William Jonas Dein, 92

June 10, 2017

William Jonas Dein “Bill” went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 10, 2017.

Bill was born in Queens, NY on March 10, 1925. The son of the late William and May (Schulkenbach) Dein and brother of Robert (Bess) Dein and the late Noel Smith (Lee).

Bill enlisted into the US Navy and served in WW II for three years. He traveled on a LST working as a signalman. Bill was honored with The French Legion Award in 2013 at the French Embassy in Washington, DC.

He met his wife and love of his life Joyce (Fredenburg) at Defiance College in Ohio. She predeceased him in 1972.

Bill’s career as salesman for Buffalo Electric, Westinghouse and Phillips Lighting Division took him throughout the Southern Tier of Buffalo, NY.

Baseball was his passion. He was an outstanding pitcher in high school and college. Later in adult league baseball and church softball.

Music was a core part of Bill. Whether Gospel, Band or classical, he was deeply moved. He played the trumpet in high school, college , The Buffalo Baptist Silver Band and countless community groups. He sang in church choirs and Barbershop.

Survived by wife Karen (Keller), Daughter’s Deborah Tiede (Robert), Susan Pawlak (Daniel), Sharon Mobarak (George) and Son William Dein (Kim), 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Donations should be sent to the Landis Homes Caring Fund at Landis Homes.

A private family service is being planned.