William R. Besser

William R. Besser, age 73, of S. Shenango Twp., Jamestown, passed away Thursday morning, March 12, 2026, in St. Paul’s Senior Living Community.

He was born in Pittsburgh on May 19, 1952 to William G. and Cecilia M. (Zewe) Besser. Bill graduated from North Allegheny High School in 1971. He retired in 2013 from the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority following more than 20 years of employment as a laborer.

Bill attended St. Philip’s Roman Catholic Church, Linesville. He was a member of the Pymatuning Sportsmen’s Club and a past member of the Jamestown Lions Club. Bill was an avid fisherman and hunter and a devoted Pittsburgh and Penn State sports fan. He enjoyed grilling and smoking meats, yard work, gardening, and most of all spending time with his family who joined him in his home for every Steelers game. Bill was known as a “Gentle Giant” who would do anything for anyone.

On November 8, 1975, he married the former Louise M. Weiss; she survives.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by a daughter, Donna Popielarcheck and her fiancé Donald Huff of Jamestown; a son, William P. Besser of Irwin, PA; two sisters, Bonnie Lewis of York, PA and Barbara A. Springer and her companion Bob Sins of Saxonburg, PA; a brother, Thomas Besser of Allison Park, PA; and two grandchildren, Morgan and Lucas Popielarcheck.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services:

Family and friends will be received from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Friday, 3/20/26, in Loutzenhiser-Randall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 416 Liberty St. Jamestown. Memorial Contributions may be made to Jamestown High School Sports Boosters, 204 Shenango St. Jamestown, PA 16134.

Online visitors are welcome to sign the guest book and view a Video Tribute at www.loutzenhiserfuneralhome.com.