William John Washburn

William John Washburn

Born October 26, 1947, Died January 28, 2025 

When Bill decided to ask Bet to marry him, he knew he had two proposals to give—one to Bet and one to his future father-in-law. Let’s just say, one of the proposals made him more nervous than the other. He quickly went to work on proposal number one and outlined exactly how he would be a good husband, including his income and expenses. Then, with quiet confidence and unwavering sincerity, he brought it to his future father-in-law. He wasn’t just asking for his blessing; he was demonstrating the kind of man he was—a responsible, dependable, hardworking, and honorable partner. A man who could be counted on. A man of integrity. A man who did things the right way, not because he had to, but because it was who he was.

And that was him in a nutshell.

From the beginning, Bill was someone who understood that life isn’t just about what happens to you—it’s about how you meet it. One of six brothers raised by a hardworking mother after his father passed away, he learned early on that strength, resilience, and a positive outlook were more powerful than circumstance. He carried that mindset with him always, facing challenges with quiet determination, an unwavering sense of responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing.

Bill and Bet were together since high school when they first met at “The Red Rooster.” Before his passing on January 28, 2025, Bill and Bet had been together for over 59 years. They built a full life that included raising their two children, Marti and Chuck, and then watching their family grow as Marti and Chuck married Kayla and Phil (divorced) and had their beloved grandchildren: Caitlyn (deceased), Lilly, Anna, Nicky, Charleigh, and Teagan.

Bill was patriotic and proud of his country. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, where he and Bet had the opportunity to see the world, living in Guam, Spain, and Italy. After leaving the Navy, Bill went on to earn his degree through the GI Bill and was so proud to become a Pitt alumnus, achieving that while working full-time as a salesperson for Allis-Chalmers Tractor Dealers and raising two children with Bet, who was also working full-time. After graduating, he worked for Victaulic Company as a salesperson, earning President’s Club honors several times, among other accolades, before retiring.

His time spent with Bet, his kids, and his grandchildren were his favorite memories. From Friday-night family nights with homemade popcorn and “Dallas” on the TV to playing on the beach in Avalon, to creating scavenger hunts for his grandchildren, no matter what he was doing with his beloved family, it was always his favorite time.

Bill loved the outdoors, and some of his best memories were his many trips to Wyoming with friends and family and golfing trips with his brothers, son, former son-in-law, and nephews. From horses and mountains to golf carts and courses, Bill enjoyed being with his family and friends while sharing his favorite pastimes.

Life came full circle. Just as he entered this world with resilience, hope, and strength, he met the end of his journey in the same way. In his final chapter, he faced his greatest challenges—multiple medical conditions resulting from his exposure to Agent Orange during his military service. Yet he faced it all with grace, courage, and the same unwavering positivity that had always defined his life.

William John Washburn (77) was born October 26, 1947 and died on January 28, 2025. Bill is survived by his cherished wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (Bailey) Washburn; his beloved daughter Marti (Washburn) Giunto; his beloved son Chuck Washburn; his beloved daughter-in-law Kayla (Larry) Washburn; his beloved grandchildren Lilly, Anna, and Nicholas Giunto; and his beloved grandchildren Charleigh and Teagan Washburn. He is also survived by four brothers and four sisters-in-law: Bob Washburn, George and Cris Washburn, Dave and Judy Washburn, Ed and Paula Washburn, and Glenda Washburn; his godson, Zachary Bailey; nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends, all of whom he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by his first grandchild, Caitlyn Giunto; his father and mother, Robert and Jane Washburn; his brother, Thomas Washburn; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles Bailey and Martha Special; his brother-in-law, Charles Bailey; his sister-in-law, Joanne Washburn; and other family members, in-laws, and friends, all of whom he loved dearly.

There will be no viewing.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00am, at First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, located at 300 S Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601.

Following the service, a private military entombment will take place at Twin Valley Memorial Park and Mausoleum, located at 483 Athena Dr, Delmont, PA 15626.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s memory to Imerman Angels, an organization dedicated to providing comfort and one-on-one support to cancer fighters, survivors, previvors, and caregivers. Contributions can be made at https://imermanangels.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=1

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"Strength is not found in the absence of challenges. It comes from an indomitable will." inspired by Mahatma Gandhi