William J. Dess, age 92, of Union Township, passed away the evening of November 12, 2022, at his residence.

Born Nov. 1, 1930, in New Castle, he was the son of Joseph and Mary (Duff) Dess.

He was preceded in death on January 2, 1995, by his wife of 40 years, Helen (Cobler) Dess, whom he married on January 15, 1955.

Bill went to the St. Joseph Parochial School until he attended Shenango School District where he graduated. He served his country in the US Navy. He was the owner of Bill Dess Greenhouse in Union Township for several years and enjoyed working alongside his wife.

Among his many interests, he loved sitting in the sun, reading civil war novels, watching the wildlife in his yard and being a hard worker.

He was a member of St. Mary's Church.

He is survived by six sons, Brian J. (Tammy) Dess of West Middlesex, Charles E. (Peggy) Dess of Texas, Douglas W. (Penny) Dess of Florida, Thomas K. (Tammy) Dess, Dennis E. (Malinda) Dess and John R. (Stacy) Dess, all of New Castle; two daughters, Judy Swiger and Diane Dess of New Castle; 28 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Susan J. Dess; a son-in-law, Donald Swiger; one grandson, Mason Dess; a great-granddaughter, Quinn Nichole Dess; and three brothers, Charles, George and Robert Dess.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:30 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.

A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, for St. Mary's Church where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00.

Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.cunninghamfh.com.