William James Scharle

William James Scharle, "Bill," entered into eternal rest early morning on October 25, 2022. He was 93 years old. Bill was the loving husband of Rose Marie "Bunny" (O'Neil) Scharle, who died in 2019. They were married for 67 years in June 2019. Together they shared a wonderful life together passing on their philosophy of faith, hard work, and benevolence to their five children and their families. Born and raised in Allentown, Bill was the son of the late Carl L. and Marie (Weingartner) Scharle. Bill was a lifelong member of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena Parish and his parents were one of the founding members of the parish. Bill graduated valedictorian of the 1946 class of Allentown Central Catholic HS received a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Villanova University, an MS in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University and a Program for Management Development Degree from Harvard University.

Bill spent his entire business career of 38 years with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. As a young engineer he embraced the opportunity to work at the top-secret Air Products "Papa Bear" hydrogen plant in Florida in support of the NASA space race. In his long career there, he advanced through the ranks at Air Products, becoming Vice President of Engineering, Operations and Manufacturing and ultimately retiring in 1989 as Group VP of the Process Systems Group.

In retirement, Bill and Bunny enjoyed traveling the world. Bill was also highly involved in volunteer work, sharing his engineering and management skills. He served on the Board of Directors for the Sacred Heart Hospital, Holy Family Manor Nursing Home and Catholic Charities as well as sitting on the President's Council at DeSales University. He worked as a volunteer Project Manager for numerous building projects within the Diocese of Allentown. He had a strong commitment to Catholic education and his parish of St. Catharine of Siena serving on the Parish Council, Chairman of the Finance Committee as well as chairing the Building Committee for a Parish Revitalization Project. Bill was also a member of the Allentown Serra Club. Bill received several special awards for his engineering accomplishments and charitable contributions to the community including the 1980 J Stanley Morehouse Award from Villanova, the 1994 Distinguished Graduate Award from Allentown Central Catholic HS, and the 2010 Catholic Charities Gala Honoree.

Bill had a love for music which spanned his entire life as he played alto saxophone and clarinet with the high school band, the Hal Haley Band, the Villanova band and even the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band over the course of his life. You could also find him playing the "boomba" with his friends at Leather Corner Post. Bill also enjoyed photography and he carried a reputation of capturing the perfect photo of every family milestone. Tennis was another favorite hobby which he played often in his younger years with friends and family. Bill had a dry wit, loved a good prank, proudly sported his Villanova gear, and never turned down ice cream. Spending time with his family was his favorite pastime, particularly holiday gatherings and beach vacations on LBI. Bill was a man of faith. His generosity, wisdom, unconditional love and support will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Bill is survived by son, Dr. W. Timothy Scharle MD and wife Teri of Bethlehem, PA; daughter, Jane, wife of Christopher R. O'Neill of Orefield, PA; daughter, Maryann, wife of Kevin G. Rogers of Allenhurst, NJ; daughter, Eileen, wife of D. Bryan Mahady of Blue Bell, PA; daughter, Regina, wife of Peter J Catalano of Collegeville, PA; 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for the dedication and care Bill received from his caregivers.

Services: Calling hours at O'Donnell Funeral Home, 908 Hanover Ave, Allentown, on Tues Nov 1 from 5 to 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena Church, 1825 W. Turner St, Allentown, on Wed Nov 2 at 10:30 AM. A eulogy will precede the Mass at 10:20 AM.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena Church.