William L. Mrozenski

William L. Mrozenski, 88, of Latrobe, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2016, at his residence. A unique and joyful soul, he was born and raised in Latrobe's fifth ward, he was the youngest of nine children born to the late William Mrozenski and Sophia (Cackowski) Mrozenski Fyalkowski. He was an intelligent, creative and industrious young man, who was, among his many gifts, a self-taught musician. His main instrument was the button box or button accordion, and he also played the organ and harmonica. A natural entertainer, he loved to play music for friends and strangers alike, nursing home residents, at clubs, outdoor events and parties - anywhere he thought others might appreciate and welcome the comfort and joy of his music. For more than 30 years, he showed up to entertain nursing home residents on St. Patrick's Day. Donned in a leprechaun outfit, he serenaded residents and staff with tasteful Irish jokes to brighten their holiday and undoubtedly ended one of his songs with his classic closing line: "A(h)men - Ah ah women!" Bill will always be remembered by his family and friends for his joyful spirit, his innate talent in engineering, gardening and his generous spirit that felt compelled to bring music and joy to others. In his final days, although his illness had stolen much of his memory, what remained was his music. When handed a harmonica, he easily brought it to his lips and sweetly played a song for his wife and family just days before his 89th birthday. Bill was a member of Holy Family Church, Latrobe, where he served as an usher for more than 25 years. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Marine Corps. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Helen Gross, Catherine Mrozenski and Genevieve Koutsky; and five brothers, Adam, Zigmont, Theodore, Henry and Thomas Mrozenski. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret L. "Marge" (Byce) Mrozenski, of Latrobe; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, George Byce and his wife, Chris, of Latrobe, and Mary Ann Byce, of New Alexandria; several nieces and nephews, Carol Byce Miller, Kimberly Byce, Thomas Zeglin, William Zeglin, Bill Gross, George Gross, Gladys Gross, Harold Koutsky, Susan Barger, Jowanda Lowden, Cynthia Kozusko, Peggy Yurchik, Michael Mrozenski, Debra Conte, Lisa Felbaum, Thomas Mrozenski and Anna Nieto; and his special caregivers, Kim and Billie Joe.
Family and friends will be received from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. The Rolling Rock Detachment of the Marine Corps League will conduct military services at 7:45 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Family Church, Latrobe, with the Very Rev. Daniel C. Mahoney, VF, as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery.
To sign online guestbook, send condolences or to view detailed obituary information, please visit www.lopatich.com.