William G. Pacropis | Abington educator, 82
William G. Pacropis, of Ambler, an educator in Abington schools for 45 years and a decorated World War II veteran, died of heart failure at Abington Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, his 82d birthday.
William G. Pacropis, of Ambler, an educator in Abington schools for 45 years and a decorated World War II veteran, died of heart failure at Abington Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, his 82d birthday.
Mr. Pacropis taught math and coached baseball and football at Abington Junior High School, and then was an algebra teacher at Abington High School. For the last nine years of his career, he was assistant principal at Abington High School. He retired in the late 1990s.
The Wilkes-Barre native was a star baseball player at Hanover Township High School.
During World War II he served in an artillery battalion and was wounded in the right arm in Anzio, Italy, for which he received a Purple Heart. He persuaded doctors not to amputate, his son Richard said, and he learned to compensate for his arm's limited mobility.
After his discharge, Mr. Pacropis played Minor League baseball. He played golf and bowled for area leagues until he was 70.
He was past commander of Amvets Post 59.
In addition to his son, Mr. Pacropis is survived by his wife of more than 56 years, Helen Pinaha Pacropis; a son Gerard "Gary"; and four grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be at noon tomorrow at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 259 Forrest Ave., Ambler. Friends may call from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Ciavarelli Funeral Home, 951 E. Butler Pike, Ambler. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Ambler.