William Baisley

Willaim H. Baisley, 73, passed from this life with dignity on August 17, 2025. He was a part of the Erie community for the past 30 years.

William was born in Camden, NJ, but raised in Hatboro, Pa. Around the age of 30, he received a full scholarship to attend the University of Southern California to study Engineering. Mr. Richard Pefley, his mentor, made a tremendous impact on Will’s life. He spent the rest of his years on Earth paying forward that gift.

Will believed in the underdog as he began his career in much the same fashion. After receiving his Professional Engineering license, Will was highly involved in his profession. He taught at the college level around the world. He thoroughly enjoyed his time as a professor in New Zealand. He taught in China. He taught in Australia. He traveled often to the UK and Mexico His work advanced the transportation industry where he developed cars that ran on alternative fuels in the late 70’s. William then moved into the gas industry and retired from American Meter twenty years ago. During his time at American Meter, his numerous patents on safety regulators and valves were used in the development of industry products. His designs continue to keep families safe today when using natural gas.

William is survived by a handful of close family. Spending time and sharing lessons with Reese and Royce is how he enjoyed his retirement. He was a mentor, a friend, a Papa, and a Dad. His patience in teaching life skills and empowering the next generation, was second to none. Will was a “silent angel” to many in the Erie community who never knew him. His desire to empower has changed many, many lives. His legacy will live on in these lessons and gifts.

Will enjoyed cars and loved to ride his antique motorcycles. He lived a quiet life that he thoroughly enjoyed. He was humble, intelligent, and a beacon of hope for many who never knew his name. His love was deep and steady. He was a safe place, and his door was always open to those in his close circle. He believed in and modeled integrity, democracy, and doing what was right in life, no matter how difficult. His legacy will live on in his good works, and in those he helped to rise to the top, from underdog to leader. Will inspired. He taught. He empowered.

He will be sorely missed.

In Will’s own words, he lived, “ a full and great life.” He taught others to live fully, and to give from the heart. His intelligence, his patience, and his teachings will live on for many generations.

Services will be private. To give in his memory, please donate to local charities that build housing and teach resilience for those in need.  William would say that a home is, “a place where they have to let you in, and where you’ll always be welcome.” Affordable housing for the next generations was a cause near and dear to his heart. Please support these local endeavors by making a donation in his remembrance.

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