J. William "Bill" Wiand

J. William Wiand, 78, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away on May 18, 2026 after a short illness.

He was born August 22, 1947 in Reading, PA to William C. “Pete” Wiand and Beatrice Mae Weaver Wiand, both of whom predeceased him.

Bill, as he was known to family and friends, explained that the initial “J” did not stand for any particular name, and it was always a mystery to him. One could arguably assign the word jovial, as Bill was endowed with a congenial humor and spirit of good fellowship. If you couldn’t get along with Bill, you couldn’t get along with anyone.

His enthusiasm for sports led him to the Daniel Boone High School football field in Birdsboro, PA where he excelled as a defensive back. Interestingly, Bill’s mother was the oldest of 14 children and gave birth to Bill the same year that his grandmother gave birth to her youngest child; therefore, Bill was in the same high school graduating class as his Uncle Kenny.

After graduating from high school in 1965, he attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, playing all four years as a defensive back. Football notes place him in the school's defensive career records with 10 interceptions and 144 interception return yards. Bill often reminisced fondly about his father attending his games and always giving him five dollars afterward, a welcome and caring gesture he appreciated. Bill was proud to be an alumnus of Franklin & Marshall, as evidenced by the lifelong friends he made and the memorabilia he owned.

Although his sights were set on medical school, Bill took the opportunity to play for the Long Island Bulls, a minor league farm team for the NFL’s New York Giants. Following that, he attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 1977. His skills as an orthopedic surgeon and diagnostic radiology specialist took him to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. In the early 1980s, Bill was at the forefront of the introduction of a new diagnostic machine known as an MRI. He specialized in musculoskeletal MRIs, often performing them on the athletes he so admired. His passion for learning was infectious; he was both teacher and mentor to many radiology technicians in the department. Temperate weather, a more favorable tax base, and Kathleen’s affinity for and connection to the magic of Disney prompted a move to Orlando, Florida, where Bill distinguished himself in the Florida health system. His affiliation with several Florida hospitals such as Fish Memorial, Flagler, Memorial Medical Center, and Waterman spoke to his widely sought and respected expertise in the field of radiology. At the Annual Convention for the American Osteopathic College of Radiology in Las Vegas in April, 2012, Bill was granted Life Membership by the AOCR Board of Directors.

As Bill’s professional life flourished, his personal life took a decidedly delightful turn when he met Kathleen Bajo, whom he married in April of 2000. Together they built a beautiful home in Colt’s Neck in Blacklick, OH, where Bill demonstrated his skill as a self-appointed master gardener by designing and personally installing trees, plants, and stone and water features on the expansive grounds. The radiology technicians under Bill’s tutelage were frequent guests at his home. Bill and Kathleen loved hosting parties for family, friends, and colleagues, and out-of-town guests were always welcome to stay when visiting. Kathleen, a savvy and accomplished professional in her own right, was a perfect balance to Bill’s upbeat yet droll sense of humor. He once noted wryly that Kathleen was convinced her two-minute Dr. Google diagnostic results trumped his forty-plus years of medical experience. Upon retirement, they moved to Scottsdale, AZ to be closer to family. They were happily married for twenty years before her death in 2020.

Bill was proud of his humble roots and rural upbringing. He espoused the core values of hard work, independence, and leadership, tempered with humility and compassion. These values were evident in every aspect of both his personal and professional life. Bill was highly intelligent, well read, knowledgeable about world affairs, a savvy stock market investor, and passionate sports enthusiast. His familiarity with pop culture was, at times, startling. He always educated himself by listening to both sides of news stories before rendering a thoughtful assessment. His love of travel and curiosity about diverse cultures took him to France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, and Belgium. Closer to home and family, Bill was an enthusiastic participant in the Fantasy Football league comprised of his many nieces and nephews. As a nod to his oft-used expression “boggles the mind,” their team was named “Team Boggle.”  His knowledge of the players and statistics was vast and advantageous, although everyone knew he had a particular affinity for the Notre Dame and Ohio State football games he loved watching.

Bill relished the simple pleasures of a life well lived: attending musicals with his wife, conversations with friends, a compelling movie, a fragrant flower arrangement, a savory meal, or a cold gin and tonic on a hot summer evening. He was a true Renaissance man; a gallant and attentive gentleman who respected women both by opening car doors for them and opening up the boardroom to them. Always well dressed, well spoken, deferential, gracious, and convivial. His kind heart and generous nature drew others in. It was a privilege and an honor to know Bill Wiand. All that he was, all that he worked for and acquired, all that he had, he shared unconditionally and with no reciprocal expectations. His is a legacy of integrity, distinction, and goodwill.

Bill was predeceased by his parents and beloved wife, Kathleen. Left to cherish his memory are

his brother Richard Wiand of Owensboro, KY, sisters Ruthann Sherbine of Manheim, PA and Elizabeth Diem of Marietta, PA; aunts Mildred McGlaughlin, Margaret Petrillo, and Valeria Prince, all of PA, uncles Carl Weaver (PA) and Kenneth Weaver (OR), nephews and nieces Rich Wiand, Anthony Simens, Stephanie Kowalski, and William "Pete" Simens.

He is also mourned by brothers- and sisters-in-law Tessa McGann of Granger, IN, Dr. Joe Bajo

of Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Jim and Roxanne Bajo of River Forest, IL, and cousin-in-law Jacki Patai of Tucson, AZ. Also remembering him are nieces and nephews Kelly (Nick) Laneman, Shawn (Dr. Maria Romano) McGann, Bridget McGann, Collin (Jessica) McGann, Hannah (Tony) Calvis, Alyssa Bajo, Joe Bajo, Jake Bajo, Phil Bajo, and Elliot Bajo, great-nieces and -nephews, Macy, Cole, Nathan, Maggie, Matt, Nolan, Ellie, Thomas, James, Mia, Dominic, and Jack. In addition, Bill was asked to stand as godfather many times by family members and friends, a role he was honored to fill.

Bill’s family is grateful to his nurses and caregivers for their diligent solicitude and gentle care during his final days. They are all angels on earth.

Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel 2702 Lincoln Way West South Bend, IN 46628 assisted the family with funeral arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Burial took place at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Notre Dame, IN and Bill was laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Kathleen.

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