Colonel William T. Deasy

In Loving Memory of Colonel (Ret.) William T. Deasy
Colonel (Ret.) William ("Bill") T. Deasy, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and distinguished U.S. Army veteran, brother, friend and mentor, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 19, 2024. A man of steadfast faith, unwavering dedication, and boundless love, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy that touched countless lives.
Born in 1936, Bill Deasy embraced a life rooted in service and purpose. His deep Catholic faith guided him from his seminary education through high school to his lifelong commitment to his faith and sense of duty. He was a proud graduate of the University of San Francisco, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in 1958 and a Master of Arts in 1971.
Bill Deasy dedicated over 29 years to the U.S. Army, serving with honor and distinction. A combat veteran, he answered the call of duty with bravery and skill, completing two tours in Vietnam, as well as served important peacetime tours of duty including two tours in Germany and numerous deployments. His impressive military career included graduating from the Military Intelligence Career and Counter Intelligence Courses ('65), the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College ('70), and the U.S. Army War College ('81).
He held esteemed leadership positions, including Division G2 at Fort Riley, Commander of the 1st Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Huachuca, Deputy Chief of Staff of Intelligence for the Berlin Brigade, Commander of the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade in Stuttgart, and G2 of the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg. His dedication to his country inspired several of his children and grandchildren to follow in his footsteps, proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Beyond his military achievements, Bill Deasy's greatest pride and joy was his family. He shared 66 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Barbara J. Deasy, and together they raised four children: Stephen J. Deasy, Carolyn A. (Deasy) Petry, Gary M. Deasy, and Elizabeth M. Deasy. He is survived by his wife and children, and two of his five siblings, Robert "Bob" Deasy and Kathi Klopfenstein. He was the proud grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 6, delighting in their achievements and nurturing their dreams.
A lover of the outdoors, Bill Deasy taught his family to find God's presence in nature through cherished camping trips around the globe, hikes in serene landscapes, and moments of awe captured through camera lenses or etched in memory.
In his later years, Bill Deasy channeled his devotion to faith and service into missionary efforts, providing support to incarcerated individuals serving life sentences. He was an active member of the Catholic Serra Club, enjoyed weekly golf outings trying to reduce his handicap with his good friends in Carmel Valley, and shared this talent by coaching the golf team for Palma High School, inspiring young athletes with his wisdom and encouragement.
Bill Deasy lived by simple but profound principles: Peace, Joy, Happiness. It's all he ever asked for, and all we ever need. His enduring legacy of love, service, and faith continues to inspire all who knew him.
A rosary vigil and tribute will be held at Struve & Laporte Funeral Home in Salinas, CA on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Spreckels, CA, with a reception to immediately follow in the church hall. A military burial with full honors will be held at the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, CA on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your local Alzheimer's chapter, or to a charity dear to him, Dorothy's Kitchen/Dorothy's Place in Salinas, CA.
Rest in peace, Bill Deasy. You will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.