William Blyshak

William Blyshak, 96, of Greensboro, NC, died on Saturday, August 1, 2026. He was the youngest of six children born to Anna and Andrew Blyshak of Canonsburg, PA. Bill graduated from Canonsburg High School in 1949. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951, and was a radio operations instructor at Keebler AFB in Biloxi, MS until 1953 when he received orders to serve as a radio operator in Korea.

Upon his return from Korea, Bill married his love, Helen Deren, in Canonsburg, PA at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church. The couple lived in Oregon while Bill completed his military service. After an honorable discharge, Bill attended and graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA. Bill and Helen moved to Clearwater, FL in the late 1950’s for his new position as a science teacher for the Pinellas County School System. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, Bill also earned his MS from the University of Florida in the late 1960’s.

Bill taught science at Clearwater High School for 34 years (1957-1992) and was the Science Department Chair from 1969 until his retirement in 1992. Though he also taught biology and a few chemistry classes during his tenure at CHS, he was most well-known as the CHS physiology teacher. Physiology students named and dissected fetal pigs in Mr. Blyshak’s classes, an activity that many former students remember well. As a master of both the “poker-face” and corny jokes, he held his students’ attention during lectures. For many years, Bill also ran an educational garden for students on the edge of the high school campus.

Bill was married to Helen for 70 years and their devotion to one another was endearing. Bill loved life in Clearwater – living in town near his sister Mary’s family, fishing on the causeway, spending days at the beach, and visiting local attractions. Bill was a founding and long-time member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan. In the early to mid-1960’s Bill and Helen welcomed their children Lisa and Chris. The family had lots of adventures together, especially during summer driving trips to visit extended family in Pennsylvania. Bill had a green thumb with both indoor and outdoor plants. He was also a talented artist. Over the years he painted more than 800 personalized rocks for friends, family, and community members. Bill’s rock painting was an expression of his love and appreciation for people who touched his life. He also painted in acrylic on canvas, creating some beautiful pieces that his family will treasure.

Several years after retirement, Bill and Helen moved to Greensboro, NC to live near their daughter. They became members of Guilford College United Methodist Church. Bill enjoyed 20 years in Greensboro, spending time with family and developing many friendships along the way. Everyone who met Bill loved him and just about everyone was regularly treated to a joke or two, from his own family to staff members at his doctors’ offices. Not only did humans love him, but all the neighborhood dogs pulled on their leashes to visit Bill. He kept an endless supply of dog treats to hand out and always had time to pet the dogs who stopped to visit.

Bill was a man of faith and of great character, kindness, and wisdom. He was a teacher at heart. While he taught high school in his younger years, in old age he taught those in his sphere many lessons about aging with grace and humility. He always expressed his appreciation for the support he received and his love for those who cared for him. Even near the end, Bill had a twinkle in his eyes. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Helen of Greensboro, NC, his parents Anna and Andrew Blyshak of Canonsburg, PA, sister Mary Waschak of Clearwater, FL, sister Helen Trylko of Denver, CO, brother John Blyshak of Canonsburg, PA, Ted Blyshak of McMurray, PA, and Steve Blyshak of Canonsburg, PA. Also preceding him in death were three close cousins who became part of his immediate family during childhood – John Locke of Alexandria, VA, Julia Taper Polinski of Canonsburg, PA and Helen Sivak of Canonsburg, PA. Bill is survived by his daughter Lisa Thomas (Mark), son Christopher Blyshak, granddaughter Margaret Bailey (Thomas), grandson William Thomas, and great-grandchildren Joey and Vivian. In addition, he is also survived by several nieces and their families, as well as two sisters-in-law and a nephew on Helen’s side of the family.

The family is incredibly grateful to AuthoraCare Hospice and Griswold Homecare for the excellent care Bill received in his last years.

Memorials can be made in Bill’s name to the Pastor’s Fund at Guilford College United Methodist Church, 1205 Fleming Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410 or to AuthoraCare Collective, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 (https://www.authoracare.org/give).

A Memorial Service to honor both Helen and Bill will be held at Guilford College United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 19th at 11 am. A reception will follow directly after the service where the family will receive friends and guests.