William R. “Bill” Urbanowicz, 88, of Ashland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29th, at his home.

Born in Mount Carmel, he was a son of the late John and Anna Sager Urbanowicz. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by infant twin boys; his siblings, Louis, Robert, Thomas, David, Alice, Elizabeth and Audrey.

Bill was a devout Catholic and a member of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Ashland.

Professionally, Bill enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career as a civil engineer with General Electric Environmental Services. Serving as the Lead Design Civil Engineer, he traveled extensively throughout the world, including Taiwan, working on the design and development of power plants and projects involving environmental pollution control. His knowledge, dedication, and expertise made him a respected professional throughout his career.

Bill was deeply devoted to his community and especially proud of his Coal Region roots. Throughout his career, he helped provide employment opportunities for many individuals from the area and took great pride in helping others succeed.

His greatest passion, however, was Ashland Little League. Bill served as president of the Ashland Little League for an incredible 29 years and was involved with the organization for more than 50 years. Bill was the manager of the 1981 Ashland Little League All-Star team that he led to Ashland's first District 24 Championship. He was instrumental in helping to secure the installation of lights at the field and in the construction of the concession stand. More importantly, Bill was a constant presence at the ballpark, always working behind the scenes and doing whatever he could to make the program better for the children of the community. His dedication and commitment left a lasting impact on generations of young athletes and their families.

In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to his community, Bill was honored as the Ashland Elks Citizen of the Year and also served as the ABA Grand Marshal.

An avid sports fan, Bill enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia and sharing his love of athletics with others. He also spent several years running the biddy basketball league at the Butler Building, giving local children another opportunity to learn, compete, and enjoy the game.

Bill will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his Catholic faith, his community, and especially the countless children whose lives he touched through Ashland Little League. His years of service, generosity, and commitment to the betterment of Ashland will be remembered for generations to come.

Bill is survived by his son, Alan Urbanowicz and his wife, Tiffany, of Ashland; his grandchildren, Julian, Natalie, and Kate; along with many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 5th at 11 a.m. at Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland, with Rev. Christopher Zelonis, pastor, as the celebrant. A viewing will be held at the church on Saturday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow in New Saint Mauritius Cemetery, Ashland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name, to the Ashland Little League at 27 S. Hoffman Blvd., Ashland, PA 17921.

To sign the guest book, leave personal condolences, and for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com.

The Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville and Girardville, is in charge of the arrangements.