Jesuit High School Mourns the Death of William “Billy” Dwyer

Posted July 11, 2014 / Last updated August 18, 2014

View the Retrospective Photo Gallery of Billy Dwyer

William Patrick “Billy” Dwyer, who mentored hundreds of students as a guidance counselor and coach for nine years at Jesuit High School, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. He was 38-years-old.

Mr. Dwyer was an assistant coach of the varsity tennis team, and he also spent six weeks at the beginning of the summer break tutoring future Blue Jays in Operation Upgrade, an academic program for economically disadvantaged boys in elementary grades.

A Jesuit alumnus (Class of 1994) whose diminutive frame belied that of a talented athlete, Mr. Dwyer played soccer with unbridled passion, making him a star among his classmates. While soccer was his choice sport, he was also a member of the Blue Jay tennis team.

As a senior, Mr. Dwyer was offered scholarships to play soccer at the College of Charleston and the University of Kentucky. At the time, he was only the second Blue Jay soccer player to receive scholarship offers. Mr. Dwyer held a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, where he played on the Wildcats’ soccer team, making the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 1998. He later earned a master’s degree from UNO.

In 2003 Mr. Dwyer returned to his alma mater as a guidance counselor. In 2008 he accepted a two-year assignment to teach at-risk youth at the Good Shepherd School, which is one of the educational ministries of the Jesuit’s Southern Province.

Mr. Dwyer returned to Jesuit’s guidance department at the start of the 2010 school year.

“Billy was a very dedicated guidance counselor who loved working at Jesuit and counseling students,” said Mary Favalora, director of guidance. “The students highly respected him and he was our beloved and revered colleague. We mourn his loss and will miss him tremendously.”

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. in The Chapel of the North American Martyrs at Jesuit High School. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.

Read Mr. Dwyer’s Obituary

Galleries

William "Billy" Dwyer In Retrospect

Billy Dwyer's 2013-14 faculty ID photo
One of the most somber assemblies took place the morning of January 15, 2014 when Fr. Fitzgerald addressed students for the first time about his illness.
With hands clasped in front of him, Billy Dwyer and members of Jesuit's faculty prepare for a group photo at this past January's annual retreat in Robert, LA.
Billy Dwyer (middle row, 3rd from left) with his teammates on the 1994 soccer team. In the Senior Edition of The Blue Jay, Billy was one of about 45 graduates included in the popular "Most likely to..." whatever list. Billy's entry read: "Most likely to... Play in the World Cup."
The April 1994 Senior Edition of The Blue Jay featured the All Blue Jay Athletic Team.
From the 1994 Jesuit Yearbook
From the 1994 Jesuit Yearbook
A photo of Billy in the 1994 Jesuit Yearbook.
Billy Dwyer's senior tuxedo photo in the 1994 Jesuit Yearbook.
Billy Dwyer '94 could always be found with his senior homeroom at morning assemblies. Unfortunately, Billy seemed to always be standing next to a garbage can in the assembly photos.
Billy Dwyer and members of the Class of 1994 Reunion Committee gather in front of the Rusty Nail on May 23, 2009, the night the class celebrated 15 years.
The Guidance department at the start of the 2011-12 school year gathered on the roof of the small chapel for this photo. From left, Billy Dwyer, Allie Timberlake, Mary Favalora, Sean Higgins '92, Mollie Roberts, Joan Barerra, Aurora Daigle, and Andrew Schiro.
Billy Dwyer jokes around with Meg and Chris Jennings '78 in a photo taken March 25, 2010,
At the start of the 2010-11 school year, the Guidance department had their photo taken in the Traditions Courtyard. Front row, from left, are Sean Higgins '92, Andrew Schiro, Billy Dwyer, Merrick Lyons; back row, Aurora Daigle, Mary Favalora, Mollie Roberts, and Joan Barerra.
Billy Dwyer with then-science teacher Helen Swan at a faculty rooftop soiree in May 2007.
Billy Dwyer (top row 3rd from left) was beginning his third year as a guidance counselor at Jesuit.