Bill was born in Johnstown, PA. He moved with his mother, Bertha, and his father, William, to Indiana.

Marengo High School was his alma mater. He attended reunions there every summer he could as he had fond memories and lifelong friends. Upon graduation Bill attended Indiana University, then was accepted to the US Navy Academy, the first cadet from his county.

Bill's first assignment after graduating in 1944 was to report for duty on the USS San Jacinto. This aircraft carrier saw action in the South Seas. After WWII, he earned his wings and flew from the carrier USS Essex in the Korean War.

After serving 24 years in the Navy, he accepted a position with the Boeing Company for 20 years, seeing the world as an instructor to those countries who had purchased their aircraft.

All the while he raised eight children with his wife, Martha. Twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren are their legacy. He is preceded in the death by his wife, Martha, and their daughter, Judy, and son, Billie.

At the ripe age of 88, Bill married Shirley, a longtime family friend with whom he shared more adventures.