William C. Tripoli

Retired Pittsburgh Police Officer, Master Patrolman, Badge Number 3353, William Charles Tripoli passed away Saturday, November 20, 2021, in his home where he retired in the Allegheny Mountains.  He was 65 years old.  William was born on August 18, 1956 in Brighton Heights, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

As a youth, William played baseball, football, and played guitar in a church folk band.  During his years playing baseball, he proudly hit a championship game-winning homerun.  He graduated from Oliver High School in Pittsburgh.

His law enforcement career of over three decades began upon earning an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Community College of Allegheny County.  His initial position was an armed guard for an armored truck company.  William then earned an Act 120 by completing the Allegheny County Police Academy, (North Park).  His career advanced when recruited by the National Security Agency, where he graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center located in Glynco, Georgia, Police Training Class #8PT-707.  From there, he was assigned to Fort Meade, Maryland.

William returned home to Pennsylvania where he was employed as a Federal Security Officer at Westinghouse-Bettis in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.  On April 20, 1993 his 21-year career with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police began after completing his third police academy training.  On June 18, 2014 William retired with recognition of his service to the City of Pittsburgh.

On May 21, 1983 William married Rita Ann Ference at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Clairton, Pennsylvania.  They met while he was working the armored trucks delivering money to the bank where Rita was a teller.  They were blessed with a son, William John Tripoli on April 9, 1984.

During his retirement years, William enjoyed many hobbies ranging from traveling, recreational target shooting, and singing karaoke.   His travels included attending two National FOP Conventions in Mobile, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee.  His love of music led him  to singing karaoke at Alan Jackson's Good Time Bar in Tennessee and Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill in New Orleans.  While singing karaoke, he had the opportunity to meet and sing with a former member of The Vogues.

One of his proudest moments was traveling to Kansas where he attended his son's graduation from Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Class of 236, knowing that his son followed in the footsteps of his law enforcement legacy.  Some of his fondest memories were being able to do ride-a-longs with his son.

He is survived by his wife Rita and son William (Cassandra).  Siblings include Victoria  (Ronald) Tripoli Donnelly and  MaryAnne (Gary) Tripoli Miller.  Nieces and Nephews include Carole Jean (Scot) Donnelly, Ronald A. (Monika), Bradley W. (Annie) Donnelly, and Gary Miller.

William was preceded in death by his father William S. Tripoli and mother Adeline (Martrano) Tripoli, and sister Antoinette Tripoli.

Visitation:  Tuesday November 30, 2021 at Thomas P. Kunsak Funeral Home, Inc., 3552 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA   152312 from 3:00 pm - 7:00  pm.  THERE WILL BE A FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE SERVICE  AT  7:30 PM  AT THE FUNERAL HOME AFTER VISITATION .

Mass of Burial:  Wednesday December 1, 2021  at  10 am in Christ Our Savior, St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, 385 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA   15212.