William Ernest Piper

April 15, 1940 - October 20, 2019

William Piper Devoted husband, father, and friend, William Ernest Piper, 79, of Pittsburgh, PA, died peacefully of Alzheimer's disease on October 20, 2019. Born April 15, 1940 during WWII in London, England, Bill came to the States when he was 21 to 'live the American dream'. Even before earning his US Citizenship, Bill and 2 friends, Rex and Peter Swann, started Gatan Inc., a high-precision electron microscopy manufacturing plant. Bill also had a love for playing soccer in his youth. With his expertise in the sport, Bill coached his son, Terry, for 13 years, and was instrumental in helping to develop the Fox Chapel Area Youth Soccer program. He also coached the girls high school teams in Center Twp and Seneca Valley for over 10 years. After an early retirement, Bill bought Sportrak, an indoor soccer arena, to continue his soccer career. He also served on the board of the PA West Soccer Association, and started the Western PA Girls High School Soccer Coaches Association. Bill was a proud, active and motivating member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 30 years. For anyone who crossed paths with Bill, they most certainly heard him sing his favorite quote from Monty Python, "Always look on the bright side of life." Whether in work or play, Bill's generosity, big smile and optimistic outlook helped make others feel special. And Bill loved his family. He is preceded in death by his mother Lucy, father William and grandson Benjamin. He is survived by his beloved wife Beryl, and his cherished family: sister Irene and family, son and daughter-in-law Terrence and Megan, daughter Christine Morrow, daughter and son-in-law Kim and Jim Bartasavich, 7 beautiful grandchildren: Sarah, Lauren, Meghan, Jennah, Adeline, Molly and William, and 3 great grandchildren: Beau, Liam, and Piper (to be). All who knew and loved Bill are invited to celebrate his life on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory Ltd., 930 Center Ave, Blawnox, PA 15238 from 3pm until the time of a memorial service at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association to help fund research. (www.alz.org/ )