Pearre

William Payson Pearre, of Zelienople, formerly of Keene, N.H., and Lansdale, Pa., beloved husband of Jane E. Pearre for 43 years, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, following a brief battle with cancer.

He is also survived by his daughter, Melissa (Marshall) Helsel of Mustang, Okla.; sons, James W. Pearre of East Greenville and Daniel (Michel Vogl) Pearre of King of Prussia, Pa.; and their mother, Theresa Pearre of Dublin, Pa. He is survived also by his grandchildren, Aaron, Olivia and Ethan; cousins, Victoria Glennon and James A. Pearre; a niece; and several nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William P. Pearre Sr. and Allene Lyle Pearre; and half-sisters Marilyn Manda and Jacqueline McLaughlin.

Bill was born in Evanston, Ill., in 1934, spent part of his childhood in Los Angeles, Calif., and in Winnetka and Chicago, Ill. He attended the Todd School in Woodstock, Ill., and graduated from the University of Illinois at ­Urbana-Champaign with a degree in journalism. Following his tour of duty in the U.S. Army stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, he served with the Peace Corps in the Philippines. A longtime employee of Merck Inc., Bill was managing editor in the public relations department in West Point, Pa.

A knowledgeable enthusiast of books and libraries, movies, trivia, sports, word puzzles, card and board games, especially bridge and cribbage, he particularly enjoyed performing with many community theater groups in scores of plays over his entire adult life. Bill also enjoyed bicycling; playing tennis, racquetball, basketball and the guitar; and also traveling. After their retirement, he and his wife, Jane, spent many winters in various mid-Atlantic and southern states.

Family members wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of UPMC Passavant Medical ICU, Lutheran SeniorLife VNA Hospice of Western Pennsylvania, and the staff of Lutheran SeniorLife Passavant Community, especially Laura Roy and Debbie McMurdy.

PEARRE — A memorial service for William Payson Pearre, who died Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, will be held at the convenience of the family.

Please consider a donation to Children International or the Lutheran SeniorLife Foundation.

Arrangements by BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

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