William A. Bill Tecca

William A. "Bill" Tecca, 102, life-long Livingston, Montana resident passed away Monday, December 15, 2014 at Livingston HealthCare Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 19, 2014, 10:00 A.M., at St. Marys Catholic Church in Livingston with Vigil Prayer service to be held Thursday, 7 P.M. at St. Marys. Viewing will be available at Franzen-Davis on Thursday from Noon until 5P.M. Graveside committal and burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Livingston. Memorials are preferred to: St. Mary's Catholic Church and School. Bill was born on November 24, 1912 in Livingston. He was the son of John Sr. and Dorinda (Bucci) Tecca. He received his education in Livingston attending St. Marys Parochial School and was a graduate of the Park County High School. Bill was an athlete in school, active in different sports. He was also in the church choir as he was quite a talented tenor. In 1934 Bill began his career with Northern Pacific Railroad. Bill was an extremely hard worker and an innovator. Bill designed the first cab to be on a railroad motor car which all subsequent designs were modeled thereafter. In 1942, Bill was united in marriage to Lillian Beatrice "Bea" Miller, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Livingston. Bill and Bea resided in Livingston their whole lives. One of their passions was traveling. They had toured most of Europe, been to Hawaii and had taken a month long tour of the Holy Land. They shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. Bill retired from the railroad on August 20, 1977 after having earned the position of Track Supervisor of Livingston Yards. Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club in Livingston. He was also a member of St. Marys Catholic Church which he devoted much energy and resources to continuous improvement of the church facility and the cemetery grounds. He was very proud to have been able to donate the funds to install the beautiful stained glass in the foyer of the church. Bill had the gift of many good years. In his younger days in Livingston he is remembered as a tough guy, one of the strongest men in Livingston. "He could pick up an 18 lb. sledge hammer by the handle and touch it to his nose." He took pride in being able to bend a railroad spike with his bare hands and he could tear a California phone book in half among many other feats of strength. Bill loved to fish the local rivers and lakes. Bea enjoyed fishing as well and they made many trips together. He did quite a lot of duck hunting as well. Bills passion in his later years was cars. He cherished his model As. They brought him so much joy and pleasure; as well as awards. He had won trophies in the Fourth of July Parade eight times, last driving in the parade at age 99. Bill lived his years so strongly, even at 102, he still wrote and sent out over 80 Christmas cards to his many friends and relatives. Bill will be forever remembered as a generous, kind man and a loving uncle. Blessed be his memory. Arrivederci! Bill is survived by: Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, other relatives and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his: Parents; John Sr. and Dorinda (Bucci) Tecca; Brothers; Alfred Tecca, Ernest Tecca; Sisters, Anna Mayo, Jenny Magliari, Adeline Michinzie, Ceal Preste, Alice Males. The family invites everyone to the luncheon at the church immediately following the committal service. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.