IN MEMORIAM: Bill Guilfoile, 84;

Hall Of Fame Former Spokesman

COOPERSTOWN – Bill Guilfoile, who served as head of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s public relations office from 1979 through 1996, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 9, 2016, in South Bend, Ind., at the age of 84.

Bill was born in Fond du Lac, Wisc., on Nov. 5, 1931,  and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1954.

After a stint in the Navy in 1954-58, he joined the New York Yankees in 1960, serving as assistant public relations director to Bob Fishel. He joined the Pittsburgh Pirates as public relations director in 1970 and remained in that role through 1978.

Bill then joined the Hall of Fame and he and his family moved to Cooperstown.

During his tenure in baseball, Bill was part of many memorable moments, such as the 1961 Mantle/Maris home run chase, Roberto Clemente’s 3,000th hit and the Hall of Fame’s 50th anniversary.

In retirement, Bill taught public relations at Marian University in his hometown of Fond du Lac for five years.

Bill is survived by his widow, Loretta, whom he married in 1957, a daughter, Ann, sons Pete, Tom and Kevin, and 10 grandchildren.