In Memoriam: Bill Trucksess of Philadelphia Sign

Bill Trucksess, who ran Philadelphia Sign Co. for more than five decades, passed away recently at the age of 87.

Following his graduation from Lehigh University with a degree in engineering, Bill went to work for his father, Drew, who had founded Philadelphia Sign in 1911. After his father’s retirement Bill became president of the company in the 1960s, when he was still in his 30s. He continued to grow the business through the decades to make it the nationally renowned sign company it is today.

Bill Trucksess finally retired in 2012, and he died on March 1, surrounded by family and loved ones, his company says.

In its online tribute to Bill Trucksess, his company wrote the following:

“During the 1970s and 80s with onset of all mergers including banks and clients expanding nationally, (Philadelphia Sign) grew with them, adding large-scale production capacity and computer technology. Bill transformed the business from a ‘custom sign shop’ to a full-service, multifaceted national sign company, capable of servicing a wide range of customer needs on a national, regional, and local basis.

“Bob Mehmet, the current president and CEO of Philadelphia Sign, says Bill was the consummate entrepreneur. ‘I’ve known him since 1973 and been working here full-time since 1980, and he’s been nothing but an inspiration to me,’ he says. ‘His success was because he never gave up. He did whatever he had to do to get the job done while remaining competitive. He had a vision, and that’s why the company has and will remain successful.’

According to the company, Bill Trucksess’ last words were to “keep it going, baby.”

To read the Philadelphia Inquirer story about Trucksess on Philly.com, click HERE.