William "Bill" M. Payne, Jr.

Editor, vocalist, and composer William (Bill) McGuire Payne II passed away peacefully on March 10th after a brief illness, surrounded by family. Billy spent his early years in Larchmont, NY, North Haven, CT, and Concord, MA. He graduated from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA, received his BA from Williams College, followed by MAs in Music Education and Music Composition, both from Columbia University. 

He worked full-time for decades as an editor for Springer-Verlag, a scientific journal in New York City while maintaining his passion for music throughout his life. He loved opera, but nothing gave him more joy than singing and performing.  His powerful baritone entertained thousands in choirs in the New York City and environs. He was a founding member of the Canticum Novum Singers in 1973 and performed with the group for many years in the US and Europe.  After concerts one would find Bill beaming with enthusiasm and spiritual connection. He was also well appreciated by his community for his extensive volunteer work, his support of international programs in developing countries, and his contributions through his church, St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Englewood, N.J., where he was a member of the Vestry and treasurer for the Finance Committee.

Bill is survived by his sister, Sally (Sarah Payne Stuart) of Nobleboro, ME, her husband, Charlie Stuart, and her children Hunter, Teddy, and Emily; his brother, John Payne of Brookline, MA, and his children Jason, Noah, Sam, and Jackson; his brother, Hunter Payne of Santa Monica, CA, and his son Alex; his cousins; and countless friends, including his best friend, Glenn Boisclair of North Bergen, NJ.

He was a kind and wonderful soul––talented and filled with humor. He will be dearly missed.

A Memorial Service for Bill will be held on 11:00 am, Friday June 10, 2022 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 113 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ 07631.

The care for Bill and his family during this time has been with Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Avenue Wyckoff, NJ.     

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