Search by Name
Search by Name
William C. Fike died on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, in Worcester, Mass. He was a longtime member of Brockway, Pa., who was active in the community.
He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Eudora A. Fike (Feldman) and his daughter, Dawn R. Fike. He leaves a son, Robert W. Fike and his wife Terry M. of Oxford, Mass., with whom he resided for over 10 years, five grandchildren and four great-grandsons.
William served in the U.S.N. during World War II, rising through the ranks as a Boatswain's Mate. He was involved in several sea battles and landings. He served on the Cruiser, the USS Vincennes during the battle of Savo Island where he was sunk. He was also in the task force which accompanied Major Doolittle on his raid of Japan. He also landed on several beach heads including Guado Canal. After being sunk at the battle of Savo Island, he was rescued 14 hours later and was stationed in a P.T. Boat Squadron. His final action in the war was piloting the surrendered Japanese sailors and ships to a safe harbor.
Once he returned from war, he married Eudora Feldman and made a family, adding a son and a daughter who contracted Cerebral Palsy. As a result of his daughter's illness and his love for the family, he became an avid advocate for the disabled. He was instrumental in forming regulations to protect their rights. He also established the first work shop for handicapped children followed by building a resident center for these young adults who could go from work shop to home just steps away. He was also chairman of many organizations which led him to be the head of State and Federal Boards, speaking in front of Congress in an effort to introduce many laws protecting the disabled.
He was educated in a one-room school house on Crenshaw Hill in Brookville.
Retired, William was involved in transportation his entire working career, starting out as a spotter for a trucking company, and at his retirement was serving as the president. He also received his license as an ICC Practitioner.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Carlson-Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. in Brockway. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Terry Felt officiating. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Brockway. Full Military Honors will be accorded by Parson-Marnati Post #95 of the American Legion Sunday afternoon at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be left at csfhinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Just heard the news today...I offer my condolences to the Fike family. We loved Bill here at the Oxford Senior Center and miss him everyday!
January 26, 2018
Roll on Billy you will finally catch up with Bobby Lee Womeldorf and those eighteen wheels and a dozen women you both will be remembered and missed by all
Robyn Womeldorf
January 11, 2018
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more