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William Bevich Obituary
William R. Beaver Bevich, 65, of Lehighton, died Tuesday in Allentown. He was the husband of Raelene (Melber) Bevich for 42 years. He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam era. Survivors: Son, William; daughter, Katherine Suter; three grandchildren; brothers, John, Robert, Joseph. Services: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, at the Melber Funeral Home, Jim Thorpe, followed with further services at St. Johns Church, 6th and North Streets, Jim Thorpe. Call Friday 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday noon until 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Bevich
John J. Bevich
May 5, 2008
Rae, Bill, and Kathie
To my brother, that helped give me self esteem when I was down on myself, I love you Beaver. I know we never let our self get close for a couple of years, and I'm sorry about that.
I do remember the time we took the raft trip down the lehigh river after hurricane agnes, we were the only two with out life jackets, and the time we climbed Mt. Washington. I will always remember you brother. Love Wassy.
Joe Bevich
April 29, 2008
Rae, Bill, Kathie
I miss my big brother. I miss his smile, I miss his humor. I would miss his big belly but Bill and Kathie say I have it.
Eric Suter
April 28, 2008
Thank you for having a wonderful daughter and for giving her away to me. We miss you everyday.
Kathie (Bevich) Suter
April 27, 2008
I miss my hero, my friend, my biggest cheerleader, my Dad. We talk everyday, but I don't get to hear him. I know he's around me, but I don't get to see him. I feel him near me, but I don't get to touch him. In my heart he will always be, and that is where I will keep him. I miss him everyday.
Rachel Suter (Granddaughter)
April 26, 2008
Mumma, I miss you as much as someone could. And also, I love you to the moon and back. You always made me laugh and made me giggle. You always cheered me up and made me happy. And I miss you so much I wish you could come back to Earth and live with me and Grandma to live with us too. Love, Rachel XOXO or love, Choochal XOXO.
Bill Bevich Jr.
April 26, 2008
As best as I can remember, March 31, 2007
Bill, Beaver, Private, Private First Class and then Private again, whether it was Boss, Reverend, Billy Bob, Dad, Daddy, Grumps or Mumma … we’re all here because for one reason or another we loved him and he loved all of us. However big his belly was, his heart was bigger. As we can see, this trait has obviously been passed down to his little brother, Joe.
My Dad was a “giver” not a “taker”. The only thing he wanted to take from people were their stories. And of course, he had to give out a few of his own … and as we all know, he had plenty of good ones, himself. For everyone sitting here in this church each of us has our favorite. Some of us have a very long list.
Because he always said he didn’t want people sitting around crying at his funeral, I ask each of you to remember one and to pass that story along to someone, either today or sometime next week. In the tradition of my Dad, maybe it should be a total stranger. But you’ll have to trade that story for one of their own because by the time my Dad parted ways with people they knew everything there was to know about him and he’d know theirs’. Once you met him, you knew him and you liked him. He piled up “friends” like college students pile up laundry. Isn’t that right, Ben?
Nothing was ever handed to my dad. He had to work for everything he got. As I so remember, he got up every morning to go to work so we could eat our ice cream and ride our bikes yadda yadda yadda. Even as a child he had to work to just gather up enough coal to heat the house. But I can’t say he didn’t like work. He did. For thirty plus years before he finally retired. Even then, work was so engrained into his psyche’ that he decided to go back for a couple more years.
A strong work ethic was something he made sure he passed down to his kids. It was important to him. What I personally believe was his best trait he passed down to Kathie and I was his love for life. Live life to the fullest because you never know when that life may end. But in doing so, you can have as much fun as possible without hurting others. Better yet … bring some joy into someone else’s life. So when you tell that stranger, later this week, your “Bill” story or your “Beaver” story or your “Reverend Billy Bob” story or your “Grumps” story, make sure the person you’re telling that story to smiles. My Dad would have liked that. It was everything he was about.
He loved life, we all know that. I want everyone to know how hard he fought so he could stick around and stay with us for a little while longer. He never gave up. It wasn’t in him to quit or to give up.
…
And to close, my Mom and both myself and my sister, the Golden Child will miss him deeply.
Jake Bevich
March 28, 2008
Mumma, Cue Ball, Grumps, Pillow Belly I wish you were here so you could watch my football, lacrosse, baseball, and basketball games. I love you so much!
Christine Lawlor
March 27, 2008
Dear Rae, Kathie, and Billy,
There was one person in the entire world that called me Tina. That individual was your Dad. I cherish the nickname still to this day. I am fortunate to have so many wonderful memories of your Dad and the entire family. Even though years have gone by, the Bevich Family remains close to my heart. Your Dad had a super smile, great sense of humor, and a tremendous heart.
Love,
Christine
Robert Bevich
March 25, 2008
Dear Rae, Billy, and Kathie,
We all miss your dad a lot. He always had a way to make people smile. He definitely had a way with people, I even remember when he got pop to drink a beer. I always enjoyed playing him in golf because he was easy to beat but that never seemed bother him. I will miss seeing him at Platz's or at the legion when I am tending bar. He is never far from my thoughts.
Gimper
JoAnn Monaco
March 17, 2008
I was sad to hear the news of Bill Bevich joining God. I remember the day I found out he had cancer I went with him alone to the hardware store. There were individuals by the traffic lights collecting money for cancer. He stopped at one of the lights gave a contribution and laughingly said Oh, I have cancer too. I didn’t realize the cancer situation but brought up Little Miss Sunshine to watch that night which everyone was uplifted a little that night. I planned on seeing him after that night but unfortunately I planned it a few weeks too late.
I was lucky because when I was diagnosed Bill was an individual who would bring my spirits up. He would find out how I was doing, what was going on, and keep an uplifting attitude when he talked to me. I was treated as a normal human being, which can be unusual during treatment with no hair and fatigue. He talked and joked whenever I saw him which made me feel happy in a time my spirits could have been down.
I am so thankful to meet someone who changed me to a happy soul when I needed it.
Joe Mastermonico
March 12, 2008
i remember meeting your dad for the first time in vicenza italy my thoughts were here is one crazy guy. as time went on i discovered this man knew no strangers. few people you meet in life are special. you go thru life beiing lucky if you cn count your friends on one hand. bill was on my one hand. a very special person. the days in the field the rides in the country side in the jeep and one evening as the sun set on the alps casting a red glow over the snow in the distance his words " stop let me store this in my memory". he really had a gentle side. the fun and the laughs were not all bill was about. he had a serious side. his devotion to his wife and family. i was with him when he picked up the painting he had made of rae the look in his eye was of love. for her. the trips to summit hill jersey and lehighton were great times. the trip to the worlds fair with ray stickradt to complete the trio. i still havent gotten over losing my friend. was a pleasure to spend so much time with him.
joe
Gerrie and Sonny Petro
March 12, 2008
We have lost your existence, but never will we lose our precious memories of you.
Jackson Suter (grandson)
March 11, 2008
mumue i mas you i wesh you ware stll her sow i can show you my ked riting jrnal
that wad be thare col and
i love you iove
jackson gramom mis you
to...
(Mumma, I miss you. I wish you were still here so I can show you my kid writing journal. That would be very cool and I love you. Love Jackson. Grandmom misses you too...
Raymond Borelli
March 11, 2008
Raelene via KBS,
Ann and I appreciate your email and a chance to tell your mom that our thoughts and prayers remain with her and her family.
It was many many decades ago that we were all soldiers in Vicenza, Italy with the 560th Signal Battalion, US Army.
It seemed funny that we were out in the snow for Army maneuvers in Italy since we all thought of Italy as being SUNNY ITALY. Then there was a brief period of time when we had to remove the tops of all of our vehicles while we drove to the country side when it was raining. It is funny now but it was not then.
We have many warm thoughts about our "BB" outing at Myrtle Beach, SC two years back. Who would have thought of all of us old men wearing T-SHIRTS with our names remembering how we did PT as soldiers in Italy--
We have sent a special card to you mom--give her our love.
CIAO form "BB" It will always be a secret as to what "BB" MEANS.
Raymond F. Borelli (Captain back then)
Soldier Retired
Art Verpent
March 11, 2008
Dear Rae, Billy, Kathie & Eric
We were greatly saddened by the news of your fathers passing. We will always remember you all as great neighbors.
It was a little scary at that first party when Bill/your Dad set up a funeral tent, introduced us to his Angelo (who was in the cement business) and dug a hole (fortunately it was for mud wrestling). But you all turned out to be the best neighbors one could have. Bill/your dad was a warm, kind person with a great sense of humor. We remember all the times he kept us from yard work by getting us to sit back and chill in the driveway to the time he visited Melynda and Jon dressed as Santa. Even though he moved away he kept us laughing with his emails filled with his philosophical tales and political pieces, of course with a Republican spin. I always wondered did the Pope write back?
I could go one but for sure we will miss him and we are proud to have called him a friend.
We are all very sorry for yours and the loss to all of us who knew and loved him. Keep in touch and do stop by if you are ever in the neighborhood.
Feel free to post our thoughts if you wish, and can do so, as Bill/your dad was the best!
Art, Debi, Melynda & Jon
George Magyar
March 11, 2008
Rae and family,
Just became aware of Bill's passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. He was an individual who enjoyed everything he did and a loving father and husband...He will be missed...
Denise Bevich
December 29, 2007
I will always remember when Uncle Beaver and Aunt Rae took me skiing. We all went down a slope that was a Black Diamond at Big Boulder. Beaver went straight down, Rae went side to side, and I went down sitting.
I also remember going for a hike down the switchback trail with Beaver and Rae. I remember that he actually found a railroad spike from the switchback that day. He was a great uncle and I will miss him a lot.
Love, Denise (not De Nephew)
Kimberley Patufka-Perez
December 14, 2007
Well what memory of Mr. Bevich does not cause me to laugh, none. He was the nicest and funniest neighbor to have at my back door.
What a beautiful prayer he did at my wedding. Remember it was last minute because Nanny Moo had the stroke the day before. But Mr. Bevich came through with a beautiful prayer and grace to start my wedding off. I love him for that wonderful memory.
I'll always remember the beer cans on the fence. And oh my God, when he fell off the roof, and all the dads in the neighborhood finally realized they were too old to do that anymore. And the ride through Runyon when he jumped up at the truck window and scared us as my dad was telling the story of the NJ Devil (I got a fishing hook in my leg that night).
Oh and the neighborhood barbecues, what fun they were. And how funny was Mr. Bevich's parking?
You were a great family to grow up with. Thank you for so many great childhood memories. Mr. Bevich will be missed very much. May God Bless him and all of you always!
Sorry for calling him Mr. Bevich, but I just don't feel right calling him Bill. As you know I still call you Mrs. Bevich.
I love you all, Kim
Kathie Suter
July 5, 2007
As Father's Day has come and gone, along with some other holidays, I am missing my Dad as much today as the day he was taken away. The entries in this book are a testament to him and the person he was and continues to be.
Bob Bevich Jr.
May 8, 2007
Not a day goes by that Uncle Beaver doesn't pop into my head.. usually a fun memory of something he did to make me laugh. I'm glad that I have those memories to share and so many stories to tell. I will miss hearing him refer to me and my oldest sister as "Denise and Da Nephew."
To Rae, Billy, Kathie, and the rest of the fam: You're in our thoughts, and we wish you all the best through this tough time.
With love, Robert & Becka.
IVORY & ALICE WASHINGTON
April 27, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY, BILL BEVICH WAS A GOOD MAN HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTEN.
Craig Daniel
April 10, 2007
Raelene, Billy and Kathy,
I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. He was one of the good Guys, He helped me out a lot during my time at delco. I am sure he will be missed by all, family and friends alike. God Bless
Violet Gusick-Klotz
April 10, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Grace Newman
April 9, 2007
Dear Raelene -- During the few times we've been together in the past months it was very apparent that both you and Bill were very warm, generous and fun to be with! So we were so sad to hear of his passing. Please let me/us know if you need anything at all -- a listening ear or two, hugs, help with indoor, outdoor maintenance, etc. And, unlike Tom, I don't need the beer!
Michael "Max" Novak
April 7, 2007
To the entire Bevich family:
"Billy Bob" was a good personal friend,outstanding traveling companion,and always a joy to be with(or without!).I really will miss the trouble we used to get into and our many trips with co-workers and Rae.Bill Jr. and Kathy,I hope you realize how proud and humbled Bill was with both of you,and always joked as to how we raised such good kids as nuts as we were! And Rae, please still consider the trip to Florida, as it at least will be the first time we can all all get drunk without Bill and talk about him!(I know Bill and "Hop Sing" will be listening).
Rest in Peace Bill, and "yes", Max and many others will miss you!
Max
Cathy & Norm Lane
April 7, 2007
Dear Raeline,
We're so sorry for your loss of Bill. He was such a fun guy! We'll miss seeing him out there on the mower and calling us over for drinks! If there's anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Sefcik
April 7, 2007
To Bill's Family,
You won't remember me, my father is Bernadette and Tommy's cousin on their mom's side and they are your cousins on Bill's side. I was too little to remember the Bevich family members, and it has been years since the "affairs" at Bernadette & Al's home on Cedar St., so you wouldn't remember me either. Although with modern technology, I have been emailing with Bill for several years, and I too will miss his many interesting and entertaining emails. No matter if it was forwarded to me by Bernadette, or he sent it to me direct, I always looked forward to reading it. Once he even sent me an invite to visit him so we could talk face to face, but sadly that never happened.
Most recently, I moved from Allentown to the Pocono area. I am closer to Lehighton now, and once settled, I had planned on emailing Bill and finally accepting his offer to meet. Even though we never met "in person", I still knew Bill and will miss him. I know you have many more memories to treasure than I, so I know you will rely on them and keep them close to your heart to help you continue on.
My deepest sympathies go out to you all. I wish you better days ahead.
Sincerely,
David Sefcik
Art Verpent
April 7, 2007
Dear Rae, Billy, Kathie & Eric
We were greatly saddened by the news of your fathers passing. We will always remember you all as great neighbors.
It was a little scary at that first party when Bill/your Dad set up a funeral tent, introduced us to his Angelo (who was in the cement business) and dug a hole (fortunately it was for mud wrestling). But you all turned out to be the best neighbors one could have. Bill/your dad was a warm, kind person with a great sense of humor. We remember all the times he kept us from yard work by getting us to sit back and chill in the driveway to the time he visited Melynda and Jon dressed as Santa. Even though he moved away he kept us laughing with his emails filled with his philosophical tales and political pieces, of course with a Republican spin. I always wondered did the Pope write back?
I could go one but for sure we will miss him and we are proud to have called him a friend.
We are all very sorry for yours and the loss to all of us who knew and loved him. Keep in touch and do stop by if you are ever in the neighborhood.
Feel free to post our thoughts if you wish, and can do so, as Bill/your dad was the best!
Art, Debi, Melynda & Jon
Tom Newman
April 7, 2007
Raeline: Grace & I are here for you. When you need something done, don't hesitate. Some guys will do anything for a free beer.I'm one of those guys.
Preston & Camille Spence
April 7, 2007
Our heart goes out to the family.God will comfort you and you are in our prayers. God bless you.
Susie Dallas
April 6, 2007
Remembering a wonderful man with sparkling eyes, a great sense of humor, and a contagious laugh. You and your family are in my prayers!
Scotty Daniel
April 5, 2007
Raelene, Billy and Kathy,
I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. He was a good man and helped me with quite a few things during our time together at "Delco". I am sure he will be missed by a lot of people, family and friends alike. God Bless
Ron Breiner
April 5, 2007
I will a;ways remember the good times we had in the last few years. If you need anything "please" call and I will help anyway I can.
Ron
Heather Founds
April 5, 2007
Deep Sympathy to the family. Beaver will be sadly missed.
Love,
Heather & Dean
(Rita Marie's
daughter)
Cousin Shelly
April 5, 2007
Raeleen,Kathy,Bill My heart is truly sad Beaver was a great man and he will be truly missed.I cant imagine an event without his wonderful smile....
Ernie Blankenship
April 5, 2007
Rae;
Sorry about Bill's passing.
Bill was a great friend and buddy and I truly enjoyed our friendship during and since our Army days, in Italy.
Enjoyed our annual get togethers and hope you will continue to join us on these annual events.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Rita Marie (Peel)Cavanaugh(in 8 days..)
April 5, 2007
Raelene & Family,
Words,cannot express how much,we will miss Beaver and his emails.We are still going to keep in touch with you,Realene,through Beavers email.I was wondering,why we did not hear from Beaver,in like 2 weeks.We want you to keep in touch with us Raelene.If you change the email address,that we were writing to Beaver at,please let us know.,because you will always be a part of us,forever.We are stiill dealing with CAV's cancer and also wanted to let you know,that we will be getting married on Friday,April 13th at high noon.Hang in there Raelene and kids and know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers..
We miss you lots,Beaver and always will.R.I.P.You will never be forgotten,by us..
Love you,
Love,
Rita Marie & CAV
Bill Tomasetti
April 4, 2007
Rae, Bill Jr., Kathy
Bill was a friend who loved life
and we will miss him. He is in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Judy Tomasetti
Dick and Ginny Suter
April 4, 2007
Dear Raelene, Kathie, and Bill,
It is with great sadness that we write this message to you today. We really knew Bill the best through you, Kathie. Your dad and mother will always have our greatest esteem for the lovely daughter that they raised you to be. Your thoughtfulness, your sense of humor, your ENERGY, and your great goodness...the wonderful way you embrace people in your life, constantly putting yourself out to help others...these qualities were learned from your father and your mother. Together, these qualities defined their lives. Now, together, you are Bill's living legacy. You will each find your strength, your courage, and your will to go on through remembering...and through your faith in Christ, Who is our hope. You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we will see Bill living on here in each one of your lives. God bless you always. With deepest sympathy,
Jim Hagopian
April 4, 2007
Raelene, Kathy and Bill
My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
He will be missed.
Dennis Bryson
April 3, 2007
Mrs Raelene,Bill
We extend our sympathy to you. I know of the feelings. But hold tight to God's unchanging hand. Bill is the one that hired me into the apprenticeship program.I'll never forget him.
Dennis,Linda Bryson
Bill Humber
April 3, 2007
To the Bevich Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will surely be missed. It was a wonderful service. God Bless Bill Humber
Vincent Conti
April 3, 2007
Raelene & Family I am very sorry to hear about Bill he was a friend and i enjoyed working with him when I was Union President we would disagree and fight but at the end of the day we were still friends take care, Vince
Steve Chubrick
April 3, 2007
To all the Bevich family my prayers are with you Bill was my boss for quite a while and a great friend I will surelly miss him.GOD BLESS.
Cindy & Kurt Laufer
April 3, 2007
Dear Rae, Kathie and Billy,
We loved your dad very much and will miss him greatly. We will always treasure all the outrageously fun times we all
shared. Way too many to mention!!
RON PALUZZI
April 3, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
I worked with Bill over 30 years he was a joy to know, he had a great wit about life. He will be missed.
Edward and Linda Karecki
April 3, 2007
We are sorry to hear of Bills passing he will be remembered by many people some good some bad but as he would say it comes with the job. His intrest in GM/DELPHI was more than a job it was Bills life He loved to argue and fight with the union Reps. but would always invite them for a beer afterwords. May God Bless Bill and His Family .
Isa Shabazz
April 3, 2007
To Rae,BB jr., and Kathy
Sorry I was not able to attend the services for Dad, I was out of town on business and would have had to drive all night to get there.
Bill was a good man and meant a whole lot to me as well as others. I have very fond memories of Bill both on a professional & personal. He gave me a chance and hired me in 1986 at Delco. I was young and stupid and he should have fired me for some of the things I done while I was employed there. He gave me a heart to heart talk and gave me a second chance which helped to catipult me into the position that I am in today. i remember the story he always told about how he got his pony tail cut off(smile Rae). He always talked about his family and the wonderful grandchildren. Rev. billy Bob you will be missed but we all know you are in a better place now.
Isa & Family
Alison Richardson
April 2, 2007
We are so sorry for your loss. Memories are like leaves of gold, They never tarnish or grow old.
Katherine (Bevich) Suter
April 2, 2007
To all of my Dad's family and friends who have left such kind words, thank you. He would love to be remembered in print! He was a wonderful person and a fantastic husband, father and friend. He will be missed greatly by all who know him, and by my brother, myself, and my Mom.
leon &mary polites
March 30, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Mayor
March 30, 2007
Dear Aunt Rae,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Colin and Anita. Levitt
March 30, 2007
With Heartfelt Sympathy Raelene Billy Kathie and all the family at this sad time, thinking of you all.
Jayne Smith
March 30, 2007
Dear Rayleen,
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michelle (Cousin Tom's Daughter) Bevich
March 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Stephanie Bevich
March 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Thomas Bevich
March 30, 2007
Raelene, Katherine and Bill
We were very sad to hear about Bill. We pray that you all will find peace and comfort in loving memories of your time together.
Cousin Tom & Tommye Anne Bevich
Kathy Bevich
March 30, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you.
Bernadette & Al Lane
March 29, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
CHRIS NOVAK
March 29, 2007
DEAR RAE, BILLY & KATHY,
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE PASSING OF BILL. OUR LOVE AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.
CHRIS & MIKE NOVAK
Grace Navin
March 29, 2007
Raelene & Family...very sorry to hear of Bill's passing...I've very fond memories of the two of you and my mother Shirlee Witherow from Summit Hill....what treasured memories I recall...my sympathy to you and the family...affectionately...
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