January 01, 1970


William J. Hill Sr. North Side William J. “Bill” Hill Sr. passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. He was born March 3, 1936, on Pittsburgh’s North Side, where he spent the majority of his life. Bill was an accomplished man that devoted his life to helping others. For nearly 15 years, Bill served as a chairman of the Fraternal Association of Steel Haulers (FASH), which was one of the largest independent trucking organizations in the country. Bill spent the majority of his time as chairman fighting for the rights of Independent Steel Haulers from across the country. In 1976, Bill was selected as a chairman of the National Independent Truckers Unity Committee (NITUC) by then Governor Milton Schapp, which was an organization devoted to quality of life improvements for truckers throughout the United States. Bill’s greatest achievement as NITCU chairman was getting the 80,000 Pound Weight Bill passed by Congress and signed by the president. The bill established the 80,000 pound maximum haul weights for truckers. The bill still stands to this day and has helped in saving countless lives of truckers and those that share the road with the big rigs. Bill also had the honor of speaking at the Harvard Business School, where he received a standing ovation in response. Bill was a humble man, so when the steel industry collapsed in the early 1980s Bill found himself out of a job, but not for long as he took on the role as a union painter where he spent the remainder of his working life. After retiring, Bill continued his commitment to serving others and served as a chairman of Seniors Working to Organize Retirement Dignity, (SORD), which was an organization established by him to improve the quality of life for retired painters and to give them a voice. Bill served in the Coast Guard and was an active leader within the American Legion Post No. 0081 of the North Side and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bill’s final campaign was waged to return a World War II memorial to its rightful place which was on the corner of Cedar Avenue and East Ohio Street. The memorial honored North Side men that were wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II defending the freedoms of our country. Bill was also a member of the Elks Club and Knights of Columbus. Bill was a devoted Catholic and usher of St. John Neumann Church. The beloved husband of 53 years, Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley Hill; and seven children, Kim Schmidt, William Hill Jr. (Cindy), Michelle Lowe, (Mark) Robert Hill (Chona), Darryl Hill, (Patty) Sherri Hill, (Darin) and Douglas Hill. Bill was a cherished grandfather of 15 and he recently became a great-grandfather. Bill is also survived by his sisters, Marlyn Myrla, Nancy Hill and Carol Short. Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at T.B. DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME, 806 Perry Hwy., Ross Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday in St. John Neumann Church, time later.

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Guest Book Signatures

  • Joey and Lina Abalos

    Sincere condolences to Shirley and family.

  • DAVID SPENCER

    I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, BILLY, AS I ALWAYS THOUGHT OF HIM, WAS ONE OF MY MOST INTERESTING COUSINS WHO I THOUGHT OF OFFEN. THE PICTURE I HAVE IN MY MIND OF HIM WAS WHEN I WAS LITTLE AND WE WERE VISITING MY AUNT BERTH AND HE WAS IN THE COAST GUARD,CAME HOME IN UNIFORM, WALKED IN AND PICKED ME UP. HE LOOKED LIKE HE FILLED THE WHOLE DOOR. I WILL MISS HIM.
    DAVE SPENCER

  • Jim and Donna Cornett

    Dear Shirley and Family,
    We were so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a good man and had accomplished so many things in his life. He always did his best to try to get his extended family together. He will be missed by so many.

    We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you all.

    Love, Donna Marie and Jim

  • Jason Myrla

    Uncle Bill was a wonderful family man. I will always remember him that way.

 

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