Rostraver mourns iconic Bill's Golfland founder

ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP - The township man who established one of the most recognizable business landmarks in the Mid-Mon Valley died Wednesday.

William Ruozzi owned and operated the popular Bill's Restaurant and Golfland along Route 51 in Rostraver Township for 62 years.

In a June 2007 story in the The Valley Independent about the business, Ruozzi shared a tale about one of his first and most memorable customers.

"I sold Shirley Jones one of my first cheeseburgers," he said of the legendary actress who grew up in Smithton. "I burnt the heck out of it, but I served it to her anyway. I didn't know what I was doing - I had never ran a restaurant before.

"But, I'll never forget it because she became famous."

Long-time friend and funeral director James Stump said Ruozzi was an icon in his own respect.

"Bill was very much a community man in Rostraver here," Stump said. "He was very giving and very supporting."

Stump said Ruozzi's name will long live on through his business.

"I just wonder how many thousands of people in the Mon Valley at one time or another went to Bill's," Stump said. "I just thought, 'How many dates were there and how many marriages came out of taking your date to Bill's driving range?'

"I would say it was the most recognizable spot in the Mon Valley as far as a recreational facility."

Many businesses have sprung up around Bill's since it opened.

But, the atmosphere at the community hot spot hasn't changed much, Stump said.

"As I was in my early years, that was a stop, at Bill's to get a frosted ice cream cone and sandwich," Stump said. "Guys used to hang around the cars and talk. It was just a happening spot. It's the same."

Stump lived next to the business when it had its humble beginning.

Ruozzi first took over a driving range and ran a small hot dog stand in what was then a remote location.

"I was raised right in the next farm," Stump said. "There was a building, a 10-by-10 foot caddy shack. That was it."

Ruozzi added the restaurant in the 1950s and began developing what is now a multi-structure complex featuring the driving range and restaurant, a miniature golf course, outdoor ping pong tables, a sand volleyball court and a dek hockey rink.

The business formerly had an archery range and batting cages, where former Pittsburgh Pirates Bill Mazeroski and Bob Friend ran baseball clinics for the youths.

Bill's first was open from April through October. Since 1975, it has operated year-round.

"I've been in business since 1960, and his was the oldest business that's owned by one family in Rostraver Township," Stump said of Ruozzi. "I know here at the funeral home, a lot of people call from Pittsburgh for directions and I'll say, 'You know where Bill's Golfland is?' And 99 out of 100 people know where Bill's was at."

Aside from running the business, Ruozzi was actively involved with community organizations.

A World War II veteran, he was a charter member and past president of the Rostraver Business Association and served on the township zoning hearing board.

"He was always there with the business association, to jump in and help out," Stump said. "Bill was very supportive of the Rostraver Library. He had a wonderful wife, Enis. He dedicated a room in the library to Enis and the family."

The library moved to a new facility early in 2007 that sits on a hillside across Route 51 from Bill's.

Stump said he would remember Ruozzi for his contributions to the community and selfless nature.

"If you needed help, Bill said, 'Ok, what could I do?'" Stump said. "He just jumped right in. He just didn't take from the community; he gave a portion back to the community. With the August Fest down at the park, he'd haul his pop machines and his hot dogs and buns. It cost him money but the business association reaped the profits.

"That's the kind of guy he was. If you needed something, he just never said no."

Rostraver Chamber of Commerce board member Tom Mimidis said Ruozzi's business generated enough attention to spur development in what has grown into a busy business section.

Mimidis said Ruozzi was generous and approachable.

"He was very easy going. He was friends with everybody. I can't say enough nice things about him," Mimidis said. "He's really helped the chamber, whenever we had a picnic. He always helped with the August Fest. He was involved in a lot of things; always giving."

Long-time Rostraver Township Commissioner Nick Lorenzo said Ruozzi brought a unique gathering place to the township.

"Bill's has always been a hot spot," Lorenzo said. "I think Bill played a part and really started to get that intersection built up.

"When I was younger, I hit a few golf balls at Bill's. At one time or another, I think everybody went to Bill's. I think it's one of the most entertaining places where people come and go constantly."

Lorenzo said Ruozzi's passing is a great loss to the community.

"I knew him for 35 years. He was a good businessman. He was a very, very hard worker, and he was a good person. He was a great man," Lorenzo said. "Bill was fun. He was good to know. He will definitely be missed."