Harold D. Pressel Jr.

Harold Dewey "Bud" Pressel Jr., 101, of York, Pennsylvania, entered into eternal rest on January 5, 2026. Born on February 3, 1924, in York, he was the beloved son of Harold Dewey and Helen (Spangler) Pressel Sr., and the devoted husband of Grace Charlotte (Myers) Pressel, who preceded him in death in 2021. Their marriage began just before he entered military service, and Bud remained faithfully devoted to Grace throughout her life.
Bud grew up during the Great Depression, and from a young age he worked to help support his family. He delivered milk and soft pretzels around York-small jobs that taught him responsibility, discipline, and the value of doing whatever needed to be done. Those early lessons shaped the steady, dependable man he became.
He is survived by his two sons, James and Gary, along with 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, each of whom carries a piece of his spirit forward.
A proud veteran of World War II, Bud served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, flying as a tail gunner on a B 24 Liberator out of Italy. His aircraft was shot down during combat, and he spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war, primarily in Germany. Bud rarely spoke about his wartime experiences until he retired, and even then, he shared them only to help others understand how difficult war can be-and how he wished no one would ever have to endure what he did. His humility was as striking as his courage. In 2025, he was awarded the Purple Heart, a long overdue recognition of his sacrifice.
After returning home, Bud joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and spent decades working on power plants throughout the region. He earned his GED as an adult in 2025. He retired in 1989 from Bechtel after a long career marked by reliability, craftsmanship, and respect from those who worked alongside him.
Bud's life was anchored by his faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior. His faith was quiet but steady, lived out in the way he treated people-with kindness, humility, and a gentle spirit. It guided him through hardship, through loss, and through the long, full years of his remarkable life.
Even in his later years, Bud embodied his personal motto: "Keep moving." Well into his 90s and beyond, he continued going to the gym a couple of days a week and regularly walked at Springettsbury Park, greeting people along the way. He loved his routines, especially his near daily breakfasts at the Village Green Restaurant in East York, where he became a familiar and beloved presence.
Though he was quiet about the hardest parts of his life, Bud loved talking with family and friends. Over time, he learned to share his story-sometimes the same story many times-and those who listened never minded. His voice, his memories, and his gentle humor were gifts he gave freely.
In retirement, Bud also volunteered with Catholic Charities, offering his time and compassion to those in need. He believed in helping quietly, without seeking attention.
Viewings will be held 5-7pm Friday, January 16, 2026 at John W. Keffer Funeral Home, 902 Mt. Rose Ave. York, and 10-11am Saturday, January 17, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2935 Kingston Rd. York. A funeral Mass will begin at 11am at the church with Rev. Kyle Sahd as celebrant. Full military rites will be presented by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Family and friends will gather to honor a life marked by service, faith, humility, and steadfast love.
Bud will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.