William Joseph Lanaghan, of Naples, FL, formerly of Rock Island passed away Sunday April 26, 2015 in Naples, FL, at the age of 90.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 9:30am Friday May 22, 2015 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. A burial will follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery with military
Honors by Moline American Legion Post 246 and the United States Marine Corps. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Disabled American Vets or the Quad City Animal
Welfare Center, Milan.

William was born on January 19, 1925 in Rock Island, the son of Leo B. and Elizabeth J. (Meyers) Lanaghan.

Bill enlisted into the Marine Corps and served from 1943 to 1945. He fought as a rifleman and machine gunner on the front lines in three major battles: Saipan, Guam and Okinawa. He said: "Not a day goes by that I do not think of the war."

Prior to enlisting in the Marines, he was a pitcher for a pro-baseball team on a Big League School Team in Kingsport, TN, where he was known as "Lefty." For several years, Bill also coached Rock Island girl's softball teams.

After being discharged from the Marines, Bill was employed by the City of Rock Island's Fire Department for over 30 years, retiring as Captain.

He loved the Mississippi River. Where he would boat, slalom and barefoot water ski, fish and camp with his family and friends. He had a lot of good memories on the old Mississippi River.

They moved to Naples, FL, and lived there the remaining 19 years of his life. But, he always was connected to the Mississippi River and the Quad Cities.

Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Stella; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Carl Showalter; grandchildren, Andrew Showalter and Kate Showalter. William was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Vivian Flaherty and Eileen Schroeder.