William C. Dunleavy

William C. Dunleavy , 94, Frackville, passed away Friday evening surrounded by his loving family at Schuylkill Medical Center East Norwegian Street, Pottsville.

Born in Girardville, he was a son of the late Michael and Beulah (Price) Dunleavy. He worked as an Advertising Executive for the Pottsville Republican Newspaper, Pottsville for 35 years until his retirement.

He was a 1939 graduate of the former Girardville High School. He studied at the National Aeronautics Institute, NY, the Balkus School of Welding, and the University of Montana.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 20th Air Force during WWII as a B-29 Flight Engineer. He earned the American Theater Campaign, Good Conduct, Victory and Small Arms Expert Medals during his service.

Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Frackville and served as the President of the Men's Bible Class. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #737 F&AM, Frackville. where he served as the oldest past master, secretary for 24 years and was the first recipient of the William C. Heller God and Country Award and the past secretary's jewel. He was a 32nd degree member of Scottish Rite and past Tall Cedar. He was also past director and trustee of the short lived Frackville Kiwanis Club. He was a volunteer on the first and second drives of the original Greater Pottsville Industrial Corporation.

He was an amateur radio operator since 1976, member of the American Radio Relay League, National Riffle Association and past member of the South End Field and Stream, Frackville. A member of the Tri-County Wingsnappers (Model Airplane Club), life member of Little Schuylkill Conservation Club, Tamaqua. He was a life member of the Pottsville American Legion (having joined in Lincoln, NE in 1945)

He was an avid golfer and was a member of most local courses including White Birch Golf Course, where both he and his wife, Helen, shot a hole in one. Also, an avid photographer, he has a collection of over 6,000 slides.

Besides his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife, the former Helen M. (Fetter) Dunleavy in 2012, his sister, Lorraine Bevan and a grand-daughter, Jessica Lynn Dunleavy.

Bill is survived by his son William D. and wife Susan Schultz Dunleavy, Oberlin, a daughter Karen and husband Jack Spieles, Frackville and by 8 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and his beloved best friend Andy.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. from the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Frackville with Rev. Jonathan Hall officiating. Interment with military honors will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fountain Springs. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. until time of service.