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William Ziegler Obituary
William "Bill" D. Ziegler III, 59, a life resident of Mountain Top, passed away Friday, Jan. 14, 2022.
Bill, the youngest child of Sue Ziegler and the late William D. Ziegler Jr., was born June 21, 1962, in Kingston.
After graduating from Crestwood High School in 1980, he went to Penn State University, graduating in 1984 with a B.S. in biology. While at Penn State, he was a member of TKE fraternity and the winner of the Phi Psi 500. He played on the Penn State ice hockey team and continued to be an avid Penn State football and ice hockey fan.
His education continued at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and he graduated with a Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree in 1988. He received his certificate in orthodontics from Eastman Dental Center, Rochester, N.Y., in 1990.
Bill opened his practice, Ziegler Orthodontics, in Mountain Top in 1991. He served as president of the Pennsylvania Dental Association and president and vice president of the Pennsylvania Association of Orthodontics. He was active in the American Association of Orthodontics. Most recently, he served on the board of directors of Penn State Hazleton.
Bill met his wife, Irene Urban, on Jan. 15, 1999, and they were married a year later on Jan. 15, 2000. Their love story was featured on TLC's "The Wedding Story," where they skied down the mountain at Eagle Rock Ski Resort, Bill in his top hat and Irene in her double bustled wedding dress. They were blessed with four wonderful children: Will (20), Ben (17), Cat (16) and Hannah (15), who were the lights of his life. Many might say Irene had five children, if you count Bill, who was the perpetual kid at heart. His family, immediate and extended, was his life.
Bill epitomized what it meant to live life to the fullest, never missing an opportunity or experience. He shared two favorite phrases through word or deed: "It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission," and "You're not having fun until you get a verbal warning!" Bill embodied these life mottos by always stopping to experience what others might let pass them by. He encouraged those around to get involved and join him in these experiences too.
Bill possessed a special gift of not only seeing the good in people, but bringing out the best in everyone.
Bill's friends were also his family. He shared his love of adventure with both his family and friends through the various places in which he brought people together: his home, the lake, the beach, the mountains and more. In these places, Bill always created environments filled with love and joy by providing his friends and family opportunities to experience something they maybe would never have had the chance to try - such as snow skiing, boating, tubing, jet skiing, water skiing, wake boarding, skating, tennis, tailgating and a plethora of other fun-filled activities.
Bill is survived by his wife, Irene; children, Will, Ben, Catherine and Hannah; mother, Sue Ziegler; sisters, Dani (Ken) Durham and Shelly (Dan) Onorato; nieces and nephews, Alex (Jennifer), David and Jonathan Durham; Kate (Mike Bedrin), Emily (goddaughter) and Danny Onorato; Ryan, Madalyn, Nicole; Peter and Eve Urban; brothers-in-law; sisters-in law; and aunt, Nancy.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to CTE (concussionfoundation.org - "GiveNow" tab) or a check payable to the Ziegler Memorial Scholarship Fund sent to Crestwood School District, 281 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, PA 18707, where a memorial scholarship for a graduating male and female tennis player will be established.
A celebration of life will be held with a Mass at noon Saturday in St. Jude Church, Mountain Top. Friends and family may call from 9 a.m. to service time.
McCune Funeral Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Ziegler
Shayna
February 10, 2025
Wow I´m just seeing this and I am disbelief I´m so saddened by this my name is Shayna and bill was my orthodontist I thank him for the amazing work he did on my teeth may he rest in internal peace
Henry Williams
August 7, 2024
I just learned of Bill's passing, and it saddens me that It has been over two years and I took for granted that not receiving his phone call the last couple of years regarding US Open tickets was due to him just being to busy to go. My condolences to the family, he was a good man to me and my family. The US open will never be the same.
Tammy E Brink
February 14, 2024
I'm am so saddened to see Dr Zeiglers passing. He took the best care of my son back in the 2000s and I hope he knows what a wonderful influence he was on him. So kind and patient. Forever in our hearts. Condolences to his family and friends.
Daniel Garrett
January 27, 2023
Daniel Garrett
January 27, 2023
Daniel Garrett
January 27, 2023
Bill, my friend and brother from different mothers. I still can´t bring it into focus there won´t be another crazy episode of the Dan and Bill show we seem to put together every time we got together. I miss ya and everyone whose life you touch can say the same thing. That´s a life worth celebrating. Love ya man!!
Rita Warner
July 18, 2022
Our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved ones today and always.
Alice Devers
March 22, 2022
I just learned of his passing this morning. I am so sorry. He took care of my autistic son who he was just wonderful with. He was wonderful with all of his patients. So sorry.
Scott Espe
February 22, 2022
It is with a, heavy, heavy heart that I have learned of the passing of "Billy". With Greatest Respect and Sympathy. God Bless you all.
S. O.
February 8, 2022
I just heard this awful news. I am a former patient of his. He treated me back in the late 90s and even to this day, I remember what a warm and kind person he was and how comfortable I felt in his office. He genuinely cared and wanted to make a difference. I am so sorry to hear and to his family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss.
The Kondraski Family
February 3, 2022
Reading through these memories brings both I smile and a tear to my eyes. Bill always had a big smile on his face. He was energetic and fun, always ready for a new adventure. I'm thankful we had the opportunity to know him. I'm so sorry that he is gone way too soon. I pray for his family to be strong and for their hearts to heal. May his memory live on and on. There was certainly no one quite like Bill. He will be missed!!
Mike Rawls
January 31, 2022
Sorry to just hear of this sad news! I was on the Crestwood track team with Bill. He was a freshman, I was a senior. I believe we were the only distance runners. So, I only knew him through running over the years. He seemed to be always upbeat when I would occassionally run into him. My condolences to his family!
Deb Bolus
January 30, 2022
Dear Irene, Will, Ben, Cat and Hannah,
As you know, we are all in shock and heartbroken. Bill was a great friend to me for over 2 decades, a fun loving, adventurous “uncle” to Nick, Dr. Z to Danny and friend to John. There is no one on the planet more loved and more fun than Bill. He was the glue that kept all sorts of groups of people together. His presence made everyone happy and better for knowing him. He will be greatly missed. Our community will never be the same. And our condolences to Shelly and Dani and their families. Much love and prayers, Deb, John, Nick and Danny
❤❤
Aleta
January 29, 2022
Dear Shelly,
So very sorry & sad that you have lost your Brother. I remember him when in grammar school (as his art teacher). Condolences to your Mom. XO
Barbara Gimble
January 29, 2022
I would like to offer my condolences to Dr. Zigler`s family I had the pleasure of knowing him through his orthodontics business my three children went to him for their braces we had many laughs because my three children were probably the only ones in the valley Who wanted gold braces Dr.Z Did locate them and put them on for my three children ... I will always remember the great conversations of basketball which my three children played and sports.I also remember the excitement he expressed with the marriage of him and his wife on the ski slopes . I will always remember him and his infectious smile. May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family
Eric Van Reet
January 25, 2022
I moved to Mountaintop when I was 12, a few houses away from the Ziegler family in Briar Brook. William and I became friends soon after that and he is someone I considered a brother in a sense. He introduced me into cross country, I introduced him to hockey. Tennis was out of the question, I couldn't compete at that level. We spent a lot of time at the ice-a-rama from the year it was built and many miles on the road with a car load of kids traveling to hockey games with William at the wheel. He was a great friend and being two years older than me, a mentor in a way. I have many great memories from that short period in our lives. Unfortunately I never knew him as Dr. Z but I'm certain he was the best in his field. He knew as a very young man he wanted to be in dentistry. My sincerest condolences to his wife and children, his mom and sisters and extended family and friends. RIP Billy.
Dale Fenstermacher
January 25, 2022
If I could've had a little brother I would've wanted one like Billy Z. My sympathy as well as that of my older sister Brenda and my older brother Brent go out to his family.
Bruno QUENTIN
January 24, 2022
I'm so sad. Billy was my neighbor at Mountaintop and one of my best freind when i lived in the States from 1969 to 1975. Many memories come back to me.
Stewart Hatchell
January 24, 2022
I played hockey with Bill when I first moved to nepa from Canada. I will always remember his happy go lucky demeanour his star burned quickly and bright. God speed Ziggy.
Doralyn and Jim Moody
January 23, 2022
Sue and the rest of your family. I have no words to tell you how shocked and sorry I am for your loss. We have known you and your family for so many years in so many happy contexts that it seems unbelievable that Bill is no longer here. So many people will miss him. Just to let you know that you are in our thoughts and we share your sorrow.
Barbara & John King
January 23, 2022
Our heartfelt condolences.
Alan & Catherine Zurawski
January 22, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to Irene, Will, Ben, Hannah and Catherine and all who loved Bill on this heartbreaking loss. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace.
Charles Nudo
January 22, 2022
I graduated with Billy in 1980 from Crestwood. He always was an upbeat, cheerful guy, who would talk to anyone- walking around with a gym bag full of gear all the time. He was in every sport and club you could think of. Athletic, smart, driven, ambitious, popular, well liked. Regards to his beautiful family, I'm very sorry for your loss. Very sad. RIP Billy.
Daniel & Shelley Garrett
January 22, 2022
Daniel & Shelley Garrett
January 22, 2022
Daniel & Shelley Garrett
January 22, 2022
If I could count how many drops of rain that fell to the earth today, this week or this month, that number would fall below the number of people Bill Ziegler 3rd made smile for he was that kind of guy and he's going to be sadly missed by those of us who were lucky enough to have him in our lives.
Crystal Hicks
January 21, 2022
We are very saddened to hear about the loss of a wonderful guy. So sorry for your loss. Bill was my children's orthodontist and he will live on every time they smile. He was a very wonderful man! He will be greatly missed. Our Deepest Sympathy to the Ziegler family.
Joe Stanitis
January 21, 2022
I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Bills passing. I have many fond memories of playing ice hockey with him in many competitive leagues. Not only was he a great player but also a great friend off the ice as well for many years. My thoughts & prayers are to his family during this most difficult time.
Mark Evans
January 21, 2022
When you emigrate with a young family and discover Bill Ziegler and his wonderful family are your neighbors you realize you are either very lucky or blessed. As mentioned already by all Bill was one of the most friendly, welcoming and kind man you could ever wish to know. We will all miss home dearly and I´m sure everyone who knew him has a "Bill story" - or many - that we will cherish forever. Many have said he was the life and soul of the party, well I will also add he was usually last to turn up and last to leave . We are all heartbroken and shocked but our thoughts and love are all with Irene, Will, Ben, Hannah and Catherine.
RIP Dr. Z
The Evans family.
Tony And Elaine Barrese
January 21, 2022
We´re very sorry to hear about Bill´s passing. He was such a wonderful person! Please accept our sincere condolences. I know Bill from Dan Hick´s tennis league. He was one great tennis player!
Ann Ray
January 21, 2022
Sue and family: please accept my sincere condolences, I am so sorry for your loss of Bill. I know he will be sorely missed.
Laurie & David Morgan
January 21, 2022
Irene & family, Bill was a great neighbor. He was always willing to lend a hand if someone was in need. His attitude toward life was something the world could use more of. God bless you all.
Robert Kennedy
January 21, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Erik Brandt
January 21, 2022
Although I did not know Bill well, I had the pleasure of playing some squash with Bill and I can certainly say that those were some of the most enjoyable games I ever played because of his sense of humor. I heard he had that same effect on a lot of people. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Brenda and Ron Baron
January 21, 2022
We cannot tell you how sad we are to hear of Dr. Ziegler's passing. We, and all your friends at OrthoEssentials offer you our deepest sympathies. Pre-Covid, we looked forward to our vistits to the office and we will truly miss him.
Mary Ann Petrelle
January 21, 2022
My Deepest Sympathy
Mary Henry
January 21, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Bill was our children's orthodontist and he will live on every time they smile.
Daniel Fowler
January 20, 2022
So shocking and sad to hear this news about Bill. . Couldn't be a nicer, friendlier guy than he .. I had the pleasure of knowing Bill through many years of tennis playing. . My condolences to Bill's entire family and friends for such an untimely Loss.
Rick Cantor
January 20, 2022
Bill you are gone too soon. You were a presence full of humor, life , sympathy, kindness and at times mischievousness .
You were a force and the world will miss you. My condolences to your family.
Rest In Peace my friend. Love you, Rick
David Morgan
January 20, 2022
Irene and family,
Bill and I shared a love of hockey. I enjoyed our conversations over the years. He will be missed by many. God bless you all during this difficult time.
Brian and Sharla Graf
January 20, 2022
Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to you, Irene and family. Words cannot adequately express our feelings at a tender time like this Irene. We love you and Bill and have cherished our friendship that began when Bill and I were in orthodontic residency together. He's always had such a big heart! Never will we forget the night our little family popped in on single Bill on Halloween night in Rochester! I'm sure it was the first time he had ever had trick-or-treaters show up on his doorstep, haha! He graciously welcomed my little costumed kids into his apartment during a halloween party of his own, visited with us, then dug through his freezer for some frozen treats to give my little kiddos! Ah, love that Bill! Always selfless, always generous, always super friendly and engaging. He just beamed the day he introduced us to you when you came to stay with us in Utah. I love that memory of him. We know a loving Heavenly Father has embraced Bill as he entered heaven. Thanks for staying in touch through the years. We love you and are praying for you,
Brian and Sharla Graf
Jack and Judy Lee
January 20, 2022
May God Bless Bill and comfort Irene and children during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy.
Gene Aton
January 20, 2022
I went through school with Bill until graduation. Always a bright, funny, likeable, happy person. He was very academic and the envy of many, not only in education, but how he conducted his life. I enjoyed seeing him at class reunions. My condolences to the Ziegler family, a great loss for everyone. RIP my friend.
The Lehmans
January 20, 2022
We offer all of our love and sympathy to the Ziegler family. The loss of Bill will be felt by all that had the pleasure to meet or know him. He enhanced many lives and you always felt better having been with him. We will miss him and all the light he brought to the world. RIP Bill
The Reznick Family
January 20, 2022
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Bill was truly a remarkable man with a heart of gold. His kindness and compassion was known by everyone who met him. Our family was blessed to know Bill and the entire community grieves with the Ziegler family. Sending heartfelt condolences to all of you. May He Rest In Peace
Georgine Fink
January 20, 2022
My deepest sympathy to Irene and children. I've only known Bill for a year, but what an impression he made! He was so happy and full of life. My son, Brandon adored Bill. He will be deeply missed.
Jerry and Marie Uram
January 20, 2022
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Kevin and Nadine Rudd
January 20, 2022
The world lost a one-of-a-kind, great man. Nadine and I give our heartfelt condolences to Irene and the entire Ziegler family. Ziggy and I were friends since our PSU days. We had countless great times together. While in Philly he always stopped by (announced or unannounced) after his Girard College tennis lessons. I loved each of the visits - always filled with laughter. I cherished our crazy golf get-aways (the time he played tennis with Tom Cruise?) and the impressive get-away out of that dive bar. Ziggy and Irene's wedding was unforgettable - skiing down the mountain into the lodge. It was epic and quintessential Ziggy.
Ziggy will be incredibly missed, and he will forever be in our hearts. I love you man! May God grant you eternal peace and happiness.
Kevin and Nadine
Don Lunney
January 20, 2022
I am so glad I had the pleasure of having Dr. Z as a friend. He was always so kind and extremely generous. Dr. Z made the very best of any, and every situation. I will miss him dearly. I will never forget the great memories and opportunities that Dr. Z has given me. Rest in peace my friend.
The Malia Family
January 20, 2022
All our love to the Ziegler family. There are no words to describe how Bill could light up a room, spontaneous but yet there if you really needed him. When you spoke to Bill, he made you feel like you were the only one in the room, it didn't matter who you were. You will be missed immensely.
Elizabeth and Jocelyn Cussatt
January 20, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to the Ziegler family. He was such an amazing orthodontist and a very kind person. Rest in peace Dr. Ziegler.
Julie Shenyo
January 20, 2022
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ziegler and his mother. He was one of a kind, you couldn't help but smile whenever he was around. May he rest in peace.
Sue, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Judy Drabek
January 20, 2022
My heart hurts for all of you. The world lost a great man but Heaven gained one. My prayers are with all of you always.
Diane and Len Medura
January 20, 2022
Heartfelt condolences to the Ziegler family for your loss of Bill. He was a special guy and we enjoyed his friendship over the years especially through tennis but also as a colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. RIP Bill
Gary Kim and Edge
January 20, 2022
Our deepest condolences to all of The Zeigler family and extended family and friends. Anyone who had the opportunity to meet Bill will truly miss him and carry the memories with them that was created because of Bill. He ALWAYS was smiling and laughing and he was ONE OF A KIND.
May he Rest In Peace.
Michael/Elaine Caravaggio
January 19, 2022
Our condolences to Sue and the Ziegler Family ... We are very sorry for Bills passing...
Love to all of you
Caravaggio Family
HRH PRINCE ALHAYSHAIMAI
January 19, 2022
Knowing Bill Ziegler was an honor he was an amazing man with the kindest heart, always bringing out the joy in life wherever we went! We also had the pleasure and opportunity to have Bill as my children´s orthodontist and I couldn´t have asked for a better doctor. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Irene, Will, Ben, Catherine, & Hannah, as well as all those who cherished and loved him.
Deborah Piatt
January 19, 2022
My condolences to the Ziegler Family RIP Bill What a Special Person who touched so many with his smile and great personality
Matthew Stretanski
January 19, 2022
Jill, Claire, Owen and I are so appreciative of Bill and Irene´s friendship these past years. Bill´s kindness and generosity we unlimited. Much love to you all.
Lori Thomas
January 19, 2022
Our hearts are broken. The world lost a beautiful soul! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you and call a friend. You always had a free spirit, great sense of humor, and a big heart. I was blessed to have known you. God bless your beautiful family Rest In Peace Dr. Z
John Stahura
January 19, 2022
I was fortunate enough to meet Bill and his family on a trip to Africa in 2019, and saw him and Irene last year just before the holidays. Bill was so much fun to spend time with, and was simply a wonderful human being.
I am heartbroken that he is gone. My sincere condolences to Irene and to the family that loves him. RIP Bill.
The Witkowskis
January 19, 2022
1 in a million. Loved his family and friends like no one else. We will all miss you and certainly remember you...
Karen and Paul Price
January 19, 2022
We had no idea and we want to express our heartfelt sympathy to the entire family! The short time we had to know Bill he was truly an amazing person and his entire family reflects his kindness and love.
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