William Bairstow

William Bairstow, 86, of Bethany, died on Tuesday, January 17, 2022 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Ruth L. Gill. The couple married on May 17, 1958.

Born on June 4, 1936 in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Stephen and Elizabeth (Manser) Bairstow. After graduating from high school, Bill joined the US Marine Corp and was honorably discharged in September of 1961.

Bill began his career working with his father as a mechanic. The family owned and operated a Gulf Gas Station in Philadelphia. Before retiring he worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Health in Norristown and Philadelphia and Sears in Philadelphia.

Following his retirement, he and Ruth settled in Bethany where he became active in the community volunteering at the Bethany Recycling station. He took an interest in the weather and would report the conditions in Bethany to the county emergency agency. He enjoyed hunting and would help each spring stocking fish in local streams and rivers. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and working on model trains.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Ruth Dunn and husband Kevin of Rileyville; his sons, William S. Bairstow of Bethany and Stephen A. Bairstow of State College, PA; his half-brother, Stephen J. Bairstow; granddaughters, Jessica Giannetti and husband Nickolas, Caitlyn Dunn and companion, Jerome Sulkoski and Kelly Tokarz and husband Erik; great grandchildren, Arianna M. and Nickolas L. Giannetti.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Gessner.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at the convenience of his family in the spring. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.