William (Bill) Ctibor III

William (Bill) Ctibor III passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024 with his wife, Julie by his side.  Bill was born on October 19, 1947 in Pico Rivera, Los Angeles, California to loving parents, Bill and Eileen Ctibor.  He was the second of four boys.  Bill spent his childhood exploring and playing in the fields behind his farmhouse and called his brothers his best friends.

Bill was a multifaceted individual whose passions spanned sports, American history, education, music, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and above all, his family.  Bill has been enthusiastically involved in sports since he was a little kid.  He played football in high school and has been a die-hard fan of the Arizona State Sun Devils.  With equal vigor, Bill was devoted to his country and extremely patriotic.  He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Pritchett.  His passion and appreciation for the Constitution and the forefathers was unwavering.  Professionally, Bill found fulfillment as a high school English teacher at Paradise Valley High School, Mesa Junior High, Mountain View High School, and Poston Junior High.  He imparted knowledge and wisdom to generations of students.  His commitment to education and the betterment of others left a lasting impact on countless young minds.  A believer in education, Bill never stopped learning and was himself a lifelong student.  He had an unmatched enthusiasm for trains, tractors, jets, cars, trucks, ships, the construction of large buildings, parades, and anything big.  He was interested in everyone and everything.  Bill was also a master drummer and drum teacher.  He had the opportunity to play the drums in marching bands, rock-n-roll bands, and backing up famous rock-n-roll artists of the 1960’s.  His favorite experience was performing with the Grandland Singers.  Bill met lifelong friends and, most importantly, was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, into which he was baptized and became a devoted member in 1970.

Bill and Julie have been happily married for 55 years.  They got married in 1968 and were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on June 19, 1971.  Bill and Julie have four daughters:  Carrie (Bob Kaufman), Amy (Michael Leininger), Katie (Brian Layton), Starla (Carl Evans).  Bill cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and took immense pride in his family.  Bill is survived by his wife, four daughters, nine grandchildren, and his oldest brother (Larry Ctibor).  Bill left an indelible mark on all those who knew him.  He never knew a stranger and was known to drop anything to help his family and friends.  He was everyone’s cheerleader and took every opportunity to be involved with his children and grandchildren.  “Pop Pop” bragged about his grandchildren every chance he got.  The loss of Pop Pop has left a huge hole in their hearts along with a swelling of gratitude that families can be forever and we will see him again.