Obituary of William Howard Salisbury

William Howard Salisbury was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 6, 1932. He was one of two sons born from the union of Howard and Mildred (Bradbury) Salisbury. Upon graduating from Fordson High School in 1950, William pursued higher education at Michigan State University. In 1954, he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

In his early years, his life was filled with the earthy rhythms of rural life as he spent much of his childhood on his uncle’s farm, Five Farms, where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility. Amidst the chores, he found a passion for reading, often losing himself in the pages of Reader’s Digest magazine, fostering a lifelong love for stories and knowledge. Later in life, William would flip through the pages of any magazine.

After graduating from college, William then answered the call of duty and joined the United States Army, where proudly served with distinction in the Germany occupation.

William settled into a career with the United States Post Office as a mail carrier, after being discharged from the military. For 35 years, he diligently walked the streets, delivering mail and becoming a familiar and friendly face in the community. He got tired of being retired, so he took on another endeavor, for the next seventeen years, he worked in the hardware department at Walmart, Monroe.

In 1988, life brought William a different kind of joy when he married Joan Zalewski in Wyandotte. Their union was filled with love and companionship, marking a new chapter in William’s life. Family played an integral role in William’s happiness.

William was more than just the best father to his girls; he was their guiding light and pillar of support. He demonstrated his incredible intellect and patience, especially when helping his daughters with anything in life.

William's pride and joy extended beyond his daughters to his grandchildren. William stated one of his fondest memories was his trip to Disney. Despite the grueling demands of age, William enthusiastically kept up with Devan, who would energetically drag him from one attraction to the next, chanting, "One more ride, one more ride, one more ride!"

William Howard Salisbury, age 91, of Monroe, passed away at Monroe Springs Rehab and Nursing Center on June 22, 2024, 10:45pm. In addition to his passing, he is preceded by his parents; a stepfather: Ferris E. Lewis; his brother: David Henry Salisbury; two stepsisters: Mary Katherine “Kay” Lewis, Virginia Cyr; and his bride of thirty-five years: Joan.

To cherish his memory, he leaves: three stepdaughters: Rose Miller, Michelle Mullins and Jill Caruso; seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren; one niece; one great niece and one great nephew.

Friends may gather Wednesday; June 26, 2024, from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His life will take place on Thursday; June 27, 2026, at 10:00am, also at Merkle’s. Interment will immediately follow at Grand Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, Detroit.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com