William Aldrich

William Frederick Aldrich Sr. (Bill) was born on October 16, 1943, in Roanoke, Virginia, to the late Jane Elizabeth Wilson Aldrich and John Malcom Aldrich Sr. He passed away on June 28, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 82.

Throughout his life, Bill embraced many different careers, working as a laboratory technician at Jefferson Hospital, a regional sales manager for Diagnostic Laboratories and then Biomedical Technologies, as a laboratory technician at Pillsbury, and later as a manager in the self-storage industry. No matter where life took him, his greatest priorities were always his family and his faith. He was a devoted member of New Hope Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, where he found friendship, fellowship, and spiritual strength.

Bill had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcome and never met a stranger. Even an ordinary trip to the grocery store often ended with a few new friends. He treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild, who brought him immense joy. He also found happiness in fishing, coaching recreational sports teams, volunteering with Fincastle Rescue as a Cardiac Tech, and spending countless hours tending to his garden, where he proudly grew tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of other vegetables and plants. His warmth, kindness, generous heart, and easy smile touched the lives of countless people, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard Aldrich; his sister-in-law, Betty Jo Aldrich, and nephew Stephen Lindamood.

He is survived by his children, William Aldrich Jr., Pamela (Mike) Tankersley, Herbert Aldrich, David (Kim) Aldrich, and Joseph (Rachel) Aldrich; his brother, John Aldrich Jr. (Marsha); his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Samuel), Samantha, David Jr., and Gracelyn; his great-grandchild, Kamden; his dear friend, Kate Reed, and her children, Bryan and Carl; his nieces and nephews, Laura, Barry, Ellen, Andrew, Mary-Kathryn, Beth, Jenny, and Sydney; his former wife and close friend, Maria; along with many extended family members and devoted friends who will forever remember the kindness, friendship, and love he shared throughout his life.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Leclaire Christian Church, 1914 Esic Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with a memorial service directly following at 11:30 AM. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke, VA.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home