William D. Haisch Jr.'s Obituary
William “Bill” or “Billy” Haisch Jr., born September 1953 in Milford, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by love and family on September 14, 2023, at Oak Manor Accent Care hospice in Largo, FL. Beloved by all his family and friends, known as “Papa” or “Grandpa” to his grandchildren, Bill was born to father, William D. Haisch, Sr. and mother, Elsie Rosenbaum Haisch.
At an early age in Milford, CT. Bill developed his life-long hobby and passion for cars and drag racing. After graduating from Jonathan Law High School, Bill worked at Paige Motors and then as a mechanic for the City of Milford. Together he and his first wife, Pi Halcott had three sons, Zachary, Jesse and Alex. They moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1987.
After relocating to Florida, Bill worked at Brown’s Automotive, and then as a mechanic for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for over 27 years until his retirement in December 2017.
Bill was a hard-working father who devoted his life to raising his three sons. He met and married Linda Sobers on May 27, 2007, after a 10-year courtship and became a caring stepfather to help raise Linda’s son and daughter.
Bill is predeceased by his father, mother and sister, Patty Ambriz (Arnie Ambriz). He is survived by wife, Linda Sobers, brother, David Haisch of San Antonio, TX, Stepmother, Sandy Haisch of Clearwater, FL, many cousins, Aunts, and Uncles.
Bill is also survived by his blended family’s many children and stepchildren: son Zach Haisch and daughter-in-law Michele (Kinnison) of Safety Harbor, FL, son Jesse Haisch and daughter-in-law Nicole (Barber) of St. Petersburg, FL, son Alex Haisch and girlfriend, Meaghan Lyndaker of Brunswick, ME, stepson Brad Schmit and wife Jessica (Linder) of Gainesville, FL, and stepdaughter Megan Eriksen and husband Tom of Prosper, Texas. Bill is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jackson Haisch, (Parents Zach and Michele Haisch), Colette (CC), William (Tank) and Henry (Huey) Haisch (Parents Jesse and Nicole Haisch), Gabriel (Gabe), Abby, Isabella (Izzy) Schmit (Parents Brad and Jessica Schmit) and Elle Eriksen (Parents Tom and Megan Eriksen).
Bill loved simple pleasures such as reading history and political science books, having long conversations discussing philosophy and world or domestic events. Bill loved being outdoors and in the Florida sunshine. A perfect day was walking the beaches (Upham or Madeira), visiting the duck pond to feed the ducks, fishing from skyway bridge or Fort DeSoto pier and grilling delicious fish or barbeque for friends and family. Bill’s passion later in life was building a 1962 Lancer GT custom drag racing car in his one car garage. He received many ovations and compliments from friends, co-workers and MOPAR site users when posting his progress.
Bill’s family welcomes his friends and acquaintances to join us Saturday, September 23, 2023, for calling hours from 9am-10am at Memorial Park Funeral Home: 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709 (Phone: 727-527-1196), followed by a Memorial Service 10am-11am, then burial at the Memorial Park Cemetery at 11am.
Following the services there will be a celebration of life for family and friends at 103 Timber Circle, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. Food will be provided but feel free to bring a dish or dessert.
In lieu of flowers the Haisch family would welcome donations in Bill’s name made to: USF Foundation
USF Department of Neurology
ATTN: Financial Team
12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd. MDC 55
Tampa, FL 33612
On check, please Reference ALS Research Fund #25-0246 OR ALS Clinic Fund #25-0175.
Or utilize one of the links below to make a donation:
Give to the University of South Florida :: Giving to USF (ALS Research)
https://giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/250246/
Give to the University of South Florida :: Giving to USF (ALS Clinic)
https://giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/250175/
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