William Joseph Wallisch Jr.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bill was the only child of William and Georgiana Wallisch.

Bill looked back with deep fondness on more than two decades in the Air Force, especially his years teaching English to cadets at the United States Air Force Academy.

During his tenure, his creativity and leadership flourished: he started a television station run by cadets for cadets, later served as director of public affairs, and, before retiring, served as executive officer to the Academy’s superintendent.

Bill’s love of learning never slowed; he earned his master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and his doctorate from the University of Southern California.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bill carried that same energy into a second career as a communications consultant, traveling the world to work with industry and government clients, including household-name corporations and the White House.

Of all his clients, NASA held a special place in Bill’s heart. He took great pride in teaching astronauts and space-program professionals to communicate complex ideas with clarity, confidence, and purpose, whether in the classroom, before public audiences, or with the press. His lessons in clear, effective messaging and public speaking stayed with those he taught; one astronaut recently described Bill’s guidance as having a meaningful and lasting impact 20 years later.

Above all, his greatest pride and deepest joy were the family he and Patricia built together after eloping as college undergraduates. Together, they raised six children and filled their lives with adventure, laughter, and devotion, from running the Bolder Boulder well into their 70s to Bill’s many years serving on Ski Cooper’s ski patrol.

Bill is survived by Pat, the love of his life and his wife of 66 years; his six children, Bill (Carey), Chris (Christine), Steve (Julie), Hope (Brian), Ben (Izabara), and Matt; his 15 grandchildren; his four, soon-to-be five great-grandchildren; and his in-laws from Pat’s family, D. Michael Fisher (Carol), along with their children, and Colleen Fisher (Tuck), all of whom were part of the wide circle of family he treasured.

He leaves behind a lifetime of achievements, great adventures shared with family and friends, countless cherished memories, and a family forever grateful for his steady love, generous guidance, quick wit, and unforgettable sense of humor.

A funeral mass will be held on August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906.

Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for a reception in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the United States Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in honor of his years as an Air Force officer and English professor, or to the National Ski Patrol in recognition of his dedication to mountain safety and service at Ski Cooper.