Wilhelm Anthony Lieto

On Monday December 13, 2021, Wilhelm Anthony Lieto, 67 of King George, Virginia passed away at his home. Wilhelm (Bill) was born on Friday, November 12, 1954, in New Jersey to Master Sergeant Anthony J Lieto, US Army, Retired and Minna C Lieto, of Alexandria, Virginia, both deceased.

Bill served as a Metropolitan Police Department Officer and was assigned to the First Police District in Washington, DC. He held a number of positions, but he was most passionate about his time as a Firearms Instructor, with the Special Operations Division, Training Branch. He dedicated 40 years of his life to the Metropolitan Police Department and the residents/citizens of the District of Columbia.

Bill graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Virginia in 1972.  He graduated from American University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science Administration of Justice. In 1978, Bill joined the Metropolitan Police Department as a sworn officer and attended the police academy. Following academy graduation, he was assigned to the First Police District as a patrol officer. In 1986 he was awarded ‘Cop’s Cop of the Year  and received numerous Commendations from Commanding Officers/Supervisors, including the Chief of Police.

Bill was a devoted husband to his wife, Deborah, a retired Metropolitan Police Officer during their 36 years together. He was blessed with two children, Katherine Victoria Lieto, MPD Officer of the First District and Wilhelm Joseph Lieto, MPD Firearms Instructor. Bill was also, a loving stepfather to his six stepchildren: Malisia Stahl, Theresa M Vasquez, John R Pendergrass, Elizabeth C Diehl, Michael O Pendergrass, and Precious R Lipniacki. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Jason W Pendergrass, his parents, and his wife’s parents. He was deeply devoted during his life to his brother, Col. Anthony S. Lieto, U.S. Army, wife, Myong Lieto, of Carlisle, PA and their three children, Major Erin Lieto, USA, Major Patrick Lieto, USA, and Lieutenant James Lieto, USN.

Bill’s most famous quote during his life was “You’re going to miss me when I’m gone.” Never so true, he will be missed by his family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Virginia. Internment will be with full police honors by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Honor Guard. A private family gathering will take place following the interment.