William Bahret

William F. Bahret, age 97, passed away on August 12, 2023. Born April 20, 1926, in New York, NY, Bill served in the Army, Americal Division, during World War II. Following his time in service, he attended the RCA Institute of Technology where he received his degree in engineering. He spent his civilian career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, where he became the chief of the Avionics Laboratory, Electronic Warfare Division. Bill was considered by many to be the father of stealth technology. He was innovative and pioneering in his work, and there are generations of servicemen that owe him their gratitude.

Bill raised five children. He married Norma Palomba in 1947, and they had three children prior to her passing in 1958. He then married Mary Jo Grote in 1968 and had two children with her. They were married until her death in 2004.

Bill was physically active throughout his life. He met Norma when playing basketball after the War, he played softball and bowled and was an avid golfer. He loved music and was a self-taught organist.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William J. Bahret, and Martha Bahret; first wife, Norma (Palomba) Bahret; second wife Mary Jo (Grote) Bahret; brother, Raymond Bahret; and daughter, Jean Lail. He is survived by his sister, Mary Bahret; brother, Joseph Bahret; children, Virginia Rea, Bill (Cris) Bahret, Bob (Tama) Bahret, and Ed (Naoko) Bahret; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Monday, August 21, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 104 W Broadway St., Maumee, OH 43537, where a funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.