William G. “Bill” Croissant, 84, of Huntingdon, died May 31, 2026 in DuBois, PA, surrounded by his family. He was born in Kane, PA to the late Clifford and Mildred (Fox) Croissant. The youngest of four children, he is predeceased by his siblings Phyllis (Ronald) McNeur, Elizabeth (Richard) England, and Clifford “Larry” (Suzanne) Croissant.
While Bill’s earliest years were spent in Hazel Hurst, PA, the family then moved to New Kensington, PA, where Bill graduated from Ken High in 1959. His interests in music lead him to Penn State, where he graduated with a BS in Music Education in 1963, followed by an MA in 1965. At Penn State he was a member of the Penn State Blue Band under Dr. Jim Dunlop, as well as many other musical ensembles, including a concert choir trip to Europe. In addition to his musical pursuits, Bill was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity, Tau Chapter, at University Park. Bill married Patricia Evelyn Wielobob while at Penn State for his graduate degree, and had a daughter Jennifer Croissant (b. 1965) (R. D. Willits) and son, George (b. 1967).
Bill’s music education career started with positions in Trumansburg, NY and Elwood City, PA. In 1971 he started teaching at Huntingdon Area HS, with marching band, concert and jazz bands, and choir programs over the years. Later in his career Bill served as guest conductor for several County and Regional Band Festivals. He completed an MA in Music Performance, emphasizing conducting and composition, from IUP, with Dr. Jack Stamp in 1998.
During their spare time, both Bill and Pat volunteered with the Cadets (formerly Garfield Cadets) Drum and Bugle Corps, a commitment lasting thirty years. They traveled across the country to support young musicians. Upon his retirement he was a saxophonist with the Big Band Sound, conducted Take Note, a women’s choir in Huntingdon, and square danced with the Centre Squares of State College, PA.
Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, their children, his sister-in-law, as well as niece Karen (Rodney) Barber, and nephew Christopher Croissant and their families. He is also survived by his best cat buddy Oreo, but most importantly, by generations of students.
No memorial services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a youth arts program in your area, or your local Humane Society.
The Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
