WILLIAM A. COSGROVE GEISLER

GEISLER
WILLIAM A. COSGROVE
Peacefully passed January 8, 2018, surrounded by his family. He grew up in Mt. Lebanon, the pride of his parents, William and Catherine. He worked hand digging house foundations and at a slaughter house to help support them through the Depression. He joined the Navy at 17 and was part of the early occupation of Japan. His World War II stories sounded more like Hogans Heroes than The Longest Day but he would spin colorful stories for anyone who'd listen. After the war he was the first of his family to graduate from college with a degree in engineering from Pitt. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Ruefle (Shaler) and was married for 50 years before her death in 2007. He was employeed at J&L Steel and Howard Hanna before his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, and his Steelers. His mind remained sharp and he would read the newspaper and watch the news every day to make sure he could advise his children. He is survived by his four children: son James Francis Geisler, wife Karen (Sekely), their daughters Manda and Sierra; daughter Victoria Geisler, her daughter Hailey Myers, and partner Ed Zavatchen, and their daughter Zoey; daughter Leslie Geisler Geier, husband Dan, son Ben, and late daughter Elora, and stepchildren Wendy Ruano, husband Andres, and children Gabriel and Samuel, Michael Geier, wife Kristen, and daughters Abby and Ruth and Tim Geier, wife Lyndsay, and children David and Elora; son William (Jay) Geisler, wife Jennie (Korn), and daughters Grace and Emma; Bill's late brother Thomas Geisler, his wife Gloria; brother Donald Geisler, wife Emily; and his numerous loving nieces and nephews. Anyone who knew Bill, knew him as a dog lover. He would repeat in depth conversations that he had with his dog and the advice he had gotten.He is survived by his dog Zella. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Animal Friends would be appreciated. There will be a memorial service at 10 a.m. on January 20, 2018, at the Christ Episcopal Church, 5910 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (church located behind the old Northway Mall). Lunch will directly follow the service. Arrangements entrusted to RJ SLATER IV FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 724-335-0100, New Kensington, PA.
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