William J. Parks

William J. "Bill" Parks, 87, passed away on September 10, 2025, at the H. John Heinz III Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Aspinwall, PA.
He is survived by his wife Helen, of 48 years; daughter Jennifer Fitzpatrick; stepsons; Chris Episcopo (Evelyn) and Paul Episcopo (late Toinette); cherished grandchildren, Xavier, Delaney and Teigen Fitzpatrick, Nicole and Amanda Episcopo; sister in law, Kathryn Kertis.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Bertha Pukacs (Budai); sisters Leona Kirkendall, Barbara Gregord, Jeanne Graham, Elsie Kirkendall, Florence Levkus, Arlene Link and Sylvia Edwards, as well as their families, including many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was proud to be born and raised in Homestead, PA. He was the youngest of eight children and the only boy. After Bill graduated from Homestead High School in 1956, he enlisted in the Air Force. He would go on to spend nearly two decades in the service, in both the Airforce and Navy, during which time he traveled throughout Europe and Asia. He worked as an electrician on the USS Coral Sea during the Vietnam War.
Upon leaving the service in 1976, he met his wife Helen and they bought a home in Elliott, near West End Overlook in Pittsburgh. Bill took great pride in his home, and loved to work outdoors. He enjoyed being around people. He and was well known at many local establishments in the Elliott and Crafton neighborhoods.
After his retirement from the Pittsburgh Brewing Company in 2001, he kept busy. He worked for many years as a food pantry volunteer at then St. Martin's Parish in Crafton Heights. Bill was extremely proud of his family and never missed a family reunion. There was no greater joy for him than being a "Grandpap" and he helped to raise his grandchildren well into his 80's, never passing up a chance to spend time with them.
His family extends a sincere and heartfelt thanks to the caring and truly amazing staff at the H. John Heinz III Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was well known and loved by many there, which was no surprise. He made the staff laugh often and enjoyed attending activities. Dementia may have stolen many of his precious memories but never his sense of humor and care-free way of life.
He will be greatly missed by those that had the privilege to know and love him. Services and internment private.
Professional services entrusted to Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238; www.thomasmsmithfuneralhome.com.