William "Bill" Polites

BOISE, Idaho — William "Bill" Polites, 82, passed away Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014, in Boise, Idaho. William waged a valiant fight against stroke and Parkinson's disease for the past several years but passed away unexpectedly after a sudden onset of kidney failure.

William was born in Atlas, Pa., one of eight children to Alexander and Mary Polites, on Dec. 28, 1931. His family moved to New York City when he was a young child, but he fondly remembered spending many summer vacations with his grandmother and other family members in Atlas.

As a young man, he lost connection with his family in Atlas for many years until his Aunt Rose, while preparing for a wedding anniversary celebration, determined to "find Billy" and bring him home to Atlas.

She tracked him down in New York City, and Bill joined the family for the celebration. He was delighted to be reunited with family members in this area.

When he retired, the thing he most wanted was to return to Atlas, Pa. With his wife, Jade, he bought a home on Girard Street and happily lived there for the next ten years.

In 2012, after suffering from a stroke and Parkinson's disease, Bill moved with his wife to Boise to be closer to her family for the remainder of his life.

Bill started to support himself at the age of 16, taking work as a baker, a driver and other odd jobs in New York City.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and then in the Navy Reserve.

After his military service, Bill became a very well-liked bartender at the famous McGlades bar in New York City.

He later became a member of the IATSE Local One Union (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) where he worked at the Metropolitan Opera House and ABC Television in New York City. He was a member of the crew that won the 1999-2000 Daytime Emmy Award for scenic design, art direction and stage decoration for the daytime drama, "All My Children."

Bill had a winning personality, a New York sense of humor and a warm heart. People were naturally drawn to him and loved to be around him. He was a beloved friend and family member.

A friend and co-worker recently described Bill very well when he wrote to him, "You've made an impact in my life. Our times were spent together mostly laughing but more importantly, as a wiser, older friend who has seen many of life's challenges, offering a younger man sound advice. You brought much joy to my life, while always helping me remember the really important things. You worked harder than everyone while always treating people with respect and kindness."

William was loved and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Jade, of Boise; his daughters, Sharon Pirelli, of Norristown, Pa., and Lisa Polites, of Cape May, N.J.; his son, William Polites of Bluffton, S.C., and his grandchildren, Jason Pirelli and Victoria Polites.