OFF THE WIRE
WHITE PLAINS — It's not often you see a grown man cry.
Particularly not burly Hells Angels bikers with leather jackets, skull tattoos and arms as thick as tree trunks.
There were some tears today, however, as members of the notorious motorcycle gang from as far away as Germany congregated in White Plains to say goodbye to one of their own, Billy Covert.
The 38-year-old Consolidated Edison supervisor, a former North White Plains resident and volunteer firefighter who lived with his wife of seven months in Mahopac Falls, joined the Hell's Angels chapter in New Rochelle within the last year.
He was laid to rest today following his death last week at a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D. He died from natural causes, leaving three children.
Bikers rode in from across the country for the funeral at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home. Inside, his open casket was lined with a red Hells Angels flag. Pictures showed him as a happy family man, the "World's Greatest Dad," a beloved son and brother.
At last night’s wake, FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration agents, perched on rooftops, photographed members of the Hells Angels as they circulated outside, possibly investigating whether any of them were wanted by law enforcement.
Today, several White Plains police officers stood near the funeral to ensure safety, but no problems were reported during what turned out to be a peaceful gathering.
Covert, who was born in Carmel, grew up in White Plains, in a neighborhood that nearly burned down when a propane truck crashed into an I-287 overpass in July 1994. Covert’s family, which claimed physical and psychological scars, received $600,000 in a lawsuit over the accident.
Covert was home when the truck's tank rolled into his property. His next-door
neighbor at the time, Laura Rua-Reidy, became a close friend and attended
today’s funeral.
“If there’s one thing I could say about Billy, it’s that he was just a
magnetic personality,” said Rua-Reidy, 41. “He was bigger than life, a
kind, beautiful soul, a gregarious man. What was amazing about him is that
he was able to easily connect with any type of human being that came across
his way. Today’s funeral was a testament to the fact that he could just
break down barriers and connect with people on such an intimate level.”
She said he joined the Hells Angels because he had a lifelong passion for
motorcycles and loved the camaraderie of the bikers.
His casket was carried out by several guys who looked strong enough to carry a truck. As the funeral procession made its way from the funeral home on Mamaroneck Avenue, more than 100 motorcyclists followed, revving their bikes into a deafening roar as they made their way to the Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale.
