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William J. Hawk Sr.

William Hawk Obituary

William J. Hawk Sr.
William J. Bill Hawk Sr., 84, of Bethlehem, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2008 in his home. He was the beloved husband of Bernadine M. (Bauder) Hawk, to whom he was married for more than 63 years. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Phillip and Mary (Milligan) Hawk. Bill owned Bill Hawk Music Center in the Westgate Mall. Prior to opening the music store, he worked for more than 30 years as a painting contractor for Joseph Illick Construction. He was a proud veteran of the Army and participated in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Without any formal training, he became an accomplished accordion and keyboard player. He played as a solo act and also performed with numerous bands in his lifetime, none more precious to him than The Hawk Family which featured him and his children. For many years, earlier in his life, he worked and volunteered part-time as a bingo caller for a variety of churches, schools, and social clubs throughout the Lehigh Valley. He was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and had been active with Lehigh Little League, Bethlehem. He was an avid golfer and a huge Eagles fan. Survivors: Wife, Bernie; sons, William J. Hawk Jr. and his wife, Donna, Lawrence Hawk and his wife, Cathy, Thomas Hawk and his wife, Renee and Phillip Hawk and his wife, Jenny; daughters, Patricia, wife of Dean Paulus and Rebecca, wife of Michael Darrell; 15 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Ackerman and Florence Hawkins; brother, Albert Reph. He was preceded in death by brothers, Martin, Raymond, David, James, Sidney and Robert, sisters, Mary Jane, Helen, Sarah, Irene and Verna. Services: A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening in Downing Funeral Home Inc., 1002 W. Broad St., Bethlehem and 10:15-10:45 a.m. Friday morning in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem. Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m. Friday in the church. Interment to follow, with military honors, in Holy Saviour Cemetery. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Bills name to the American Heart Association or to the church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Call on Mar. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Hawk

22 Entries

John Stair

March 30, 2008

To the Hawk Family
First of all, my deepest sympathy to all of you. Next please forgive me as I read through all of the entries in your guest book so far. I had no idea of Mr Hawk's musical talent, but I and those of us he coached in Little League baseball were privy to his humor, generosity and love of the game.
Mr Hawk was my first baseball coach in 1959 when I was a 10 year old player on his minor-league team, the Giants, in Lehigh Little League. Larry was a pitcher on that team and I believe Tommy may have been a player as well. Mr. Hawk transformed this would be outfielder into a catcher. His encouragement gave me the confidence to not be afraid of trying something new. Another thing I remember about that team was that Mr Hawk, win or lose, always sprang for cokes for the entire team when the game was over. I remembered his kindnesses to us kids and followed his example as an adult when I coached youth baseball and peewee wrestling teams. By the way, we went 14-4 and won the minor league pennant. Believe it or not, I still have my Little League official insignia pin signifying our accomplishment.
It has been said that the greatness of a person is not measured in his personal accomplishment, but in the effect he left on other's lives. It is obvious from these many correspondences from many people over many years that Mr Hawk was greatly loved, greatly respected and his passing is a great loss, not only to you his family, but to the rest of us who were touched by him, even if only for a season. May he now rest in the love of Christ Jesus our Lord. God bless all of you.

Mark Jonkman

March 25, 2008

Phil and Pat...
You have no idea how important your father was to me. He helped me start my career back in 1973. He will be deeply missed. If there is anything I can do, do not hesitate to ask.

March 23, 2008

Dear Phil & Pat,
We were deeply saddened to hear about your father's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Irv Ball & Penny Steward

Alfred

March 18, 2008

Dear Hawk family I am so sorry to hear about your loss and I send my Deepest Sympathy to all the Family.
Alfred and Annie Borg.
Sydney Australia.

Jim Meyer

March 17, 2008

Dear Phil and The Hawk family.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Lori Trone

March 17, 2008

Dear Renee, Tom and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss and I send my deepest sympathies. Please call if you need anything.
Lori trone

Butch Blank

March 15, 2008

To the Hawk family Having been raised across the street from MR. Hawk sure brings back many great memories. All of us kids couldn't wait for Mr. Hawk to get home from work to play football with us out in the street, tell us a joke or two, or just bring out an instrument and start playing it. Even took time to teach me to ride a bike. Most important was the fact he always made us kids feel important. Fifty some years have passed but good memories never fade. Rest in peace Mr. Hawk Butch and Karen Blank

Judy Jones

March 15, 2008

Sorry for your loss.

Friends of Bebop

Heather Cadden

March 14, 2008

To The Hawk Family,
I am so very saddened by the news of Mr. Hawk's passing. It was always a fun time waiting on him at Stahley's. He always had a smile, hug, and kiss waiting. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss Mr. Hawk deeply. God Bless

Cindy werner

March 14, 2008

To the Hawk Family,
I have such good memories of "Hawikie" when I was growing up while he worked all those years with my dad.Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
All our love,
Smokey and Cindy Brodt-Werner

Luke Cunningham

March 14, 2008

Our family had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years. He was a great guy. May the happy, loving memories you have of him comfort you & bring you peace.

Robert Henry

March 14, 2008

I'm sorry to here of bill's passing, I always enjoyed hereing his WW2 stories as my father was in the battle of the bulge also. true Americans such as this can never be replaced.

john kokolus

March 13, 2008

I'm sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a good man. I remember teaching banjo at the store in 1980 and 81 while I was attending college. Sometimes students wouldn't show for their lesson on Saturday mornings. Bill would say;"You're not gonna make me or you any money teaching one student" and then he'd say "just keep the whole amount, I'll get it from you next time. I'll remember him always. He fulfilled his mission in life.

BOB HONTZ

March 13, 2008

TO THE HAWK FAMILY:
IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE KNOWN MR. HAWK FOR THE PAST 45 YEARS OR SO, HE WAS ALWAYS A HAPPY GO LUCKY GUY AND THE LIFE OF THE PARTY. IM SURE YOUR LIVES WILL BE FILLED WITH NOTHING BUT GOOD MEMORIES OF HIM AS I NO MINE ARE.
WITH ALL ARE SORROW
BOB AND MARYLOU HONTZ

Anne and Ted Rose

March 13, 2008

Although we have never met, we have "known" Larry, the younger, and through him, the rest of the Hawk family and shared the gift of music with them all. Now Dad Hawk can rest in peace among the eternal songs of angels in Heaven forever. Our hearts join yours in deepest sympathy at your loss.

Sandy Miller - Downey

March 13, 2008

Becky & Family

My Prayers Are With You & Your Family. Your Dad Was A Fun Loving Person.

Ronald Hartzell

March 13, 2008

To the family of Bill Hawk sr.
sorry to hear of your loss

from your friends at
Bethlehem Furnace Co.

Cynthia Kindler-Thomas

March 13, 2008

Tom and family,
your friends at KNBT send you their thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.

Cindy KT

Bill/Bebop Forrest

March 13, 2008

I only knew the top Hawk through Larry but I always visioned them as being cut from the same clothe. I am sure he must have been a great man to have raised a son like Larry Hawk.
I am happy to know that he enjoyed all the music we recorded on our keyboards through the years.
Our family sends our deepest condolences and understanding to your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill and Jann Forrest (Bebop) San Jose, CA

Guy Porter

March 13, 2008

It was indeed a pleasure to have known Mr. Hawk Sr. He was a kind and generous man who always treated me like family. I will particularly remember the many times that Mr. and Mrs. Hawk would surround their home with family and friends and have parties and cookouts. And at the center of all the action was Mr. Hawk with his genuine and unique way of telling jokes, stories and keeping a warm and fun feeling in the atmosphere. Rest in peace my old friend and don't tell too many bad jokes to the angels.

Rick Darrell

March 13, 2008

Mrs. Hawk, Becky, and the Hawk Family,

With deepest Sympathy for your loss.

-Rick, Jill, Megan, RJ, and Lauren Darrell

David & Jan Rider

March 13, 2008

To The Entire Hawk Family,

It is with great sadness that I read of Bill's passing. I will always have great memories of my time with him at the Music store. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.....

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