William F. Reese

William F. Reese, 93, a life resident of the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp.

Born Feb. 25, 1929, he was the son of Niles and Anna Cunningham Reese. He attended Coughlin High School and was employed as a dock worker by the former Fowler, Dick and Walker for 34 years and later by Boscov's for 28 years.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 and served in Korea with the military police. In 1954, he was chosen to serve as honor guard for President Eisenhower. He served four years during the Korean War and later enlisted and served in the Army reserves for five years.

He worked for the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission as a timekeeper for both professional boxing and wrestling. He was a timekeeper for the national televised boxing championship between Larry Holmes and Lucien Rodriguez. He treasured all of his photos with the pros. Bill also coached Little League and teener league baseball in Parsons and umpired high school games for many years.

He belonged to many bowling leagues and was a member of the Parsons Anchor Club. Bill was a lifetime Dodger fan and a loyal Coughlin High School fan following all sports. Most importantly, he loved his family and his country. He was patriotic and wished to be laid to rest in his military uniform (you got your wish, Daddy).

He was married for 63 years to the love of his life, the former Joan Smith, who passed away in 2019. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and John; and his beloved dog, Daytona.

Surviving are his daughters, Debra Pesotski and her husband, Ed; and Sharon Segeda and her husband, Thomas; grandchildren, Eddie, Jeffrey and Billy Pesotski; and Tommy and Kelly Segeda; great-granddaughter, Lilianna Nesbitt Segeda; nieces, Maureen Hudson, Mollie Riley, Nancie Griffiths and Jackie Reese; nephew, Jim Smith; and extended family, Joe Davis, Christal Kelly, Marissa Kenzakoski and Mary Nesbitt.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Geisinger at Home for their excellent and compassionate care.

The funeral will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, 159 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Plains Twp. Interment with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains Twp. Friends may call Monday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Condolences can be sent at eblakecollins.com.