William Valalik
- On August 11, 2017
- 66 Comments
It is with great sadness that the family of William Valalik, age 74, announce his passing on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at UPMC Presbyterian University Hospital. William was also known by Bill, Mr. V and Hawk. Survived by his wife Barbara, of almost 48 years; daughter, Stacey (Peter Sabat), of Squirrel Hill; son, Jason of Seattle, Washington; sister Patricia Valalik of Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Adele Gibilisco, of Texas; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of long-time friends.
Bill followed in his father’s footsteps and started working at the Firth Steel Mill in Mckeesport. Bill quickly realized that he wasn’t cut out for life as a steelworker and the field of biology was calling to him. He received his Bachelor’s from California State Teacher’s College, now known as the California State University of Pennsylvania, then continued on for his master’s degree at West Virginia University. After receiving his master’s he spent 35 years teaching high school biology at Carnegie High School, now known as Carlynton High School, where he was a finalist for the Teacher Excellence Award. When he wasn’t teaching biology at Carlynton he spent his time learning more about the field by volunteering for programs like Earthwatch where he participated in a mongoose study or volunteering as an instructor for the Carnegie Science Center on their Explorer boat.
Bill also loved coaching and playing sports and when he wasn’t expanding his knowledge in the field of biology he was coaching women’s basketball, track, and men’s baseball. He also taught swimming for Special Olympics. In his summers off from teaching he spent a summer managing Iron City Fishing Club in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada; managed swimming pools such as Hidden Valley Country Club, Valley Brook Country Club, and South Hills YMCA.
After he retired from Carlynton he was an Associate Professor of Biology at Community College of Allegheny County, CCAC South Campus, for an additional 12 years. He also spent many weekends volunteering at the Pittsburgh Zoo fending off sharks and turtles as he cleaned their tank.
Bill’s favorite things were teaching biology, traveling, scuba diving, reading and driving his wife crazy.
In keeping with the wishes of Bill, there will be no funeral services. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray PA 15317. 724 260 5546
Memorial contributions may be made to Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, American Diabetes Association, or to the charity of your choice.
Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute Development Department
Forbes Tower, Suite 8084
3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-647-8463
http://www.upmc.com/services/t
American Diabetes Association
2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22202 1-800-DIABETES(800-342-2383)
66 Comments