TOPSFIELD- Captain William C. Pizzano, USN, passed away on February 14, 2015 at his Topsfield home of more than 55 years. He was the son of the late Lillian (Penta) and Carl Pizzano of Revere and brother of the late Carl Pizzano of Port Orchard WA and sister Phyllis Pope of Middleton. He was predeceased by his wife, Hazel M. (Drapeau) Pizzano, in 2008.

Bill was born and raised in Revere where he excelled at football and other sports. He enrolled at the University of New Hampshire in 1944 where he played quarterback for the Wildcat wartime football team and was named to the All-New England Small College Team. In 1945, after serving as a cadet in the UNH Army ROTC, Bill was called to active duty in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a decorated veteran and thereafter served as an officer in the naval reserves for 37 years. After his discharge from active service, Bill returned to the University to complete his career as a student-athlete, and received his degree in Business Administration in 1949. He later received a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. In 1953 he met the love of his life, Hazel, and together they were huge Wildcat fans for more than 50 years. Bill worked for the Massachusetts Department of Public Works and also served as the Department spokesman for four governors. After retirement, Bill served as the Director of Alumni Activities for the University of New Hampshire for 16 years. From 1973 to 1974, Bill served as the President of the 100 Club and was the first Director of the Wildcat Athletic Council. In 2003, he was named Director Emeritus and received the Robert "Bo" Dickson Football Spirit Award and the Meritorious Service Award from the Alumni Association. In addition to his induction into the UNH Hall of Fame in 2004, he was also inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2007, Bill received the Profile of Service award for his long and dedicated career assisting the advancement of the University of New Hampshire, and was a longtime and dedicated supporter of UNH football.

Bill enjoyed spending his summers with his wife in Hampton, N.H. He was a long time communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church in Topsfield.

He is survived by his brother, Bob Pizzano of Rockville, MD, and many nieces, nephews and extended family, friends and students whose lives he and Hazel touched so greatly.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral Mass will be held in St. Rose of Lima Church, Park St., Topsfield, Saturday, Feb. 21st at 10 A.M.. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (Rte 62) Danvers, Friday, Feb. 20th, from 4 to 7 P.M.. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Bill's memory to the Bill and Hazel Pizzano Football Scholarship Fund, UNH Field House, 145 Main St., Durham, NH 03824.