William Patrick Tschida

Bill Tschida, a native Vallejoan, passed away peacefully at home after a short illness. Bill was born to William Charles Tschida and Katherine Mary (Healy) Tschida and grew up in his Indiana St. neighborhood. Bill attended St. Basil’s Elementary School as a member of the first kindergarten class. At St. Vincent Ferrer High School Bill graduated in 1962, having served as Student Body President, played varsity baseball and basketball, and fully participated in the life and activities of the school. Bill went on to graduate from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and was a devoted Gael for the rest of his life. He attended Humboldt State College and San Francisco State to obtain his teaching credentials in both elementary and secondary education. Bill later earned his master’s degree in education from University of San Francisco. In June of 1967 Bill married his high school sweetheart, Paula Cavanagh. They embarked on a two-year Peace Corps commitment in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Bill founded and taught in the first secondary school, Shenge Secondary School, in Kagboro Kingdom. Bill loved living in a different culture and became a curious and adventurous traveler. Upon his return to the United States, Bill began a career of 27 years with the Vallejo City Unified School District. He taught at Lincoln and Steffan Manor Elementary Schools, was principal at Cooper and Highland Schools, and served as Assistant Superintendent. Prior to his retirement from the public schools, he also was principal at Northwood Elementary School in Napa. In Bill’s later part-time careers, he worked for the Association of California School Administrators as a Professional Standards Advocate, assisting school administrators across California. He taught in the Educational Leadership Program at Saint Mary’s College, where his students frequently commented on how much they learned from his anecdotes, examples, and wise advice based on his extensive experience as an educator. Bill is survived by Paula, his wife of 58 years; his daughters and sons-in-law, Noelle and Greg Fetters, and Mary Kate and Sean Whall; his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Patrick and Ashlee Lago, and his great- granddaughter Lucy Jane Elizabeth Lago. He is also survived by his brothers -in -law, Leo (Sandy) Cavanagh, and Tom Fong; his sister-in law Mary Jo (Ron) Teplitz; nieces Rose Teplitz and Patricia (Danny) Nelson; his great niece, Natalie Nelson, and many beloved cousins and dear friends. Bill was predeceased by his parents and by his sister Mary (Tom) Fong. Bill will be remembered for his devotion to his wife, Paula, and their family; for his deep commitment to his faith; for his integrity in all matters, personal and professional; and for his quick-wit Irish humor that brought laughter and perspective no matter the circumstances. Visitation will be at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St. at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 7th, followed by a vigil service at 6:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be at St Basil’s Church, 1225 Tuolumne St., at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 8, followed by the committal service and burial at All Souls Cemetery.

William Patrick Tschida

October 28, 1944 - March 25, 2026