William (Billy) Allen Blaesser, 65, of Livonia, Michigan left this world unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in his home, leaving behind a host of grieving family and friends. Billy was a beloved son, brother, uncle, proud Navy veteran and top-notch friend. He was a gentle soul and a good man. If you were lucky enough to be in his circle of caring, you would be loved fiercely, deeply and steadfastly. And he always recognized family as his touchstone.

Billy was born on July 16, 1959 in Detroit, Michigan to Karl and Helen Anne (Petrowitz) Blaesser, the eighth of nine children and fourth son. He graduated from Manheim Township High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and entered the Navy, serving his country with honor for seven years, earning a Chief of Naval Operations Letter of Commendation. He earned his Associate Degree in Applied Science Electro-Maintenance Technology from Northern Michigan College. Billy was a hard worker his entire life and finally retired from Cooper Standard in 2021.

Billy was blessed with many gifts that he graciously shared with those in his life. Foremost among them was his incredible wit and humor. He was so funny! His facial expressions, singular noises, imitations, creative ditties composed for friends, nicknames, and his quick, witty responses could bring a smile or a belly laugh to anyone, even a surly adolescent. In one's darkest moments, Billy brought the gift of laughter; in times of joy, he could light up a room with his humor. He also was magic with children. Most nieces and nephews have adventures with Uncle Billy stories and his magic extended to friends' children as well. He was a kid magnet. He had the gift of compassion, able to empathize and listen to others in their times of trouble because he had survived troubles of his own. He never deliberately hurt anyone in his lifetime. He was an incredible caregiver to his parents in their time of illness. Lastly, he offered the gift of friendship to so many and it was received and returned. Billy made friends wherever he went. He was a diehard Spartan and Lions fan and enjoyed many nights loyally cheering them on with his extended family at Coach's, especially with Stacey, Donny and Greg and Brian.

He was most happy when he was on or by the water, whether it be at Walloon Lake, Lake Huron or Puerto Vallarta. When he "manned the con" as he piloted the float boat, he found his little piece of heaven and peace. He appreciated the simple things in life: cold beer(never IPA!), a well-cooked meal, a beautiful sunrise or sunset, a crisp fall day, a golf outing with his brothers, a boat ride with family and friends, the smell of a newborn's head, floating down a river while fishing, a round of golf. He enjoyed his "walk-abouts" in northern Michigan where he would seek out a small, local spot to enjoy a cold one. He could cook with the best of them and both family and friends enjoyed the fruits of his labor. He introduced many to the art of sous vide and constantly exchanged pictures with friends displaying his food art. He designated his birthday as "the greatest day of the year" and had almost decided to expand it to the "greatest month of the year." His many small acts of kindness included birthday cakes, soup and special meals for many occasions, given to those he cared about, as he felt food was love. He had every kitchen gadget imaginable, including an electric potato peeler!

If a man's worth is measured by his character, his kindness, his ability to love, to make friends, to care for others, then Billy is surely the richest man in town. Oh, sweet Billy-Boy, we will miss you.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Katheryne Zelenock. He is survived by his siblings: Sally (Tom) Wallace of Baltimore, Maryland; Clay Blaesser of Redford; Margaret (John) Chronowski of East Grand Rapids; Patti (Joe) Tibaldi of Walloon Lake; Charley (Kelly) Blaesser of Redford; John (Beth) Blaesser of Livonia; and Anne Marie (Dave) Richards of Lancaster, PA.; 28 nieces and nephews, 55 grand nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. In lieu of flowers, please continue to perform small acts of kindness with Billy in mind.
A final celebration of life will be held later this summer at Walloon Lake at a date to be determined to accommodate both friends and family unable to attend the Friday February 7TH services at O'Brien/Sullivan funeral home.