William Joseph Liston

William Joseph Liston died peacefully on June 5, 2026, in Salt Lake City, with his wife, Nancy, by his side. In his final days, he was surrounded by the affection and laughter of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom had grown up with Papa as a constant presence in their lives.

Bill was born on July 14, 1936, to Margaret and Frank Liston. He graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where he served as senior class president. He went on to attend the University of Utah, earning a master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. While in college, he attended a dance at St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center, where he met Nancy Reilly. That first dance marked the beginning of a remarkable 69-year journey together.

Experiences early in Bill’s life shaped him into a deeply compassionate person. He lost his father at age 14, and he and his two siblings were raised by their mother, an elementary school teacher. At age 21, he lost his brother. Later, after the death of his sister’s husband, Bill helped care for her three young children. “Uncle Bill” became a father figure to them as well.

Through this lens of compassion, Bill was always looking out for the underdog and stepping forward to help those in need. He often said, “There but for the grace of God go I.” He was a man of deep humility, known equally for his gentle spirit and his irreverent sense of humor.

A devout Catholic, Bill’s faith was central to his life. He and Nancy believed strongly in Catholic education, and it was important to them that their children attend Catholic schools. His Irish heritage was also a defining part of his identity. He was a founding member of the Hibernian Society of Utah and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Bill began his career at the Rehabilitation Institute in Kansas City. While there, he served as president of the Kansas City Speech and Hearing Association. Upon returning to Utah, he became Director of Communication Disorders for the Salt Lake City School District. His expertise and compassion were evident throughout his work, helping both children and adults, including many who struggled with stuttering or were recovering from strokes. His demeanor was reminiscent of Mr. Rogers—soft-spoken, calm, and reassuring.

Bill also served as Director of the School Services Team for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In 1993, he received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Utah in recognition of a lifetime of selfless service.

Devoted to family, Bill and Nancy prioritized time with their children through summer vacations, camping trips, boating adventures with Uncle Dan, and the dizzying pace required to keep up with five active children born within six years. Bill also coached Little League baseball. As grandchildren arrived, his support and presence never wavered.

After retirement, Bill and Nancy cared for a lively group of seven grandchildren until they started kindergarten. Whether he was playing the piano and singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” teaching the art of making paper airplanes, or agreeing to yet another popsicle, he created a loving and joyful presence. He attended numerous graduations and life celebrations with his grandchildren and even memorable trips to Ireland.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and his sister.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, and their five children: Dan (Joni), Jim (Melanie), John (Amy), Mike (Peta), Katy (Curtis), and Chris Davies. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Legacy Village of Sugar House, who cared for Bill with kindness and compassion. You became family to us. It warmed our hearts to see him greet you with a smile each day and so often break into song, especially his beloved “Hallelujah.” His connection with this community was a reminder of how Bill loved people—a quality that remained strong to the very end.

Please join us for an Irish wake celebrating Bill’s life at Stark’s Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City, on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Guest are encouraged to park and enter on the north side of the building.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 20, at 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 670 S 1100 E Salt Lake City, where he and Nancy were married 65 years ago. His ashes will be interred at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

… And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.