William (Bill – age 97) was the loving husband of Lou Jane Bickert, who passed away at age 98 on 23 December 2023. They were married for 72.5 years and lived in the same home in Oakland NJ for 58.5 years. He spent his last 6 months and 18 days grieving her loss before being reunited with her forever on 10 July 2024. As a beloved father, he is survived by Janie (John) Morzenti of Devon PA, William (Nancy) Bickert of Coronado CA, Gigi (Tom) Weber of Bethel Park PA, and Linda (Paul) Higgins of Roswell GA. He was idolized as family patriarch of eleven (11) grandchildren; and great-grandfather of nineteen (19). As a beloved brother, he is survived by Elizabeth (Kenneth) Behrend (age 99) of Pittsburgh PA, Nancy (Bob) Pflueger of Bethel Park PA, and Glenn (Carol) Bickert of Lake Forest CA. He was the son of the late William Ambrose and Marie Haines Bickert of Pittsburgh PA. He is a graduate of South High School and attended The University of Pittsburgh where he studied Aeronautical Engineering. It is difficult to capture in a few words the essence of a life so well and fully lived. He possessed worldclass talent in many areas of personal interest to him including auto restoration, home renovation, oil painting, gunsmithing, cake decorating, sketching/architecture, skiing, and hiking with their current German Shepherd to name a few. Being quite the renaissance man, he could recite Shakespeare while changing the transmission on one of his many Lincoln Continentals! He created countless core memories for family and friends over the years as he held court at the head of the holiday table, with German beers in hand after a fabulous meal made by Mom, and with all generations being mesmerized by his extensive train layout under the tree. His life’s work and passion were aviation. A true aviation pioneer, he ushered in the jet age in both the Navy and airlines. He graduated in one of the first jet classes and was designated a Naval Aviator in May 1951 and he later spearheaded the airline transition from props to jets. He served until Aug 1955 on active duty as a fighter pilot. This included a combat tour in Korea flying F2H Banshees while assigned to VF-62 (Gladiators) operating off USS Lake Champlain (CV-39). During this tour he earned several decorations to include the prestigious Air Medal for flying 10 combat missions between June/July 1953. During his active service he also flew off carriers Wright, Monterey, Wasp, Coral Sea, and FDR. After his active-duty service, Bill transitioned to the Navy Reserves and also began his career as an airline pilot. He joined Pan American Airlines followed by Capital Airlines and finally United Airlines while still flying A4C Skyhawk fighters with the Navy. He was discharged from Navy Reserves in April 1970, but continued flying with United Airlines until his retirement in 1986. Throughout his career he logged 29,000 hours in the following aircraft: NAVY: SNJ, F6F HELLCAT, T-28, T-33, BEACH SNB, P-80 Shooting Star, F2H Banshee, FJ2 Fury, R4D, R4D-8, C-54, A4C Skyhawk, DC-3, DC-4. AIRLINE: Viscount, Boeing 727, DC-8, DC-10 His life’s purpose and priority were defined by love of his wife and family. He was and always will be at the center of our universe. Always engaged, always nurturing, always caring, always inspiring. We will miss his keen intellect, wisdom and sense of humor. He was happiest when surrounded by those he loved and will be deeply missed by us all. To celebrate Bill’s life, friends and family will be received in the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Rd. Brentwood 15227, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 5:00pm- 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Valentine Church at 10:30 am. Interment immediately following at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
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July 19, 2024
Svetlana Zhuravkova
Rest in peace dear uncle Bill, you were a true inspiration for so many. My deepest condolences to the whole family. With love, Svetlana
July 18, 2024
Michelle Johnson
I first met Mr. Bickert at Villanova University, when his daughter, Linda, and I became roommates. I will never forget when our third Musketeer, Elaine, and I took Linda out to dinner for her birthday. College budgets being what they are, it was the local Pizza Hut.. While we were seated a face popped up in the window next to us and it was Mr. Bickert. He and Mrs. Bickert (always, respectfully Mr. and Mrs. Bickert to me) had spontaneously driven down to surprise Linda. Luckily we had told some dorm friends where we were going so the Bickerts tracked us down. They enhanced the surprise to bring their German Shepherd, Thor, with them. I will always remember how devoted Linda was to her parents, especially her dad. In the middle of our frequent get togethers in our dorm room, she would jump up and say I need to call my Dad. The three of us grew to be close friends and found we all lived within about 45 minutes of each other in NJ - Oakland being centrally located, the Bickert household was the primary meeting spot during Christmas holidays and summer vacations. These were always large Bickert family gatherings. Friends were always welcome, love and laughter were plentiful, and the beer always flowed! Mr. Bickert was intelligent, thoughtful, inquisitive and funny. I am very grateful that I was able to visit with the Bickerts last October when Linda and I happened to both be in NJ at the same time. To Janie, Bill, Gigi, and especially Linda my heartfelt love and condolences to all of you. I know of the deep sadness that you are feeling; losing one's parents is one of the worst chapters in your life. But, as I felt when I lost my father, be comforted and even happy that he is where he wanted to be - with your mom forever. Love, Michelle
July 17, 2024
Christine Stankey
Mr.Bickert (Bill), so many memories shared in the Bickert home. I loved listening to your stories, the crazy German music playing in the background . Great beer, good conversations and a lot of laughter. I even enjoyed you teasing me all the time. Your elaborate train display at Christmas was magical. You were the King of your Castle and Mrs Bickert (Lou) was your sweet elegant Queen. You and Mrs. B will always have a special place in my heart, thank you both for making me feel like part of your family. Give Lou a hug for me. Janie, Billy, Gigi, Linda and families my thoughts and prayers are with you, treasure your legacy....sending hugs. Love 💗 Chris Stanley
July 15, 2024
Bob Reilly
William E. Bickert, Mr. Bickert, represented the toughest, grittiest and ultimately, the finest of the Great Generation . His legacy spans multiple dimensions but is perhaps best described as one that contained the dogged determination to not only survive the terrible toll that the 2nd WW., Korea and Vietnam took on our nation but to thrive in their turbulent wake and, with the extraordinary support of Lou Jane, to raise an exceptional family of four, each inspired by him to excel in their own unique lprofessions. He was palpably patriotic and passed that admirable trait first to his son, Captain William E. Bickert, Jr. then to each of his three remarkably accomplished daughters, Janey, Gigi and Linda- and - ultimately, to his may grandchildren. two of whom followed his somehow " always too big to fill" footsteps into Naval aviation. But for me, my memory overflows with recollections of his and Lou Jane's love completely completely of large gatherings of family and friends. Vividly emblazoned in my mind are images of the great good times enjoyed around the always-full basement beer tap; the legendary "Lincoln " restoration and infamous blue Mach II he and my compadre, "Willy", restored for yet to be realized real life Athens, Georgia adventures ... (never to be revealed). Large family meals, always included me when I was in town and finally, memories of the A4 Tailhook I was able to rescue from the salvage heap doing my tour at NAS Willow Grove that , in my recollection, last hung above the basement fireplace, that he built stone by stone with Bill sometime back in the 70's. Although I don't know this for a fact, I can imagine It would probably have somehow irked "Mr. Bickert (always "Mr." me!) to make it two years short of a century. He was nothing if not, goal oriented, laser-like focused, always energized by the next challenge ahead, either for himself or. any/every member of his burgeoning family. But there's one thing I know for a fact, and that is the two years he was short of a century are two years sooner he was reunited with his beloved Lou Jane. And for that, I am grateful and pray that both he and she now rest comfortably in the embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ. And one last thing, Mr. Bickert; "Hand salute!" "Ready! Two!" Bob Reilly USN 1975 Villanova NROTC and navy shipmate of son William and long time family friend.
July 15, 2024
The Higgins Family
You will be greatly missed but I pray the Bickert family will be consoled by the fact that you left an indelible positive mark on this world and that you are with your forever sweetheart and wingman Lou Jane. Our deepest condolences to the Bickert family...
July 13, 2024
gigi weber
I miss my Dad in a way I can't even describe. He was way more than a Dad. He was my buddy. He taught me how to be strong and forgiving and the power of family and so many more life lessons. The comfort I have now is knowing he is with Mommy and his parents and baby brother he never met and all his Navy and United pilots who are all welcoming him with open arms. I just know that Mommy is finally at true peace now that Daddy is with her. I love you Daddy forever and ever, Gigi
July 13, 2024
Paul Higgins
Bill, there are no words to describe how much you will be missed. You had an incredible impact on so many for so long. You forged a remarkable close knit family......family was always your priority. Your adoration for Lou Jane - the love of your life - gave us a shining example of what respect and devotion are all about. You raised 4 wonderful kids to be kind, honest and decent human beings. You answered the call to duty in both World War II and Korea and you distinguished yourself as a fighter pilot in aerial combat. You were a "pilot's pilot" in your airline career, totalling 29,000 accident free flight hours without putting so much as a scratch on an airplane. Your legacy will live on through your children, your 11 grandchildren and your 19 great grandchildren. You were my father in law, my mentor, and my very dear friend, and you gave me the greatest gift I have ever received in this world, my lovely wife Linda. May you touch down in heaven with the softest of landings and rest in eternal peace Bill. Much Love Paul
July 13, 2024
Marta Penman
I will always remember getting to go to Uncle Bill's and Aunt Lou's house and have candy! He always had jelly belly's and a stash on top of the fridge that he let us have whenever we wanted. And then he would pretend to steal our noses, and we always fell for it. I will miss you Uncle Bill, but am so happy that you're back with Aunt Lou, right where you always loved to be.
July 13, 2024
Gonzalo Bueno
I was honor to meet him all my love and condolence to the family. Gonzo
July 13, 2024
Rich Caccese
Carolyn and I offer our deepest sympathies to the Bickert family. I have the privilege to work with his son, Bill, and after reading his father's obituary, I can see the similarity.
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