Bill was a coal miner who lived in Ebensburg and Johnstown, before settling in Clarksville, Pa. He was killed in a mining accident in Greene County, Pa., when struck by a rock from the roof in the outlying track area of the Blacksville No. 2 Mine near the Pa. and W. Va border. He had worked as an underground miner for over 37 years and previously was working at Bethlehem Mine no. 31 in Nanty Glo. Bill was also a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, where he served as a first sargeant for more than 18 years, attached to the 485th Chemical Battalion based in Johnstown, Pa. Bill was an avid skeet shooter and referee for skeet shooting events.