William E. Vantassel

William E. 'Big Bird' Van Tassel

William E. "Big Bird" Van Tassel, 54, of New Brighton, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2012 at his home.

Born February 26, 1958 in New Brighton, a son of Betty J. (Wadatz) Van Tassel and the late Robert C. Van Tassel, Bill lived his life to the fullest everyday and loved to cook for everybody.

Surviving, in addition to his loving mother, are three sisters and their husbands, Roberta and Bill Jones, South Heights, Dianna and John Young, Beaver Falls, and Valaerie and Dave Circle, New Brighton; four nieces and two nephews, Tracy (Bolek) Kulesza, Melanie (John) Houston, Amy (Brian) Curry, Matthew (Stacy) Circle, Krystyna Circle and Brian Circle; several great nieces and nephews; a devoted aunt, Shirley Clear, Beaver Falls, and special friends, Arthur Evans and Dan Wimer.

In addition to his father who passed away November 29, 2001, he was preceded in death by an uncle, Gerald Clear.

Friends will be received today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the J&J SPRATT FUNERAL HOME, 1612 Third Ave., New Brighton, www.jjsprattfh.com, where funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. William B. Henry Jr., of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating.

Cremation will take place after the service.

The family wishes donations be made to the funeral home to help them with the services.

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