Obituary of William J. Englehardt

William J. Englehardt, 68, of Duryea, passed away at home on August 4, 2017 after a courageous 3-year battle with lung cancer.  He is survived by his wife of 13 years, the former Susan Belles.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Herman 'Jack' & Mary Gallagher Englehardt.  Raised in the Hill Section of Scranton he was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School class of 1967 where he was voted Mr. Personality and Most Popular Boy.

After graduation Bill enlisted in the Marine Corp attaining the rank of Sergeant.  He honorably and proudly served his county from 1967 to 1971.  He volunteered to go to Vietnam and while there was a CH34 helicopter mechanic.  He was a crew chief gunner in the Ugly Angels

HMM-362 Squadron having flown in over 500 missions.  He was stationed in Phu Bai, DaNang, and on the LPH-3 USS Okinawa.  He earned 25 Air Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Air Crew Insignia Wings with 3 stars, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Good Conduct Medal, and the M-14 Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.  He also proudly served 4 years in the Army National Guard where he was a Staff Sergeant.

Upon his discharge from the military, he briefly worked for the City of Scranton.  He later went on to work for PP&L for 40 years retiring in 2014.

He was raised in the Immaculate Conception Church and had a very strong faith.  He often spoke of how he had seen God working in his life.  His 34-year friendship with Bill W. was just one example.

Bill was very loving and kind.  He was a generous man with a heart of gold.  He was a fun-loving guy who had a great sense of humor and a knack for making people laugh.  Even during his most difficult days he was able to keep his wit and sense of humor.  It is perhaps that which we will miss most about him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children:  William II and finance Kristi Evans, Taylor; Denise Williams and husband Brian, Plymouth; Stacy Hawkins, Moosic; sisters:  Mary Louise Franco and husband Peter, West Pittston; Elizabeth Dominick and husband Robert, Scranton; father- and mother-in-law; Daniel & Beverly Belles, Moosic; sister-in law, Carol Wanck and husband Philip, Towanda; son-in-law, Fred Hawkins, Taylor; 11 grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Dr. Martin Hyzinski and Dr. Martin Moran and their staffs for the excellent care and compassion shown not only to Bill; but also to Sue during Bill's illness.  Thanks also to the VNA Hospice, the Veterans Administration, and At-Home Quality Care for all the assistance they provided in caring for Bill. 

Funeral services with full military honors will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday August 8, 2017 from the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union Street Taylor, PA. 18517.  The Rev. Dr. Philip Wanck will officiate.  Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.  Friends may call from 4 PM to 7 PM on Monday evening at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105; or Ronald McDonald House; 332 Wheeler Avenue; Scranton, PA  18510.