William A. "Bill" SteckerBill Stecker, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and "Hot Rodder" passed away at his home in San Pedro on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Bill was born on September 18, 1929 in North Hollywood, California to his parents Ethel and Carroll Moreland. Bill attended Cabrillo Ave. and Fifteenth St. Elementary Schools, Dana Jr. High School and San Pedro High School Summer '48. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He owned and operated Modern Muffler Service for over thirty years before becoming a proud longshoreman of ILWU local 13. He was a Past Master of the L.A. Harbor Masonic Lodge #332. He joined the L.A. Roadsters after a career in racing and later became a lifetime member of the club. He competed in speed trials on the dry lakes in the 1950s, referred to as the birthplace of hot rodding and he raced top fuel dragsters in the '60s where he was a pioneer in the sport. He won Top Eliminator at the U.S. Fuel & Gas Championship in Bakersfield, CA in 1961. Bill could be seen driving around town in his beloved red '32 Ford roadster. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Roy and Jack Stecker and Marie Anderson and his loving wife of 57 years Pauline. Bill had a kind heart and soul, happy disposition, witty sense of humor and many friends of all ages. Together he and Pauline had a lifetime of love and laughter and they enjoyed their family, friends and of course Hot Rodding. He is survived by his children, Billy (Pam), Sharon (George) Lusic, Lynn (Augie) Bezmalinovich. Grandchildren Joshua, Justin (Megan), Jason, Jared Stecker, Chad (Yelena), Christopher Lusic, Aaron Alvarez, Chelsey (Weston) Jones, Ryan Mannas and great-grandchildren, Cain, Iva, Ryann, Jake, Evan and Londyn; Sister-in-law Joanne Kiley and many nieces, nephews and friends who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Bill." Visitation will be held Monday, November 14th at McNerney's Mortuary in San Pedro from 3pm to 8pm and Funeral Service Tuesday, November 15th at 12 noon at Green Hills Memorial Park Pavilion in Rancho Palos Verdes. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the San Pedro Boys and Girls Club. Please sign the guestbook at mcnerneysmortuary.com or dailybreeze.com.