William J. Munch

William J. Munch, age 95, of Fairview, passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at UPMC Hamot.

He was born in Erie, on December 29, 1922, a son of the late John and Anna Schroeck Munch.

Bill graduated from Fairview High School in 1942 and attended Gannon University. He served in the United States Army in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, receiving three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Ribbon and a Victory Medal during WWII.

He had been a past active member of the Fairview Fire Department, serving on board of directors, a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 470 since 1945, and active member of the Girard American Legion Post 494 and the Fairview American Legion Post 742 for 38 years, including past chaplain and commander. the 29th District of the American Legion Deputy Commander for eight years, PA American Legion State Chairman for Soldiers' and Sailors' Home of Erie, and a member of the Honor Society of the American Legion, where he was the Commander of the 40/8 Society. Bill was a charter member of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

He was a life member of the Siebenbuerger Singing Society.

Bill was owner/operator of Munch Fishers starting in 1939, holding a license for 40 years as a Ships Master and was a commercial fisherman for 42 years and commanded eleven commercial fishing tugs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Munch and a brother in infancy; and sisters, Marcella Diehl, Maria Larson and Helen Anderson.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joann Mangini Munch; his children, William A. Munch and his fiancée Deloris Lucas, Richard A. Munch and his wife Janice, Janice M. Cozzens and her husband Jeff, and Tom Munch and his wife Linda Repoff, all of Fairview; and a brother, Max Munch and his wife Kate of Erie. He is further survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Holy Cross Church, 7100 W. Ridge Rd., Fairview, on Friday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Tom Tyler celebrant.

Burial will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East ,Girard.

Memorials may be made to the JO-ANN M. Boat Fund, Attn.: Rev. Robert H. Wilson, Director, At the Lake Ministries, 432 Bear Creek Rd., Sarver, PA 16055.

Condolences may be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.