At Pontarelli, our employees are more than just that, they’re family. And we are saddened to share that one of our own, William Washington III, a long-time Pontarelli family member, passed away. Will was one of those individuals who you can’t help but love.
In the over 20 years with Pontarelli, Will (affectionately known as WW3) was the absolute backbone of the overnight shift. Anything he could do to make a customer, or co worker, happy, Will did, and with a smile on his face.
At company events, Will was always the first on the dance floor, first to laugh, and the first to support the company he loved.
He loved his Pontarelli family as well as his own family, and enjoyed talking about his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
Below are some of the comments that his family at Pontarelli would like to share, in honor of Will:
To my dear Friend and Coworker William Washington III (WW3),
I first meet William Washington III (WW3) in 1985, he came in to apply for a car washer job. My first impression was that he was over qualified for the position but at the time we only needed a car washer. I can remember watching him during his first couple of weeks, it was an 85+ degrees day and he was washing cars while wearing a black hooded sweat jacket. He looked like the guy they show on the evening news that just committed a horrible crime. I can remember thinking "what have I done?" I soon learned that he was trying to lose weight.
WW3 was one of those individuals that gave everything except himself 110% 100% of the time. It takes a special individual to really succeed in the service industry. You genuinely need to care about others and that was our WW3.
Our business operates 7 day a week, 24 hours a day. WW3 worked the overnight shift, that's the shift where anything that can go wrong will go wrong. I can't begin to tell you how blessed I was to have WW3 taking care of my customers and my business while I was home sleeping or away on business or on a family vacation. He was loved and will be greatly missed. >> Arthur J Rento
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One of my oldest friend has gone William Washington you are going to be so missed !!! You have been with me for twenty years by my Side we have been through our children growing up, and now our grandchildren (that's all we talked about ). You will forever be in my heart love you !!! Thanks for being who you were true to your family , friends , and yourself , ;...( >> Liz Maxwell Evans
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The biggest smile on Will's face always came when he spoke of his grandkids. We are all so lucky to have known such a dedicated and loving person. >> Erica Witowski
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You have been our rock at work for 20 years, holding down the fort as we slept comfortably knowing you were there. Your dedication and loyalty will never be forgotten. My heart breaks knowing you will never attend our parties, toast a glass of champaigne, dance like nobodies watching or yell "good morning" for my wake up call but I know you will be with us in spirit forever. Your big hugs and kindness are gone but never forgotten. You will be missed William Washington III. Rest In Peace. >> Diane Albrecht
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Don't even know what to say. William Washington aka batman you were my voice of reason in many situations. I will miss you dearly as many others will. Also who the hell am I suppose to call at the wee hours of the morning! Love you always, Kat Woman! >> Kathy Gallagher Stevens
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So deeply saddened by the news of your passing. I loved your spaghetti! Such a sweet man with a big heart. You always had a smile on your face, never did I ever see you frown. Keep smiling in the heavens and rest in peace my friend. >> Chrissy Sanchez'Miskovic
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William will be greatly missed. >> Sherri Allen-Reeves
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Who am I going to call in the middle of the night when I can't sleep! William was not just an employee, he was a friend. A friend you could always rely on. He was an employee that never let us down. I would leave him food at night and NOT one time would I NOT find a note saying Thank You. Please keep watching over us like you have done for the past 20 years and keep us all safe. Pontarelli lost a wonderful person, friend and employee. He will be truly missed. XOXO >> Cindy Rento Hani
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As you can see by the outpouring of remembrances from William’s Pontarelli family, he will be truly missed. Our sincerest condolences to his family, and especially to the grandchildren he loved so dearly.
We’ll leave you with one of our favorite Videos of a Pontarelli event, with William being the first out on the dance floor
Farewell, friend. We will miss you greatly.