William R. Havrilla

William Robert Havrilla, Age 91, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2012. Beloved husband of the late Helen. Beloved father of Alan (Iris) Havrilla, Shirley (Michael) Bujold, and Sandra Havrilla. Cherished and proud grandfather of Christopher Havrilla, Matthew and Sara Bujold. Survived by his brothers George Haverilla and John Havrilla and sister, Marge Kippert. Predeceased by his mother and father, John and Mary Havrilla; brothers, Fred, Albert and Richard Havrilla and sister, Ann Dienes.

Bill was born on February 7, 1921 in Adrian, PA. As a spirited young man, he joined the Armed Forces where he served his country honorably as a WW II vet in the Army Signal Corps including assignments as an photographer in Japan. During his early years, Bill worked in the PA coal mines for a short period of time and was a musician with Tommy Short and the Rough Riders including performing live on KDKA; the first US commercial radio station. He then came home to Adrian, PA, and married the love of his life, Helen Taraskiewicz on September 27, 1947. He moved to Michigan and worked at various jobs, including Western Union, before landing a job at Chrysler Corporation where he eventually became a Shift Superintendent at the Warren Stamping Plant. He retired from Chrysler Corporation in October 1979.

Bill was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing golf with his grandson, Christopher, who he coached and passed on his love of golf. He enjoyed gardening in his latter years and inspired his love of gardening to his grandson, Matthew, while his love for music inspired his granddaughter, Sara. We will never forget the waltzes he played for us for so many years. He will be greatly missed by his caregivers Kim, Debbie, Shannon and Dave.

Visitation Tuesday, August 7, 2012, Kaul Funeral Home, 3-8pm. Funeral Wednesday, August 8, 2012, 10:00am, Lady of Hope Catholic Church, St Germaine Campus. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Twp, MI. In lieu of flowers his family suggests donations to Multiple Sclerosis Society.