William H. Squire

William H. Squire died June 7, 2013. He was born on September 20, 1923 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. During World War II, William served as a corporal in the 3rd Joint Assault Signal Company of the 3rd Marine Division. He saw action on Guam and was wounded on Iwo Jima, earning a Purple Heart. After being honorably discharged, William married the love of his life, Gloria Ruff, on September 7, 1946. They moved to Washington, D.C. where William earned his business degree from George Washington University while working part-time at the FBI.

He enjoyed a successful career with several companies including Cryovac, Johnson & Johnson, and Brechteen. He retired and moved to Rockford in 1992.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, on April 25, 2013. He is survived by his children Mary, John, Elizabeth, and George; 14 grandchildren (to which he will always be known as Poppy); 2 great-grandchildren; siblings Robert Squire, Mary Ruth Hoffman, Joyce Rix, and James Squire.

Memorial Mass at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 13, 2013 in the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Visitation from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. In lieu of flowers and out of respect for William's military service and code of honor by which he lived his life, memorials can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org ) or the Salvation Army. To extend condolences visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com