William Straessley

William “Bill” J. Straessley, age 86, of Girard, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2016 at his residence.

He was born in Johnsonburg, PA on July 7, 1929, the son of the late Roy and Madeline Foley Straessley.

Bill graduated from Johnsonburg High School. After serving in the United States Army from 1949-1951 he went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Clarion State University; his Master of Education from St. Bonaventure University and studied at the University of Pittsburgh, Gannon University and Edinboro State University.

His teaching career began in the Union Joint School District (1953-1956) in Rimersberg, PA and continued at the Cameron County School District (1956-1968) in Emporium, PA as an Elementary School Administrator. He left that system to become the administrator of the Fairview School District from 1968 through 1987.

Bill was a member of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Girard. He will be remembered for his love for his family, they meant the world to him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanine McAlee Straessley, and a son, Glen Straessley.

Bill is survived by two sons, William J. Straessley Jr. of Shreveport, La., and Michael G. Straessley of Las Angeles, CA.; three daughters, Mary Helen of Erie, Maureen Potter and Judith Tome, both of Girard. He is further survived by five grandchildren: Carrie and Katie Meeder, Erica Kuzilla, Zachary and Tyler Tome; and five great grandchildren: Carlee, Emma, Katherine, Devin and Isiah; as well as a few nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main St. East, in Girard on Wednesday from 7-9 pm., and are invited to attend a prayer service at the funeral home on Thursday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 101 Olin Avenue at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend William Miller celebrant. Burial will be at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Johnsonburg, PA on Friday.

We cannot express enough gratitude to all those who kept us well fed during his time under hospice care. Memorials may be made to Regional Home Health and Hospice, 2564 Village Common Dr., Erie, PA 16506.

Condolences may be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhome.com