William R. Lesyna

William R. Lesyna, of Smith Mountain Lake, Hardy, VA, died suddenly on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the age of 73.

Bill was born on April 2, 1948 to Robert and Lorraine (nee Fox) Lesyna in St. Louis, MO. He graduated from St. Louis Preparatory Seminary South High School in 1966. He attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN where he received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and went on to earn a master’s degree in Operations Research from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Bill enjoyed a highly successful 32-year career at DuPont mostly at their headquarters in Wilmington, DE, working in Operations Research and Engineering Management, and was a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. After his retirement in 2003, he utilized his passion for mathematics and statistics teaching classes for the US Army and US Postal Service as well as tutoring doctoral students at Case Western. After Bill and his wife retired, they decided to build their retirement home on Smith Mountain Lake. He taught Calculus at Ferrum College and later volunteered his time working with children at various schools in and around the Hardy area. He was an active member of the Smith Mountain Lake Lions Club and Rotary.

Bill is survived by his wife, Trish England nee Brant of Hardy, VA; children, Mark Lesyna (Robin Madsen) of Everett, WA, Catherine Lesyna of Frederick, MD; stepsons Colin England (Cherie) of Wynnewood, PA, Kevin England (Brian Bartlett) of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Will and Molly Lesyna, Sydney, James and Kate Hofstetter, Nash and Georgia England; sisters, Mary Robben (Mark), Kalyna Lesyna, Linda Lesyna (Sally Cheek), Donna Reitz (Jeff); brothers-in-law, Jim Brant (Wendy), Dick Brant (Mary); sisters-in-law, Lois DeMoss (Tom), Regina Bradford (Charlie); uncle, James Lesyna; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Bill had a sweet spot for dark chocolate, ice cream, and chocolate cake, but found the sweetest spot sitting next to Trish on the back deck of their home drinking coffee in the mornings and looking out at the lake. He often said he lived in Paradise. He loved to travel, play poker with his friends, and engage in spirited political discussion. He was a lifelong fan of professional tennis, the NBA and Notre Dame football, and had recently taken up pickleball. He loved driving the boat towing his grandchildren in the tube. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife and family. He was exceedingly generous with both his time and his resources, and will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be made to Lake Christian Ministries.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flora Funeral Service, 665 S. Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Visitation on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. Condolences may be extended to the family online at florafuneralservice.com.