William J. McCormack

William J McCormack, 79, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, of Bradford, passed away, Thursday, December 8, 2022.

Born December 12, 1942, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Harold and Nellie (Zook) McCormack.

Bill was a 1960 graduate of St. Bernard High School and attended the Erie School of Business.

On June 20, 1964, in Our Mother of Perpetual Help, he married Joan A Pantuso, who survives.

Bill started his career working as a Prudential insurance agent and then was hired in 1969 as a firefighter for the city of Bradford.  He worked there for 38 years progressing from fire fighter to Captain and finally elevating to the position of Chief, which he held for 10 years until his retirement.   He was instrumental in bringing paramedics to the department which provided advanced life support to the city.  As Chief, Bill was determined to keep the department modernized with the most up to date equipment, technology, and additional training for each firefighter to increase their safety.  He owned and operated the New Method Manufacturing Company and in 1984 created the McCormack Ambulance Service, which provided transportation services to the citizens of Bradford.

After retirement Bill and his wife Joan loved to travel to spend time with their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Bill also loved to hunt and fish and spend his spare time enjoying the outdoors. He was always there to support his family and friends or anyone who needed a helping hand.  He was never shy about telling you a story, and his verbal directions were always very creative.  Bill was also an active member of the Rambler association as their Treasure.

Surviving in addition to his wife Joan of 58 years, is one daughter, Colleen (Thomas) Frigo of Bradford, three sons, Michael (Mary Jane) McCormack of Georgetown TX, Thomas (Celeste) McCormack of Las Vegas NV, Scott (Tracy) McCormack of Heath TX, seven grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Berger of Grand Prairie TX, Matthew (Abby) McCormack of Austin TX, Adam (Taylor) McCormack of Rockwall TX,  Maddy McCormack of Las Vegas NV, Megan McCormack (Dustin Mastin) of Reno NV, Joey Frigo of Bradford, and Mia McCormack of Las Vegas NV, along with five great grandkids Emma and Mallory McCormack, Ryan and Jacob Berger and Emery Mastin.

Family will receive friends on Thursday December 15, 2022, from 4 pm to 7 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main Street. Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 am in St. Bernard Church, with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor as Celebrant. Emtombment will follow in St. Bernard Mausoleum.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation to St. Bernard Church, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choosing.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

So sorry to hear about your loss. Just found about about this. Sending thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
— Papa Scoops

Joan, I was so sorry to hear of the death of your husband. May his memory be a blessing.
— Kathleen Nichols Kaess

So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My sympathies to his family and friends!
— Brian Corbett

It is with heart felt condolences of Bills passing. He was a god and funny gentleman. Heart of sadness and best of wishes to the family.
— Cindy Whitman

So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My condolences to the family.
— John Marasco

Condolences to Mr. M''s family and to the whole Bradford community who will miss him too. I''m grateful for his dedication to BCCHS and to keeping Bradfordians'' lives and property safe. Most of all I think he''ll be remembered for his unfailing friendliness. May good memories bring you comfort.
— Laurie Konwinski

Mrs. ‘Cormack, Mike, Mary Jane, Tom, Celeste, Scott, Tracy, Colleen and Tom and families, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. ‘Cormack’s (your dad’s) passing. I have fond memories of him through 16 yrs of school, plenty of sports, trips, weddings, etc! A great man, dad, supporter and friend to many! My thoughts and prayers are with you and wishing peace for you through this difficult time.
— Brian Nickel

To the McCormack family, so sorry to hear of Billy''s passing. He was a friend and neighbor from the 5th Ward. We were teammates at St.Bernard High. He was the nicest person. God bless you all. My condolences.
— Teddy Viola

Dear Joannie and Family. I have just heard of Bills Passing. I''m so sorry for your loss. I pray you will find peace in time I knowing you were blessed with so many years together. You are a wonderful family and cousin. I am thinking of all of you at this time.
— Sheila Grego

To the Family of Bill McCormack you have my deepest sympathy. I have know him for many years and had the privlidge of working with him. Bill was one of the nicest guys I have ever known . Again I am so sorry for your loss.
— Jerry Berkhouse

We are so sorry for your loss. May God grant peace and comfort
— Leo and Barb

Dear Joanie and Family I am so sorry to learn that Billy has passed. We just saw each other a month ago. I am so glad we had that time to share the good old days. His dad "Slim" and my dad were friends for years even outside the fire station. I am sure the old fire station gang are having a great reunion up there now. God bless you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Fondly Judy Keenan
— JUDY KEENAN

I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. GOD bless you all!
— Lettie

So very sorry for your families loss. A neighbor in Austin Texas, formally from, Ridgway,Pa.
— Mary Abplanalp

Joanie we are so sorry to hear of Bill''s passing....Deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. Hugs and Prayers!
— Pat Eschrich

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. McCormack. Mom and I would see him at Upbeat. Prayers to the family as you struggle through the difficult days ahead.
— Toni Magnetti

What an amazing man who led an incredible, selfless life. It was an honor to meet him the handful of times we had the opportunity to. We are so grateful for the amazing family you raised as it gave us some of the best friends we could ever have. Thank you for your service and rest well Chief.
— April Rew

I’m so sorry for your loss. I have such nice memories of Mr. McCormack. You all are in my prayers.
— Melissa Gleason Tomlin

To Colleen and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
— Larry and Suzie Fox

Rest in Peace. Thank you for your service to our community
— Ron and Maryanne Peterson

My condolences to Joan and his family. Such a nice person.
— Sue Colebert OBrien

So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
— Debby Anthony

Joan, sorry for your loss of Bill. Prayers to you and your family. God Speed!
— Michele McCann

I am sorry to hear of your loss.
— Stoney Greenberg

Condolences

  • So sorry to hear about your loss. Just found about about this. Sending thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

    — Papa Scoops
  • Joan, I was so sorry to hear of the death of your husband. May his memory be a blessing.

    — Kathleen Nichols Kaess
  • So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My sympathies to his family and friends!

    — Brian Corbett
  • It is with heart felt condolences of Bills passing. He was a god and funny gentleman. Heart of sadness and best of wishes to the family.

    — Cindy Whitman
  • So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My condolences to the family.

    — John Marasco