William "Bill"" Bernard Veith

William (Bill) Veith was the oldest of three children. His family came from Germany, France and Ireland, migrating to the U.S. for a better life than the one they had. When he died, at the age of 89, he was a great-grandfather of 10, grandfather of 13, father of five, and husband to his cherished wife, Mary Alice.

In school Bill did well, as he believed knowledge is power! He played sports and attended drama classes and would often “act” in school plays.

When Bill joined the Navy in August of 1951, he was a machinist mate and was stationed on a submarine tender in San Diego, California. Bill served on the USS Hancock and the USS Nereus. This was during the Korean War and Bill was instrumental in developing and installing the first steam catapult used on U.S. Navy carriers. The steam catapult is still used today.

For over 38 years, Bill worked in construction as a steamfitter for heating and air-conditioning. He worked in New York City and the five Burroughs, California, Washington State, and Colorado. Bill was a proud Union man and even when he was promoted into management, he insisted on keeping his Union card. He never once collected an un-employment check, which was a point of pride. He worked in skyscrapers, refineries, paper mills, chemical plants, breweries, power houses, plutonium recovery and waste treatment facilities, hotels, the Los Angeles Music Center and two major universities. Upon retiring from construction, Bill carved out a new career working as a travel agent with AAA.

Bill was a leader who believed in service. Whenever he joined a club, he ended up serving as President, Chairman, or Exalted Ruler. During his lifetime, Bill was a member of Fullerton Elks, Exalted Ruler twice with the Concord Elks, in California. More recently he was Exalted Ruler of the Surprise Elks and a founding member and Secretary of the Raceway Elks in Avondale, Arizona. He also maintained several service commitments to his church. Being of service and mentoring others brought Bill joy and was a source of fun for him. He was recognized repeatedly for his time, efforts, dedication, and service.

Bill will be terribly missed and is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2023 from 2pm to 5pm at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary 7924 N. 59th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 6, 2023 at St. Phillips the Apostle Catholic Church 511 S. St Phillips Street Payson, AZ 85541. Committal, Military Honors and Interment will follow at West Resthaven Cemetery 6450 W. Northern Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301 at 1:30pm.

Kind memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheChimesMortuary.com for the Veith family.