William Carl Liss, administrator, educator and model

William Carl Liss, 73, of Glenside, a former administrator, educator, and model, died of heart failure Thursday at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital.

A longtime resident of Rockledge, Mr. Liss graduated from Lower Moreland High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from La Salle College in 1961 and later earned a master's degree in communication from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). He was an Army Reserve veteran.

In the 1960s, Mr. Liss was assistant director of education for the General Building Contractors Association. His duties included speaking to students and guidance counselors about the building industry. He then was vice president of Yoh Security Inc. before becoming deputy commissioner for procurement for the City of Philadelphia when Frank Rizzo was mayor.

After Rizzo left office in 1980, Mr. Liss taught marketing and management courses at what are now Philadelphia, Rowan, and La Salle Universities before retiring in the mid-1990s.

He often invited local businessmen to speak to his students, said his daughter, Deborah Mustin. One of the guests was Ben Krass, owner of Krass Bros. men's store, who appeared in his firm's popular TV commercials.

Mr. Liss modeled for print advertising until reaching his 50s and once appeared on a billboard advertising a local bank, Mustin said. An avid golfer, he also was a member of the Melrose Country Club.

In addition to Mustin, Mr. Liss is survived by daughters Dina Davis, Belinda Johnston, and Catherine Liss-DiLullo; son William Jr.; a sister; 12 grandchildren; and his former wife, Diana M. Liss.

A funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Wetzel & Son Funeral Home, 419 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge. Friends may call from 9 a.m. A graveside service will be at noon tomorrow at Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge.