William "Bill" Edward Alt, Jr.

William “Bill” Edward Alt, Jr.

On the evening of October 25, 2023, Bill passed peacefully at home in Indianapolis, surrounded by immediate family, after a long and brave battle with cancer.

Bill was born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, on June 23, 1936, and was the oldest of three boys.

Enlisting right out of high school, Bill traveled far and wide during his time with the Air Force. In his 21 years of service, he did many exciting and unusual things, including running a power station on the island of Crete, cloud-seeding to lift fog over fighter jet bases in Europe, and tracking hurricanes. Though he had other careers upon retiring from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant, his service truly defined him, was the work of which he was most proud, and something of which he spoke often and with enthusiasm. He constantly supported veterans in need, especially blind veterans like himself.

Bill was also a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, for better or worse. His closet held almost as many Steelers shirts and other items as regular clothing. And true to both his passions, Bill was cremated in his dress blues uniform, with his favorite Steelers t-shirt underneath, per his wish.

Wife Reta (Bonnie) Alt survives Bill. The pair celebrated 65 years of marriage in June, 2023. Other survivors include Bill’s children Betsy and William John, daughter-in-law Nancy, grandchildren Ryan, Tracy, and Natalie, and brother Ken and sister-in-law Christine. Last but not least, Bill leaves behind his beloved companion bird, Quigley, and his “grand-dog,” Mojo.

Bill will be greatly missed by his family, human and otherwise. May his legacy - helping those less fortunate, honoring military and their families, and taking on the worst of times with positivity and determination - guide those who remain.

Special thanks for the excellent treatment and support of Bill and his family throughout his fight goes to Gentiva Hospice, Roudebush VA Hospital, American Village, Judy, and Debb and Pippi. Betsy and Bonnie also extend deep appreciation to A.R.N. Mortuary for their compassionate care of Bill’s body and attention to his cremation details.