During World War II; American bombers flying missions over Nazi occupied Europe were given a 1 in 5 chance of returning safely. Defying the odds; William J. Zeli; of Rostraver Township; and his crew made 35 successful bombing runs out of London; a feat that historians have called remarkable. William survived his 35 missions; and returned home to live a long; full; productive life. He died Thursday; February 15; 2007; in the Havencrest Nursing Facility at the age of 86. He was born in Marianna; PA on February 14; 1921; son of the late Vincent and Laura Caterina Zeli. He was a member of the first graduating class of North Belle Vernon High School in 1939. He joined the United States Army Air Corps; and was commissioned to a Second Lieutenant in Big Springs; Texas; in 1943. In 1944; he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Captain in 1959. He was a retired employee of the former Continental Can Corporation in West Mifflin. He was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church of Belle Vernon; and the 486th Bomb Group Association; and former member of the Belle Vernon Golden Agers and the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Survivors include his wife of 52 years; Doris Conti Zeli; one daughter and son-in-law; Laura M. and Robert J. Reilly of Upper St. Clair; one son and daughter-in-law; William J. and Julie M. Uhlman Zeli of Murrysville; four grandchildren; Jonathan Robert Reilly of Pittsburgh; Andrew W. Reilly; Larissa M. Zeli and Zachary W. Zeli. In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by four brothers; Anthony Zeli; Furman Zeli; Bruno Zeli and Sam Zeli; all of Belle Vernon. Following his retirement in 1983; William enjoyed restoring antique steamer trunks. His artistry became celebrated in the area with many of his trunks adorning valley homes and beyond. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the LEONARD J. PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME; family owned and operated; 626 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon (724-929-6183). Prayer Service will be held Monday at 12:30 pm in the funeral home followed by Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm at St. Sebastian R.C. Church with the Rev. Lawrence L. Manchas V.F. Pastor as celebrant. Entombment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of St. Sebastian parish will pray the rosary for the departed soul of William Zeli Sunday at 3 pm in the funeral home. As a convenience to the family; condolences are accepted and given to the family from the funeral home Web site; www.parzynskifuneralhome.com