William J. Wilk

William “Bill” John Wilk, a beloved family man and WWII veteran who served as an aerial gunner for the U.S. Army, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 24, 2019, in Longwood, Florida, at age 92. Bill is survived by three children: Lawanna Abraham, Delmont, Pennsylvania, Constance Enright, Longwood, Florida, and William Wilk Jr., Monroeville, Pennsylvania; brother Thomas Wilk, Emporium, Pennsylvania; sister Shirley Pigza, Cleveland, Ohio; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents John Wilk and Mary Louise Welsko, Cresson, Pennsylvania; brothers Frank Wilk, and Jack Wilk of California; and his wife of 26 years Thelma Marie Scott, Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Bill was born on April 16, 1926, in Cresson, Pennsylvania, to John Wilk and Mary Louise Welsko. He was a WWII vet. In 1944, at age 18, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was an aerial gunner in the 93rd bomb squadron. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he returned home to get his high school degree at Cresson High School. While living with his Uncle Joe in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, he met Thelma Marie Scott and they were married in 1953. Bill and Thelma bought a house in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, which would be their one and only, and together raised three beautiful children. Bill worked 35 years as a yardmaster for the Union Rail Road in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, until his retirement in 1981. In 2006, Bill moved to Florida to live with his daughter Connie and her husband Tom. His children remember their father as a strong, kind and honest man filled with love for his family. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing pinochle. With a big smile and a firm hand shake, he will be remembered affectionately by most as “Pap.” Service information to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer’s Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 Condolences can be sent to: https://www.degusipefuneralhome.com/obituaries/William-Wilk-2/ The family would like to thank Saint Mary Magdalen Adult Center/Share the Care, Hospice of the Comforter, personal caregivers and close friends for their kindness, love and support. A funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 6th, 10:00am, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, FL with a reception to follow.(At the home of his daughter, Connie) A prayer service will be held in the chapel at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park in Irwin, PA on April 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm with reception to follow at Cloverleaf Estates East Clubhouse, Delmont, PA. All are welcome to attend both services in celebration of Bill's life.

William J. Wilk

April 16, 1926 - March 24, 2019