William Andrew Bretzin,“Once I wondered, now I wander”

PORTVILLE — William A. Bretzin, of Portville, passed away Tuesday (Oct. 21, 2025) at his home, with loved ones near, after a long illness.

Bill was born in Troy, Pa., on July 25, 1966, the son of Charles and Jean Bretzin.

He was a 1984 graduate of Portville Central School and a 1988 graduate of Alfred University with a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering, with a focus on glass.

He worked for the Knauf Corporation, headquartered in Shelbyville, Ind., as a senior engineer.

Bill was a talented musician who played both the bass guitar and saxophone and was a member of the Alfred University Jazz Band. He had a lifelong interest in Anglo-Saxon history and often expressed a strong belief that he had once fought alongside King Alfred in and around Winchester, England. He was also an active member of the Libertarian Party.

Bill is survived by his mother, Jean Bretzin; brothers, Bradley (Jane) Bretzin of Taylorstown, Va., Randall Bretzin of Portville and Robert (Lori) Bretzin of Hinsdale; 11 nephews and nieces, Charles III, Martin, Matthew, Kayla, Joel, Wesley, Randy Jr., Glenn, Mary Jo, Abigail, Allyson, Charlize, Nico, Rowan and Foster; an aunt, Rita Kasaback; and an uncle, James Kasaback.

He was predeceased by his father, Charles; and a brother, Charles II.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main St., Portville. Visitation to continue from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, with funeral to follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial to follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to organizations helping the blind, dialysis clinics or vascular/cardio-pulmonary disease.

Bill’s favorite poem was “Once I wondered, Now I wander, From here to there and in between, Even though it does not matter, I wish I was what I could have been.” His favorite song was Winter by Michael Stanley.

A special heartfelt thanks to the army of health care workers who helped Bill through many difficult years.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.