He was born to Joe and Violet Picchena in Seattle. Bill spent most of his childhood growing up in the Rainier Valley area of Seattle where many Italian families had settled. Bill and his brother Robert were graduates of Franklin High School. In 1951, Bill joined the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity and made many long time friendships. He played handball at the UW and he also belonged to the Bachelor's Club. Bill subsequently graduated from the University of Washington Class of 1955. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Joan Marion Hansen Picchena who passed away from cancer in 2004. Bill and Joan raised their 3 daughters (Jill, Jacquelyn and Jodi) in the early years of marriage in Bellevue WA, Tacoma WA and then many years in Edmonds WA.
Bill began employment at People's National Bank, then as clerk at the Boeing Company. He found his true career match in the pharmaceutical industry as a professional sales representative and had a long 32 year career at Wyeth Laboratories. He loved making a difference for patients and enjoyed and valued the friendships he made during his long tenure of sales in the northwest states.
Throughout his life, Bill was an active member in the Seattle Italian Club. He volunteered at Italian heritage and celebrations such as FESTA Italian Festival each year in Seattle, Italian Heritage Night at the Mariner's MLB ballpark, and others.
Bill was a skilled player at handball and racquetball, playing at the Washington Athletic Club, UW intramural sports club, and Harbor Square Athletic Club. Bill enjoyed many years of travel with family and friends, throughout US and countries of Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Central America, India, China, Thailand, and Australia. Bill loved cruising, both oceans and rivers. Mexico and Hawaii were his true favorite vacation spots.
Mostly Bill cherished time with family and friends. His laugh, smile and tall tales will be remembered.
At his request, there will not be a service or celebration of life. Memorial donations may be sent to the UW foundation of your choice at www.washington.edu/giving in Bill's name.
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