Harry Herlinger

Harry Herlinger, 81, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 3, 2026 at home, with his wife, son, and daughter by his side. Born November 4, 1944 to Bessie Rowe and Fred Herlinger in McKeesport, PA, he was the third of four children. Growing up in Townville, PA, the Herlinger family moved to the Johnstown area, where Harry attended and played football at Richland High School. Upon high school graduation, he spent one year at Massanutten Military Academy before moving on to Slippery Rock University (SRU) where he played football and wrestled, met the love of his life, Gail (Manross), and received his bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education. A proud part of their football team and 1967 graduate of "The Rock", Harry continued to support SRU football to his final days.

Married in 1967, Harry and Gail's adventures of adulthood spanned from Cleveland, OH to Atlantic City, NJ, and included Cumberland, MD, Downingtown, PA, and multiple relocations in the Pittsburgh area. Earning an MBA from Frostburg University, Harry was a loyal and tenacious employee of Sunoco for over 30 years, growing from sales rep to regional manager. Fiercely competitive, loyal and kind, he turned strangers into friends wherever he went.

Harry was a Jaycee while living in Cumberland, a soccer coach for his children in Downingtown & Murrysville, a member of the 12th Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteers of the N-SSA (North-South Skirmish Association), a golf aficionado for decades, and a Steeler fan his entire life. He cherished time spent with family and friends at the family camp, Bait 'n Bullet, near Whipple Dam. He loved to spend sunny days of all temperatures on the golf course, including Meadowink, North Park, and dozens of other courses visited on vacations and travels. His enjoyment of these pastimes became complicated these last few years due to Parkinson's-related memory issues, followed by the diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer in December 2023.

The idea of retirement was one never fully embraced by Harry as he later returned to work for several years: first as a contractor for Center Independent Energy and then as a lot attendant at his local GetGo where he worked until his (2023) cancer diagnosis.

Harry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gail (Manross), son Ryan (Cheri LaSpada) Herlinger of Havertown, PA and daughter Erika (Matthew) Blumer of Wexford, PA, and his five much-adored grandchildren Zoë Blumer, Kaden Blumer, Anya Blumer, Laela Blumer, and Avy Herlinger; sister Eleanor (Terry) Bisick of Schellsburg, brother Fred (Linda) Herlinger of Tarentum, and brother Jim Herlinger of Tarentum, 6 nieces, 5 nephews and a multitude of cousins, second cousins and friends that became chosen family.

Friends are invited to Harry's Celebration of Life which will be held the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Interested friends and family should complete the questions via the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/mbTbRWwmF1nLipc76

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Slippery Rock Foundation's Harry Herlinger '67 Memorial Football Fund by going to https://www.srufoundation.org/memorial.html. Donation Instructions: 1) Choose donation amount 2) Under Designation – select OTHER 3) Tribute Gift – check the box and type in Harry Herlinger '67 Memorial Football Fund.