William Ronaldson Jorden

William Ronaldson Jorden ("Bill"), age 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 15, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.
Bill was born in 1937 to Thomas and Margaret Jorden in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He grew up in Bridgeport and graduated from McKinley High School in 1957. At 16, Bill joined the Army National Guard, serving for 8 years, including active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He later moved to Chicago, pursued his education, and became a diesel mechanic. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart and the woman who would be his life partner for nearly 70 years - Sylvia Beznoska.
Bill and Sylvia made their home on a small farm in Unionport, Ohio, a place filled with some of the most cherished memories of their lives. It was there they welcomed six children (three boys and three girls) and built a life grounded in love, hard work, and family.
Blessed with a gifted, mechanical mind, Bill was awarded the Detroit Diesel Craftsman's Guild Award in 1969. In pursuit of new opportunities for his family, the Jordens relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1973. There, Bill began working for Arizona Public Service and remained with the company until his retirement in 2000.
Bill's love for all things mechanical continued well beyond his professional life. He had a deep affection for antiques (especially tools) and delighted in restoring forgotten objects to their original beauty. Friends often brought him odds and ends; within weeks, Bill would return them as if brand new, along with a lovingly detailed history of each piece. To his grandchildren, his workshop was nothing short of magical, a place of discovery, learning, and wonder.
Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and a remarkable sense of humor. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia Jorden, and their six children: Pat Jorden, Beth Jorden, Lisa Jorden Beauchemin (Phil), Anthony Jorden, Dawn Jorden-Nader (Mike), and Shawn Jorden. He is also remembered with love by his nine grandchildren: Daniel Clayton, Anna Cornell, Ashly Cornell, Charlie Scolari, Gaby Jorden Lutz, Jacob Nader, Gavin Nader, Hailey Langille, and William Jorden.
A memorial service will be held July 5th 11:00am at St Joseph Catholic Church, 11001 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, Az 85028.