William J. Handyside Sr.

William J. Handyside Sr.

William J. Handyside Sr. passed away on May 10, 2024.  William was originally from Blawnox, PA, born the son of the late Gerald (“Bud”) Handyside and the late Dorothy Schneider, brother to the late John G. (“Jack”) Handyside (Mary Louise) of Michigan, the late Mary Ann Handyside of Etna, PA and the late Lois Handyside of Blawnox, PA. After proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, William returned to Blawnox, where he met, fell in love and eventually married his beautiful bride of 37 years, the late Johanna B. Handyside (2002). Together with her three children, William became a husband and a young father all in the same day.  William shared a loving bond and a role as stepfather of 59 years, and is survived by Marion Simak, Raymond Garasich Sr. and Jacqueline Murray, all of Verona, PA. As William and Johanna’s love grew, so did their family, they went on to have three more children, and are survived by Gina Liller of Penn Hills, William J. Handyside Jr. (Michele) of Plum and Carla Handyside of Etna, PA. William is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Jessica Murray of Forest Hills, Brandie LaManna (Dino) of Apollo, Joseph T. Murray IV of Trafford, Melissa Liller of North Versailles, Tyler Handyside of North Hills, Ryley Handyside of Southside and Raymond Garasich Jr. of Verona. In addition, William is survived by two great-grandchildren, Joseph T. Murray V and Liam Murray, and many loving nieces and nephews. William was a blue-collar worker who worked very hard to provide for his family and lived a modest life.  He loved playing golf, and spent most of his time watching football, golf, baseball, hockey and wrestling. He enjoyed spending time at the social club to watch sports with his friends, and later in life, his son. He and Johanna welcomed all friend of their six children into their home for anything they needed – whether that be a seat at their table or a place to stay. William was proud to say he had six children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and his face lit up each time he had the chance to visit with them.  He was a very proud husband, father and grandfather.  Some will remember him as “rough and tough”, but he was man who wanted the very best for his family because he carried much love in his heart for each of us.  He will be greatly missed. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 3-9 PM at English Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 378 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 11 AM in Holy Family Parish St. Irenaeus Church, 387 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139, followed by interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. 

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