William W. "Bill" Rankin

William W. “Bill” Rankin, of Gibsonia, PA passed away onWednesday, March 27th 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Carla, his two sons, Mark L (Mary) of Atlanta, GA and Matthew E. (Lea) of Doylestown, PA and a brother, Robert G (Daneen) in Cincinnati. He also leaves behind four grandchildren Matt, Lexi, Isaac, and Eve and many nieces and nephews.

Bill Rankin was born in Pittsburgh in 1938, the son of Wesley O. and Mary B. Rankin. He grew up in Mt. Lebanon, PA. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Westminster College in 1960 with a B.A. in Economics and Business Administration. While at Westminster, Bill was active in student government and athletics and was elected to the Titan Sports Hall of Fame for tennis. Bill then received an MBA degree from Pace University in New York City.

He worked at Pfizer for almost 33 years both in the US and abroad, retiring in 1999 as Vice President of Employee Resources for Pfizer Consumer Health Care Group.  In 2000, he returned to Pittsburgh and lived in the Treesdale golf community in Gibsonia, PA where he reengaged with Westminster.  He was a three-term member of the Board of Trustees, was elected a Trustee Emeritus in 2017, and received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in 2022. Bill received an Alumni Citation Award in 2016 for his contributions to the college which included two scholarships and being the lead donor and major fundraiser for the establishment of the Bill Rankin Golf Center – an indoor  facility for the men’s and women’s golf teams.

In addition to his work at Westminster, Bill served as an elder at Valencia Presbyterian Church in Valencia, PA and donated a lending closet and established a church scholarship.  He was an active member of the Treesdale Golf and Country Club, where he served as a member of the Membership Committee, Men’s Golf Committee, and as the Board Chair.

Bill was a lifelong sports fan (40 year+ Jets and Giants season tickets holder) and sports historian (providing feedback to several books and halls of fame). He became a “late starter” golfer. winning several senior club championships, as well as having two holes in one and shot his age at both 76 and 84.

Viewing will take place at McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars,PA  on Monday, April 1, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be at the Valencia Presbyterian Church, 80 Sterrett St. Valencia, PA 16059 on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Gary Weston, officiating. Please meet at the church. Entombment will be in the Holy Savior Mausoleum, Richland Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Valencia Presbyterian Church, 80 Strerrett St. Valencia PA 16059 or Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa 16172 for the William W. Rankin Scholarship Fund or the Bill Rankin Scholarship Fund.

Bill will be greatly missed by his family and friends.