YOUR AD HERE »

Obituary: William (Billy) Kresge

William (Billy) Kresge

May 20, 1992 – April 14, 2019

William (Billy) Burt Kresge, 26, passed away April 14 in a tragic accident in Ruskin, Florida, when another driver sideswiped his car.

Billy was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Tunkhannock High School in 2010. He lived every day like it was his last and lived a fulfilling life of thrills and adventure. He graduated from Johnson College with an Associate’s Degree in HVAC Technology and moved to Breckenridge to pursue his love for skiing and the outdoors. He worked for Wieronski Plumbing and Heating, then owned and operated his own business, Kresge Plumbing and Heating. His love for adventure and business aspirations were inspired by his beloved grandfather who preceded him in death, William Kresge, Jr. Billy’s adventures led him to complete his dream of being the first person to climb and then hula-hoop on the summits of Colorado’s 56 “true” 14,000 ft peaks, plus two unofficial 14ers for good measure. Over four months, he completed his camping and hiking adventure by himself with his collapsible hula-hoop he made with PEX tubing. After he traveled and explored the West, he decided to pursue his passion for skydiving. This led him to move to Florida, where he earned his B-license and currently was in line to receive his C-license in skydiving. He also earned the USPA Coach Rating and overall completed 370 jumps. While in air, he met a fellow skydiver, Lia Wolfe, who happened to be the love of his life. They spent their time together skydiving and living life to the fullest every day.

Billy was loved and adored by all of his family and friends. He is survived by his father, William Blewitt Kresge III and his mother, Shelley Hoyt Kresge; Caroline Harding Kresge, grandmother; sister, Molly Zluchowski and husband Adam, who are soon expecting a daughter, Brooklyn Caroline Zluchowski; Luke Kresge, brother; Joseph Kresge, brother; Lia Wolfe, love of his life; Michael and Igor, best friends; several close family members and friends in Pennsylvania, Colorado and Florida. We also can’t forget his faithful canine companion, Raw.

Funeral services will be held on April 20th in his hometown. Memorial contributions may be made to Lazy Brook Park (113 Tunkhannock Township Drive, Tunkhannock, PA 18657) in memory of William B. Kresge (donations will fund a disc golf course). Please enjoy the mountains (with or without a hoop) on Saturday in Billy’s honor.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible.

Summit Daily is embarking on a multiyear project to digitize its archives going back to 1989 and make them available to the public in partnership with the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection. The full project is expected to cost about $165,000. All donations made in 2023 will go directly toward this project.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.