LADD — William “Willie” Pozzi Sr., 75, of 228 N. Iowa St., Ladd, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2015, at home surrounded by his family.

Bill was born April 25, 1940, in Spring Valley to Victor and Ruth (Ellis) Pozzi. He married Joan Rutoski on Jan. 6, 1962, in St. Benedict’s Church in Ladd.

He graduated from Hall High School in 1958, worked for Delmonte Foods until joining the construction industry as a carpenter. Years ago he owned and operated “Willie’s In” Tavern in Ladd.  He worked as a newspaper courier for the News Tribune until retirement.

Bill’s hobbies were fishing, woodworking and taking his dog for a daily car ride. His greatest enjoyment was spending time and sharing stories with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; his four children, Bill (Deb) Pozzi of Spring Valley, Julie (Terry) Hollinger of Ladd, Michael (Donna) Pozzi of Michigan and Scott (Maria) Pozzi of Arizona; seven grandchildren, Noah and Ella Hollinger, Austin and Dominic Pozzi, and Tori, Cale and Brynlee Pozzi; seven siblings, John (Adrian) Pozzi, Robert (Barb) Pozzi, James (DeAnn) Pozzi, Richard (Jackie) Pozzi, Helen Calhoun, Marion (Jack) Yepson and Rita (Lawrence) Mitchell; his good friend and brother-in-law, James (Corrine) McCormick; and his many nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his devoted canine companion, Bella.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-in-law, Bernard “Chub” Calhoun; and one nephew, Rob Pozzi.

A Mass and Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 28, in Holy Trinity Church, Cherry, with the Rev. Patrick Fixsen officiating. Burial will follow in the Ladd Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 28, at the church.

Pallbearers will be Dan, Dave and Ron Yepson, Rich Pozzi Jr., Jim Pozzi Jr. and Vic Pozzi.

The Hurst Funeral Home in Ladd is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com.