William J. Piper, 93 of Springfield, died at 3:55 am, Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born at St. John’s Hospital on October 5, 1930 and was raised by his mother, two sisters, and grandmother. He married Anna “Ann” V. Cawley December 2, 1950 and she preceded him in death April 21, 2022.
He is survived by his beloved daughter, Terry (John) Jordan of Springfield; four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Chris) Curl of Mobile, AL, Katy Bryd (Scott Thaler) of Denver, CO, Maggie Jordan (Jake Noel) of Springfield and Patrick Jordan of Chicago; five great grandchildren, Nathan, Jessica and Emma Curl and Clara and Caroline Noel; sister, Barbara Ellen Poole and many great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Harold J. Bushkill and sister, Patricia Furry.
Bill graduated from Lanphier High School in 1948 and immediately began his working career at Illinois Bell Telephone Company, retiring 38 years later, in Springfield, where he started. He and Ann moved numerous times including a four-year stint at AT&T headquarters in New York.
In retirement, he kept busy with Ann’s projects, and he loved golf, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Bill served in the National Guard and the United States Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge along with other service recognition ribbons.
Upon discharge, he returned to Illinois Bell working and living in Southern, Western, and Northern Illinois Bell territory before going to New York where he participated in numerous new equipment field “trials” throughout the Bell System. Piper returned to the Chicago area in field and staff assignments before returning to a Springfield labor relations position. He retired in 1985.
Bill and his wife Ann visited all 50 states, several European countries, Canadian provinces, Mexico and treasured every minute of his life.
Funeral Mass: 10:30 am, Monday, October 30, 2023 at Cathedral Church of St. Paul with The Very Reverend Andrew Hook officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.
Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com
©2023 All Content Obituary Systems
“Professional Responsibility” protects the daily obituary. LocalObituary.com and the Authorized Licensed Funeral Provider “Thank You for Helping.”
Notice
To the extent allowed under State law, the decedent’s name, image and likeness are protected under this State’s Right of Publicity laws and should not be reproduced, copied, distributed, republished, or otherwise displayed for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized.
©2023 All Content Obituary SystemsTM, LLC