Vance

William “Bill” Newell Vance, 85, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2023, following a brief bout with cancer and other health issues. Born July 26, 1937, in New Castle, he was the son of the late John C. and Dorothy (née Newell) Vance.

Bill was the beloved husband of 58 years to the love of his life, Diane (née Meriam) Vance. He was the devoted father to his daughters, Jennifer (Alvin) Pitzer of Mt. Lebanon, Shelly (Philip) Carlo of New Wilmington, Pa., and Meredith Vance, Mt. Lebanon; and brother to Martha (Raymond) Wile, Williamsburg, Va. Bill was blessed with five grandchildren, Rachel (Zack) Llewellyn, Bradley Pitzer, Gabrielle Carlo, Caleb Shafer and Grant Shafer. Bill welcomed his first great-grandson, Lincoln Llewellyn, in April 2023 and lit up when holding him. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews were also part of Bill’s loving family.

Bill graduated from Wilmington Area schools and attended Westminster College. He served in the National Guard in the early 1960s contributing in many roles, he was a longtime member of New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. The joy of his life was the Vance Family farm, on which Bill lived for his first 53 years. He was happiest in the fields, especially on his John Deere tractor. He could fix or build just about anything. His family is fortunate to enjoy the craftsmanship of his beautifully built furniture pieces. Bill worked for several years at McLean Trucking Company in West Middlesex, Pa., as a dock supervisor, followed by co-ownership of a small paving business.

Bill and his loving wife relocated to Murrysville in 1990. There, he was elected to and served on Murrysville Council, and was an active member of Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church. He and Diane most recently resided in Mars, where they enjoyed attending Dutilh Church, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Bill and Diane traveled throughout the United States and Europe, and he could not resist a road trip.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Raymond Wile.

VANCE — Family and friends of William “Bill” Newell Vance, who died Friday, May 26, 2023, are welcome from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Friday followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at Dutilh Church in Cranberry Township, with the Rev. Tom Parkinson, pastor, officiating.

Additional visiting hours will be held Monday, June 5, at Smith Funeral Home from 2 to 3 p.m. followed by interment at Fair Oaks Cemetery, both in New Wilmington, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Dutilh Church.

Professional arrangements entrusted to DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME of Cranberry.

Online condolences can be given at www.devlinfuneralhome.com.

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