William J Hammerash

William J. Hammerash, 74, of Perryopolis, died Tuesday, May 3, 2016.  Born May 5, 1941 in N. Charleroi, PA he was the son of the late William “Jack” Hammerash and Laura Kwiatkowski Hammerash. Bill was a graduate of Belmar High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Rathway.  They shared a lifelong love that few are lucky enough to experience, in total devotion to each other through life’s many challenges.  A resident of Perryopolis for the past 50 years, Bill was a member of St. John the Baptist Church of Perryopolis. He was retired from United States Steel Corporation, where he worked for nearly 25 years, and the maintenance department of Belle Vernon Area School District, where he worked for more than 20 years.  Bill loved being in the outdoors – hunting, fishing at the pond and maintaining his garden were some of his favorite pastimes. He was an avid bowler, coming close to that perfect 300 game many times, golfer, and Team Corvette Racing fan. He loved to laugh and always had a joke to tell. His grandchildren were amazed that anywhere they went, Pappy was bound to run into a friend, and by the time he left, he made a few more friends. He was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather; family meant everything to him and that made him rich beyond imagination.

He is survived by his wife Geraldine to whom he would have been married 53 years on May 18, 2016; three children Shelley & husband John Battaglia Jr. of Port Matilda, Tracey & Bruce Scott of Perryopolis, Drs. Bill Jr. & Catherine Hammerash of Ellicott City, MD; a brother Daniel W. Hammerash of North Belle Vernon and nine grandchildren John, Nicholas, Emily & Elissa Battaglia, Riley, Tristen & Abigail Scott, Ariel & Alex Hammerash.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183.  In accordance to Bill’s wishes, there will be no public services.  Bill preferred to live in the memories and hearts of all who loved him.