William's Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of William here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
I was married to Bill for 6 yrs. Was so sorry when I was notified about his passing. Condolences and prayers being sent your way.
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Sharon Marchese
March 17th, 2022 at 1:15pm
Bill had a positive effect on my life. He taught me the importance of friendship, teamwork and good sportsmanship. I was on the 1976-1978 Saint Joseph High School Swim Team. I have maintained lifelong friends from the bond the team shared with Bill. Bill was always willing to share stories of his time in the service, which gave a needed break from practice. Bill was very generous with his time he spent volunteering on the Yacht Club race committee, which was another area of interest we shared. I appreciate Bill’s time and talents.
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Mike "Moose" Kinney
February 6th, 2022 at 5:13pm
I was lucky to be a Senior in his first year at SJHS (American Problems). Bill was a breath of fresh -- and irreverent -- air, and treated us with a mixture of bemusement and genuine respect. He wowed us with rather racy stories of his army life ("Momma Chickies --!"), and impressed us by eating bugs (flies), which he said was part of his training (and safe because of his vaccinations). I was happy to meet up with him again in the 2000s -- he was a great raconteur and we enjoyed debating politics (his were of course all wrong). Turned out that my Mom had worked for his father (Electric Company, South Bend, 1940s). RIP Coach.
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Greg Ladewski
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:59pm
Coach was a character larger than life. I swam for him at the Yacht Club and in high school. He taught us to expect the most from ourselves and showed us how to push each other to excellence. He also taught us that it was important to have fun along the way. All of which are lessons I carry with me today. Thanks for all of it, Coach. We'll miss you.
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Tommy Thomas
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:48pm
Another of Bill's swimmers here. I remember swimming for Bill (aka COACH!) fondly. As an age group swimmer, having him substitute when our regular coach couldn't be there was always a treat. In high school, his coaching and demand for more work, harder and faster help set me on a great path for life. He will always be remembered by the people whose lives he touched. Thanks, Coach! No Bear Sets up there.
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Dave Seng
February 3rd, 2022 at 9:01am
I was a co-captain on Bill's 1974 St. Joseph High School swim team. I also swam in college, and in summer programs. Bill was a great coach; the best one I swam for, but what I enjoyed the most was talking to him in recent years, and enjoying his positive and uplifting conversations. Rest in peace coach.
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Thomas M Smits
February 2nd, 2022 at 6:52pm
