William “Bill” J. Maus

February 13, 1929 - October 25, 2010
William “Bill” J. Maus


Mr. William J. “Bill” Maus, 81 years, of Plantation Village, Wilmington, NC. entered eternal life peacefully with his wife and children nearby on October 25, 2010, in Wilmington, NC.

He was born in Pittsburgh, PA February 13, 1929, the son of William John Maus Sr. and Ida Renckley, who, along with his sister Marilyn Cook, preceded him.

He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and the University of Pittsburgh, and then was awarded a full basketball scholarship to St. Francis College in Loretto, PA, graduating with a B.S in Accounting. While at St. Francis, he met his future bride, Patricia Ann Burley. They married April 22, 1950, and moved to Pittsburgh, where they began their family of nine children.

Following graduation from college, he became a CPA and worked in Pittsburgh until 1959, then took a position of Treasurer at Season-All in Indiana, PA. Seven years later, he accepted the position of Controller at LORD Corporation in Erie, PA where he spent the remainder of his career, retiring after 25 years. He excelled at LORD, and rose to the position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. While at LORD, he commuted to Case Western Reserve in Cleveland and earned his Masters of Business Administration.

Maus was known for his leadership and selfless involvement in activities besides his family and his career. He was a long-time member of the National Association of Accountants, the American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants (Past President of the Pennsylvania state society of CPA’s), and served as in various leadership positions at national, regional, and local levels of the Institute of Management and the Financial Executive Institute. He was a teacher of Finance and Economics in the MBA program at Gannon University in Erie, PA for several years.

Bill was a friend, mentor, and advisor to countless people during his life, and will be remembered for his generosity and tireless dedication to others in the community. He was on the Corporate Boards of PennBank, the Public School Authority of Erie, PA, Board Member at WQLN public radio, and was a catalyst in the founding of an organization serving the mentally handicapped in Erie, PA known as “LaArche”, which continues to provide community service and support.

During his retirement, he remained active in financial consulting to private individuals and to his dear friend and brother-in-law John Burley’s business in Houston, TX. He also served in many committee and Board roles at Plantation Village in Wilmington, NC, including as VP of Council Finance Committee and as an Area President.

Maus was a very devout and dedicated believer in his faith, and served as a Eucharistic Minister at several Roman Catholic churches, and most recently an active member of the St. Mark Catholic Church Parish Council Finance Committee in Wilmington, NC.

An avid Steelers fan, he instilled a love of sports, camaraderie, and a joy for life in each of his children and many friends. He played basketball into his 60’s, and loved to golf with his sons at yearly outings, and play tennis with his daughters.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 61 years, Patricia Ann Burley Maus, and by a sister Henrietta Recko. He is also survived by his daughters Diane Maus of Fairborn, OH; Cindy Sage (Russell Sage) of Tucson, AZ; Mary Pat Latham, of Natick, MA; Paula Cameron (Adam Cameron) of Wilmington, NC; and sons Thomas D. Maus (Eleanor Kazmeirski) of Erie, PA, David Maus (Alice Feehley) of Kennerdell, PA, Daniel Maus (Linda Beaumont), of Troy, OH; Donald Maus (Joseph Walsh), of Pittsburgh, PA, and; Timothy Maus (Laura Boetger) of Allison, Park, PA. He also has eleven cherished grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mr. Maus will be cremated, and a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 on Wednesday, October 27 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Cornelia Nixon Davis, Inc – Legacy Fund, 1011 Porters Neck Road, Wilmington NC 28411 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • November 09, 2010
    David A. Maus says:
    To Mom and All My Brothers and Sisters - We had a great Dad and Mom had a great partner. Thanks to all of you for helping Dad be his best at all times. We have been strong for each other, and the beautiful services following Dad's passing are evidence his mark has been left on all of us forever.

  • October 30, 2010
    Bill Toflinski says:
    Pat and family Our deepest sympathy to you and your children. I worked with Bill and I can tell you I never worked with a finer individual. It was an honor to be part of his accounting team. Bill was a great motivator and teacher. He treated everyone with respect and dignity. He taught us all that nothing short of our very best was acceptable. I'm certain God has welcomed him home.

  • October 26, 2010
    Dianne LaFrankie Margle says:
    Dearest Maus Family, Mr. Maus was a true testament to "The Greatest Generation". What a beautiful obituary. I have very fond memories while at the Rock of MaryPat saying "hey let's head up to Erie this weekend"...that meant food, fun and a warm welcome. I remember your Dad floating around in the pool, driving us back to the Rock proud to tune into "easy listening music" and loving it. In my memory he had an easy going disposition and really enjoyed his children and their friends. I was so honored that your parents came to my wedding in the Poconos 20 years ago. Your Dad had on a Salmon colored sport coat and was cutting a mean rug. And your Mom...what a wonderful warm lady my deepest condolences to you Mrs. Maus 61 years, nine children and many memories. I only wish I could be there with you all but the distance and timing would not allow. I would love to see you all again someday soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. In Sympathy and Love, Dianne

  • October 28, 2010
    Vicki Williams @ lEONS says:
    To Paula,Mary PAT AND ALL OTHER SIBLINGS AND YOUR MOTHER, I AM SORRY I MISSED THE SERVICE BUT I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW HOW BLESSED I FEEL TO HAVE MET AND KNOWN SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN. I WILL TRULY MISS HIM.

  • October 26, 2010
    Melissa Derham says:
    I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I am melissa from Antonio's Pizza and Pasta. He came in often and ordered 2 slices and a drink I got to know your dad and the family and really enjoyed having him in the resturant. He was such a nice man. My heart goes out to you and the family and His wife. I am glad I got a chance to know him. I wont forget him.