Obituary of William Keicher

William J. Keicher, retired President of Pittsburgh Stamp Company, passed away at the Kindred Hospital in Peabody, MA on Friday evening, February 4, 2012. He was 89 years old. He was the son of the late William and Magdelene Keicher of Pittsburgh. He had made his home in Pittsburgh for his entire life and had just recently moved to Winchester, MA to be closer to his son William. William was a Veteran of World War II serving his country in the United States Army as a member of the 191st Port Company, 488th Port Battalion. The 488th, which was attached to the VI Corps, 5th U. S. Army in Italy, was responsible for unloading supplies from Liberty ships at Anzio beachhead. That unit distinguished itself during the Anzio Campaign (22 January 1944 through 4 June 1944) and was awarded a Meritorious Service Unit Plaque. His unit was frequently bombed by the German Luftwaffe and shelled by the German Army during the long Anzio siege. He was proud of his service to his country and was an active member of the VFW in Pittsburgh. William worked his entire career at Pittsburgh Stamp Company, which thrived alongside Pittsburgh’s steel industry. The company specialized in manufacturing machined, hardened steel dies for metal forming. At one time, Pittsburgh Stamp Company dies were used by most of the states in the union to make license plates. William climbed the ladder of success with hard work and commitment to his company and fellow workers. After graduating from South Hills High School in 1941, he started work as an apprentice. He had a strong work ethic and initially worked as a machinist and draftsman as a member of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Union. After he left the union, he served the company as a salesman, Vice President, and eventually retired as President of the Pittsburgh Stamp Company. William led a full and active life. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Gina. He and his wife enjoyed visiting relatives in the United States. Italy, California, and Las Vegas were some of his favorite destinations. When he visited his family in Massachusetts, he enjoyed day trips to Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos. He was a pretty good “Blackjack” player and also enjoyed a good game of poker with family and friends. He enjoyed gardening. William treasured his many friendships that he kept throughout the years most especially his friends, Harry Selasky and Albert Tommarello. He treasured the time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, whether it was a family event or spending time enjoying dinner. Movie nights with friends were always fun. William was a kind and generous man always thinking of his family, friends, and employees first. He was extremely generous with his time and treasures. He embraced life and truly made a difference in the lives of those he touched. William was the beloved husband of the late Gina Rina (Magrini). He was the loving father of William E. & his wife Adrienne of Burlington, Terence F. & his wife Maria of Cedarburg, WI and Alan J. & his wife Joyce of Ann Arbor, MI. Brother of the late Howard Keicher, Lucy Nealis, and Eleanor R. Weaver. He was the grandfather of Kathy M. McPherson, Lisa A., William M., Jason, Gina, Theresa, Alan, Eric & Neil Keicher, Jeffrey & Jason Baker, Jeffrey, Scott & David Cordeau and Rebecca Brinkley and great grandfather of Lane McPherson, William P. Keicher, Caiden, Jaimie, Ryan & Gabriel Cordeau. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Feb. 6 from 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Services and Interment will take place later in the week in Pittsburgh, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials in William’s name may be made to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 905 Pioneer Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226.