, including Wyle, NTS, and Space-X.

Billy was proud of his work. Loved and admired by his colleagues, he always lent a helping hand and served as a mentor. A capable and confident problem-solver, he was known as the MacGyver.

A devoted husband, son, brother, and uncle, Billy was the cornerstone of the family. When Billy's sister Kathleen died, he didn't hesitate to help his mother in the raising of his niece, Genia. He was cherished by Genia's two daughers Tayler and Sydney. Billy met the love of his life, his wife Ava, on a blind date in 1992, from which point on, they were never apart. Billy will be greatly missed and will always be held close in the hearts of those who knew and admired him. His life's journey has left a lasting legacy on all who loved him.