Always easy to smile with laughter in his eyes, Bill was a bit of sunshine in the lives of everyone he met. Finding the silver lining was second nature without a complaint ever coming from him. He was a friend to all, as well as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Bill was born on January 29, 1944 in Bethlehem, PA to Josephine A. and William J. Hart. Second generation of Ukrainian and Irish immigrants, Bill attended Notre Dame Catholic High School. One of his outstanding memories was shaking the hand of then-campaigning John F. Kennedy during a school event. After high school, Bill attended The Citadel and then graduated from Moravian College. Bill also served in the Air Force Reserves. While attending Moravian he met the love of his life, Lynn Snyder. Only after they met did they realize they lived four blocks away from one another. They married on October 19, 1968. Bill worked for Lenox China after college and transferred to Ann Arbor in 1972. Bill and his brother Jim bought Seyfried Jewelers in 1978. Running Seyfried's was the perfect fit for Bill as it came naturally for him to socialize, make connections and help people find the perfect piece of jewelry. He often said he was proud to sell engagement rings and wedding bands to generations of families. Seyfried's was the beginning of his love for downtown Ann Arbor. He often dined at Conor O'Neill's, Real Seafood Co. and Afternoon Delight.
Bill also volunteered throughout his life: President of the Main Street Area Association, one of the originators of The Taste of Ann Arbor, a representative of the Main Street Art Fair Committee, advisor to the Downtown Development Area Parking Committee, as well as a director of the University of Michigan M Club. Michigan Athletics played a big role in Bill's life. You could often find Bill and Lynn at Michigan sporting events as they were 40-year football and men's basketball season ticket holders. Bill enjoyed his retirement working part-time at the UM golf course where he was a starter and ranger. There is nothing he loved more than spending time every week with his grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Lynn; two sons Will (Kat) of Ann Arbor and Ben (Jennifer) of Allen, TX; three grandchildren Madeline, William and Cal of Ann Arbor; and two siblings, Jim of Ann Arbor and Jeanne of Bethlehem, PA.
All are invited to the funeral Mass at St. Thomas Church at 10 a.m., in state 9:30 a.m., on Friday, June 14. There will be an Irish Wake at Conor O'Neill's from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 15
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