William J McCormack, 79, loving husband, father, grandfather, and
great-grandfather, of Bradford, passed away, Thursday, December 8,
2022.
Born December 12, 1942, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Harold
and Nellie (Zook) McCormack.
Bill was a 1960 graduate of St. Bernard High School and attended the
Erie School of Business.
On June 20, 1964, in Our Mother of Perpetual Help, he married Joan A
Pantuso, who survives.
Bill started his career working as a Prudential insurance agent and
then was hired in 1969 as a firefighter for the city of Bradford. He
worked there for 38 years progressing from fire fighter to Captain and
finally elevating to the position of Chief, which he held for 10 years
until his retirement. He was instrumental in bringing paramedics to
the department which provided advanced life support to the city. As
Chief, Bill was determined to keep the department modernized with the
most up to date equipment, technology, and additional training for
each firefighter to increase their safety. He owned and operated the
New Method Manufacturing Company and in 1984 created the McCormack
Ambulance Service, which provided transportation services to the
citizens of Bradford.
After retirement Bill and his wife Joan loved to travel to spend time
with their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Bill also loved to
hunt and fish and spend his spare time enjoying the outdoors. He was
always there to support his family and friends or anyone who needed a
helping hand. He was never shy about telling you a story, and his
verbal directions were always very creative. Bill was also an active
member of the Rambler association as their Treasure.
Surviving in addition to his wife Joan of 58 years, is one daughter,
Colleen (Thomas) Frigo of Bradford, three sons, Michael (Mary Jane)
McCormack of Georgetown TX, Thomas (Celeste) McCormack of Las Vegas
NV, Scott (Tracy) McCormack of Heath TX, seven grandchildren, Emily
(Chris) Berger of Grand Prairie TX, Matthew (Abby) McCormack of Austin
TX, Adam (Taylor) McCormack of Rockwall TX, Maddy McCormack of Las
Vegas NV, Megan McCormack (Dustin Mastin) of Reno NV, Joey Frigo of
Bradford, and Mia McCormack of Las Vegas NV, along with five great
grandkids Emma and Mallory McCormack, Ryan and Jacob Berger and Emery
Mastin.
Family will receive friends on Thursday December 15, 2022, from 4 pm
to 7 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main
Street. Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial
on Friday at 10:00 am in St. Bernard Church, with Rev. John Jacquel,
Pastor as Celebrant. Entombment will follow in St. Bernard Mausoleum.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill
Funeral Homes Inc.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation to St. Bernard
Church, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choosing.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com