William Francis Dillhoefer

1919 - 2016

DILLHOEFER, William Francis

Cherished husband, father, uncle and friend, died of natural causes on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at 97 years of age.

A member of the "Greatest Generation," Bill was born on March 22, 1919, in Cleveland, OH. He was the second of three children of Elizabeth Snyder of Minneapolis, MI, and Edwin Mathias Dillhoefer of Cleveland, OH. Bill grew up in Cleveland and New Jersey. He graduated from La Salle Military Academy in Long Island, NY, and the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. After college, Bill relished his position as a relief dispatcher for Pan American Airways, and he travelled the world. However, a young woman from Alaska caught his heart, and Bill married Cecilia Louise Thibodeau in Seattle, WA, on November 22, 1952. Two years later, the couple moved to South Pasadena, and then to San Marino in 1956, where they raised five children. An executive for Leaseways Truck Leasing for over 32 years, Bill was also a dedicated member of the Vernon Rotary Club. He loved an early tee-time on Saturday mornings, football -- especially Notre Dame matches, basketball, and baseball. He had an ear for fine music and savored the Hollywood Bowl. To all to knew Bill, he was charming, affable, and witty, ready with a good joke. He was devoted to his wife, his faith, and his family.

Bill was preceded in death five years ago by his beloved wife of 58 years. Just four weeks ago, his treasured son, David, died on August 21, 2016. Bill is survived by his daughter, Ann Bussard (Steven) of Pasadena, and his sons, Bill, Jr., of Bend, OR, Matthew of Pasadena, and Edwin of San Clemente. Bill is also survived by his two grandsons, Ryan (24) and Joseph (20) Bussard. He was a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews across the country.

A Rosary will be held at the Cabot and Sons Chapel, 27 Chestnut Street, Pasadena, on Wednesday, September 21, at 7:00 pm, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saints Felicitas and Perpetua Church, 1190 Palomar Road, San Marino, on Thursday, September 22, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul http://www.svdpla.org/thriftstore 800-974-3571 and Children's Hospital Los Angeles http://www.chla.org.