Bill Giarla passed away, June 4, 2007 following a long battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). He was President of The Martha Fund.  

But Bill was so much more.

Married to Martha’s sister, Joanne, Bill attended to the legal matters of the Martha Fund ensuring that the mission was met. The first ten years the fund made many contributions to playgrounds in the Pittsburgh area.  In 2007 his dream of a signature playground was realized when Martha’s Playground, a children’s wonderland, opened in Mt. Lebanon Park.  Bill was considered the driving force behind its approval, development and construction.

Bill grew up in Nahant, MA. and was a graduate of Harvard University and Duke Law School.  He spent his professional life in Pittsburgh where he met his wife, Joanne Dixon. He is also survived by his daughter, Katie and son, Kenny.

Bill touched many people during his life and will be greatly missed.