William Charles Barnich III

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Charles Barnich III on October 10, 2026. Bill was born to William Charles Barnich, Jr. and Mary Aileen Barnich in Cheboygan, MI in 1938. “Brother Bill” as he was affectionately known, was the first of five children followed by Martha Jo, Rick, John, and Mary. Bill was active in school sports and spent evenings at the family drug store with his father.

In 1953, Bill, a high school freshman, was invited to serve as a Senate page boy for U.S. Senator Charles Potter from Cheboygan in Washington D.C. He served in this capacity for two years before completing his final two years of high school at Cheboygan Catholic.

Bill took an interest in outboard boat racing and started competing in local closed course events as well as two “Top of Michigan” 87-mile outboard marathon races and frequently had his brother Rick along to help. After high school graduation Bill attended Notre Dame and graduated with a degree in liberal arts.

After Notre Dame, Bill joined the Navy and was accepted into their pilot training program. He initially served two tours in Viet Nam aboard aircraft carriers Hancock and Enterprise. He flew multi-engine aircraft known as “WF-2”s (fitted as submarine trackers). Afterwards, he transferred to a fighter squadron where he qualified to fly A4 single engine fighters. He served the remainder of his 8-year enlistment in Hawaii. He later joined the Air National Guard of West Virginia where he flew C130 aircraft. He later flew C130 aircraft for an international air freight handler until retirement.

Bill was known as a great storyteller who could captivate audiences and leave them crying with laughter. Bill greatly enjoyed playing Santa Clause at the El Dorado Hills Town Center in the last years of his life. Bill is survived by his wife and three sons: William, Paul and Lewis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place to honor Bill at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 2, 2026 at Holy Spirit Parish - 3159 Land Park Drive, Sacramento. Bill will be laid to rest at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 11:30 AM.