William Joseph Slanders, 66, of Aspinwall, formerly of Vandergrift, passed away peacefully Monday, April 6, 2015, of pulmonary fibrosis. His beloved wife and his devoted brother were at his side. Bill was born Aug. 30, 1948, in Uniontown, and was the son of the late Eugene E. and Anna Marie (Dorula) Slanders. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joan (Fazekas) Slanders; his brother, Robert E. (Concetta), of Wexford; his sister-in-law, Teresa Rhoades; his nieces and nephews, Michael (Diana) Slanders, Jessica (Kyle) Olesevich, Rebecca Slanders, Mary Jo (Jeff) Knabb, Susan Rhoades, Lisa Rhoades, Bill George and Diane George; and is also survived by aunts, cousins and many friends. Bill was an avid sports fan and very knowledgeable regarding sports trivia. He enjoyed reading, hospital volunteering and attended many professional and college sporting events. He had a huge collection of sports memorabilia. His other interests included discussing politics and tending to his pet cats, Benjie, Zuzu and Jade. He was a 1966 graduate of North Union High School, Fayette County and a 1969 graduate of Duff's Business Institute with an Associate's degree in accounting. At Duff's, he was a member of Mu Epsilon Sigma social fraternity. Bill was employed by Columbia Gas in the Depreciation Department and later by the Gateway Clipper Fleet in the Accounting Department for 32 years, retiring in 2005. He was a former member of the Whitehall Jaycees, the Whitehall Lions Club, where he served a term as its president. He was also a member of St. Gertrude Parish Men's Club in Vandergrift. Bill treasured his family and his friends. He was the life of the party and a friend to all. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2015, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2015, at WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, 100 Center Ave., Aspinwall, where a parting prayer will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday followed by the Christian funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Scholastica Church, Aspinwall. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Margaret Foundation, 815 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.
Published in The Valley News Dispatch on Apr. 7, 2015