William "Mr. Bill" Backstrom

William J. "Mr. Bill" Backstrom, 80, of New Castle, formerly of Finleyville, was reunited with the love of his life at Heaven's gate on July 5, 2019. He was born May 13, 1939, to the late Leonard E. and Jessie (Hamilton-Mathies) Backstrom. He served in the Army during the Korean War/conflict and ended his career as the personal driver for General Omar Bradley. He retired as production manager from Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Lawton, OK in 1985 and later retired as plant manager of Load King Manufacturing in Jacksonville, FL. On April 12, 1974, he married his soul mate, the late Mary Ann Bright. Together they shared a lifelong commitment to setting a Godly example. Although a blended family, they loved every child as if their own. Surviving children are Beth Ann Hodges, Pete (Donna) Molinaro, and Jennifer Alvaro; special son, Robin J. Hodges; special daughter, Lisa (John) Croft; sister, Donna Gresh; brother-in-love, Lucien J. (Becky) Bright; eight grandchildren, Holly Ann (Kenton) Hodges, JP (Christina) Molinaro, Chablis Molinaro, Dominique Molinaro, Dillon Oktem, Nicole, Natalie, and Buddy Alvaro; three great grandchildren; several nieces and newphews; and many loved friends who were like family.Deceased are a daughter, Janna Backstrom; sister, Norma K. Prah; sister-in-love, Janice L. Bright; and nephew, Brian Martin.A celebration of life will be held at Banning United Methodist, 1800 Banning Rd., Dawson, PA 15428 at 1 PM, Saturday, July 13, 2019.