Blakely

William “Bill” Blakely Jr. passed away Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in the care of the staff at Newhaven Court at Clearview and VNA Hospice, with his loving wife, Dianne, by his side.

Bill was born in Pittsburgh on June 14, 1950, the eldest son of Mary Lou and Bill Blakely Sr. He attended Fox Chapel High School. Bill graduated from Grove City College with a bachelor of science degree in psychology, and later earned an associate degree in computer science from Butler County Community College. He worked for various telephone companies, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and as a computer aide at FedEx Ground in Pittsburgh. His favorite job was designing and installing computer lines for the World Financial Center, part of the World Trade Center in New York City. After retirement, Bill volunteered with Butler Meals On Wheels for many years.

Bill and Dianne were married on Dec. 27, 1972.

Bill was a kind, patient, loving husband and a wonderful father to his son, Chris. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou; sister, Sarah; brother, Paul; sister in-law, Caroline; brothers-in-law, Glenn and Steve; nephew, Dan; nieces, Anne and Claire, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Sr.; brother, Jim; and sister in-law, Rosie.

He loved bowling, golf, reading, word and number puzzles and classic movies. He was incredibly curious and had an uncanny ability to recall obscure facts on pretty much any topic.

Bill battled diabetes and Parkinson’s disease in his later years and worked hard to maintain his health for as long as possible. Through difficult times he was calm and kind. He never lost his sense of humor, tranquil nature and gentle smile.

Dianne and Chris especially want to thank all of the staff at Newhaven and VNA Hospice for their kindness, attentive care and warmth. Thanks as well to Toni Grupp and her crew of caregivers, the many therapists, the folks at Fit for Boxing and the YMCA, our extraordinary neighbors, and Bill’s bowling and golfing buddies. And our greatest appreciation goes to those who stuck by us through it all — the Oglebay crowd, Rhonda and the Haleys — we couldn’t dream of better friends!

Bill will be missed by all who knew him. He was, and always will be, loved.

BLAKELY — Friends of William “Bill” Blakely Jr., who died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St., Butler.

A private memorial will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Butler Meals On Wheels, 218 E. Jefferson St., Butler, PA 16001 or the Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 6760, 100 S. Commons, Suite 102, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

All who knew Bill are encouraged to share memories and photos on his remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.