William S. DePrie

On July 19, 2023, William Schlei DePrie, a loving and devoted husband and father of two children, passed away at age 83.

William “Bill” was born on February 21, 1940, in Huntington, WV to Regis and Mary Alice (née Schlei) DePrie. The United States Postal Service brought Bill to Cincinnati in 1958. Bill had a distinguished career at the USPS for 38 years.

On October 10, 1959, he married Kathy Lewis. They raised two children, Renée DePrie Reynolds and Jonathan Lewis DePrie. 

In his retirement years Bill worked at the Cors and Bassett Law Firm. He loved visiting the tri-state courthouses and talking with everyone, the celebratory office parties and the fabulous view of the Riverfest Fireworks in the fall. Another of Bill’s passions was volunteering at the St. Joseph’s Home for Children. He loved the children. Bill was a very memorable Santa for several years and warmly shared his beloved farm on the Loughery Creek with the kids; grilling, fishing and offering canoe rides.

Anywhere he went, Bill could be heard famously sharing stories of his name-sake grandfather, George Schlei, and his years playing baseball for the Cincinnati Reds and New York Giants – at a moment’s notice Bill would produce little known facts or perhaps memorabilia. 

Bill was also an avid rock, coin, and naturally a stamp collector. The family is finding rocks in nearly every drawer of the house, fondly remembering him. For those who knew him well they will remember his quick wit and sometimes spicey language, not to be shared here with any young readers!

Bill is preceded in death by his father, Regis, his mother, Mary Alice and brother Gerry. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his two children, Renée and Jonathan (Lisa) DePrie, his sister Alice Ann Santo (née DePrie), three loving grandsons; Cody DePrie, Jack DePrie and Connor DePrie, as well as nieces Stephanie Santo, Allyson Santo, Rachel Brickett (née Santo), Sarah Santo, Mary Alice Santo and Andrea Hyatt (née Glendening). Bill is also survived by very dear and caring in-laws, Jerry and Tonya Glendening.

Visitation at Meyer Funeral Home, 5864 Bridgetown Rd., on TUESDAY from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at the Our Lady of the Visitation, 3172 South Rd., on WEDNESDAY at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Bill’s name to St. Joseph’s Home for Children, the Alzheimer’s Association and/or Hospice of Cincinnati.  Condolences may be sent at www.bjmeyer.com