WILLIAM DEMJAN

He was born at home in Pittsburgh’s North Side on October 16, 1932, a proud son of Slovak immigrants Julius and Mary Spernak Demjan. On November 30, 1957, he married the former Priscilla Pavelka at Holy Rosary Church in Steubenville. They were married for 59 years before her death in 2016.

Bill was a graduate of North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh and earned an Associate of Arts degree in History at the College of Steubenville in 1962.

Bill served stateside in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1952 and received an Honorable Discharge in the rank of Corporal.

He was retired from the Hot Strip Finish department of the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation and was a member of USWA Local 1190 and SOAR.

Bill was best known in the Tri-State area for his authoritative radio voice, prompting the late Sheriff Fred Abdalla, Sr., to refer to him as “The Voice of the Valley.” He worked in radio and television for most of his life, including as Program Director for NBC owned-and- operated Pittsburgh radio station WTAE. He was also on board at the founding of Pittsburgh television station WPGH. Old-timers, though, will remember him as host of the Be My Guest show on WEIR in Weirton in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Bill also worked part-time, broadcasting football and basketball play-by-play on radio stations such as WSTV, Steubenville; WBVP, Beaver Falls, PA and WTAE, where he teamed with announcer Bill Hillgrove. He also conducted live broadcasts of the Elby’s Distance Race on WWVA in Wheeling, WV, and even “called the dogs” on a few occasions at Wheeling Downs.

In retirement, Bill was a tireless volunteer advocate for senior citizens through the AARP, giving numerous informational presentations to area groups. He also served on the Area Agency on Aging council for the State of Ohio. Bill also served as a voice for veterans of our Armed Forces as Commissioner-at- Large on the Jefferson County Veterans Advisory Board.

Bill was a founding member of Holy Family Parish in Steubenville, where he once played catcher on the church softball team. He also coached his son’s Little League team for several seasons.

Surviving are his daughter, Patricia Demjan (William Rae) of Bradford, Pennsylvania; his son Robert Demjan; grandchildren Kelsey (Alex) Pillion, Riley Demjan and Michal Demjan; and former daughter-in-law Lisa Soltis Demjan, all of Columbus, Ohio.

Also surviving are a nephew, A. James (Christine) Demjan and nieces Diane (Dale) Collins and Karen (the late Bill) Collins, all of Pittsburgh, PA.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his grandson Martin J. Demjan, a niece, Colleen M. Holdbrook, his sister Martha Demjan Mahoney and his brothers, Julius Demjan and Albert Demjan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 10 AM at Holy Family Church in Steubenville, with Fr. Drake McCalister officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow immediately in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

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