William Joseph Nacewicz was born in Rome, New York December 7th, 1949, and passed away on September 17th, 2026.
Better known to family and friends as “Billy or Willy” he attended Morrisville College for two years before transferring to Oswego State University and graduating in 1972 with a BA in education. He taught for one year before realizing teaching was not what he did not want to do the rest of his life.
Billy started working for Richie Evans in 1972, and neither of them had any idea of the iconic pairing they had just established. Over the years they would rewrite the record books winning the NASCAR Modified Championship nine times and scoring hundreds of wins at tracks up and down the East coast. Not only did they win, but they also remained very popular with the fans as they were always available and approachable after the races. They stayed until every fan got a picture or an autograph and they stayed and partied and partied, then partied some more. Racing was racing and the record proves it, but partying was a big part of the aura, and more often than not as they headed home after a race, the rays of the new day’s sun strained their pupils.
Although bragging and an attitude could be expected in some, that was not Billy’s style. His style was having his driver first under the checkered flag and in Victory Lane with the trophy. More often than not that’s exactly where Richie wound up or darn close to it thanks to Billy’s dedication, determination and expertise.
Those he helped along the way (and there were many) could be assured any knowledge he shared was coming from someone who experienced failure along with great success, and it was legit.
His parents William and Jeanette (Reszetnik) are deceased.
He is survived by his children Brian and Stacy Nacewicz of Rome, NY, his brother Edward and (Frances) Nacewicz, their son Stephen (Barbara) Nacewicz, their daughter Debra (Walter) Marcinkiewicz, cousins Babara Dylis, Tony and Darlene Vagliardo, his life partner (since 1987) Lynn Evans, Lynn’s children Richie Evans Jr., Tara (Evans) Farrell, her husband Tommy and their children Reesey and Ty, and his furry pal Shelby named after the famous car.
There will be a mass said at Saint Mary’s Church, 747 Bay Avenue in Barnegat, New Jersey on November 7th at 11:00 am.
Following the mass there will be celebration of life at the Riviera Beach Boat Club/Jersey Coast Shark Anglers, 385 Herbertsville Road, Brick New Jersey, at 1:30 pm. Please leave the heartaches at home, the only aches Billy would want you to have would be headaches the next morning. This will be a time for friends sharing stories, laughing and being happy knowing he was a friend.
Although gone Billy’s legacy will forever be a major part of Modified Stock Racing’s history and lore.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Heart Association.