Mechanic Marks Golden Anniversary At Rockville Centre Bowling Alley

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — As the country was beginning to learn about Watergate, Billy Kimbley was beginning his time as head mechanic at Maple Lanes RVC.

Kimbley, 75, is celebrating a half-century at the bowling alley. He's been through two ownerships.

"Everybody here loves Billy – all the customers, all the employees," said Joe LaSpina, Vice President of Maple Family Centers, a third-generation family business that has owned and operated bowling centers since 1960, including Maple Lanes since 2009.

Kimbley, a Wantagh resident, has done it all to keep the bowling alley running smoothly, from rebuilding the pinsetters to maintaining electrical and HVAC systems.

He guided Maple Lanes through major renovation and modernization after the LaSpina took over. Kimbley also dealt with challenges from Superstorm Sandy, COVID-19, floods and even a lightning strike at the Rockville Centre building.

"I love when my old workers stop by to catch up and tell me how they’re doing," Kimbley said. “I love talking to the bowlers, some that I’ve known for many years and the new ones that join leagues."

As a combined anniversary/birthday, Maple Family Center recently honored its head mechanic with a cake.

It didn't hurt his longevity by grabbing a ball and throwing it down the lane.

"I can bowl lefty and righty on two lanes at the same time," Kimbley said.