Obituary: W.R. 'Bill' Bothe

's W.R. “Bill” Bothe died peacefully at the age of 81 last Friday. Bothe was the beloved husband of 60 years to Sally (Schafer) Bothe.

He was born on March 18, 1931, son of the late Wilbert and Isabel Bothe. A graduate of Steubenville High School, he attended Miami University (Ohio) before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After military service, he began his career in the steel and metals industry. Bothe was the director of purchasing for National Steel and eventually retired as president of International Metals, NA, Inc.

He was the loving father of Britt W. of Connecticut and Cinda (Alex) Wrona of Indiana; grandfather of Tyler and Dylan Bothe, and Stephen (Cara) and Eric Wrona. He is survived by many nieces and their extended family of spouses and children. 

Bothe proudly participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for 11 years and also leaves behind his little brother, Taylor Bush. In 2011, he was named Pennsylvania's Big Brother of the Year. Bothe is predeceased by his sister, Jackie Bailie.  

A memorial service celebrating Bothe's life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair (1040 Washington Rd., Pittsburgh) on Friday, Aug. 31, at 12 p.m. followed by a luncheon and celebration of life at the Clubhouse at Waterdam Farms. 

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bothe's name to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, 5989 Penn Cir., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 and/or Family Hospice & Palliative Care, 50 Moffett St., Pittsburgh, PA  15243.

You can view and sign the family’s online guestbook at www.cremationfuneralcare.com, and also leave condolences in the comments.