William Andrew Petras

Age 55, of Tustin, CA, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 10, 2025. Devoted son of William James and Barbara (Allan) Petras; artistic brother of Paul Allan (Heather) Petras and the late Laura Ann Petras; proud uncle of Abigail Presley Petras; and survived by a large network of friends, work colleagues and contemporaries worldwide. Bill graduated from Upper St. Clair High School in 1987 before attending the former Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he earned an associate degree in visual art and design in 1989. He then started his career as an artist making video games at Take-Two Interactive in Latrobe, PA.  Bill then pursued his dream of becoming an art director for a major gaming company by moving to California and working for Virgin in 1996. He then got his “dream job” at Blizzard, where he worked for 20 years, and served as the Art Director and Lead Artist for some of the industry’s biggest and best-selling games. These included StarCraft, Diablo II, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch, which won Game of the Year in 2016. Bill will be remembered as an extremely talented, selfless and dedicated artist, and as well as a loving, loyal and ethical leader and human being. Bill was a kind and giving soul, who was a true visionary and legend in the gaming industry and inspired many to pursue their dreams. Bill loved his family, especially his niece Abby, his friends, going on long hikes and watching movies like Conan the Barbarian.  The World is now a little less bright, but Heaven just got a lot brighter, having gained an exceptional artist. Family and friends will be welcomed to a Celebration of Life for Bill on Saturday afternoon, July 12th from 1:00 until 4:00 at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Road, Pittsburgh (Mt. Lebanon), PA 15216. The Memorial Service and interment will be private. If desired, memorials may be made to a Charity of Your Choice.

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