William H. "Willie" Kohlhepp

William H. Kohlhepp, of Holland, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in his sleep October 6, 2025, at the age of 78.

William is survived by his loving wife of 52 years and best friend of 56 years, Eileen; he was the loving father of Eileen Kohlhepp (Rob Wilson), Thomas Kohlhepp, Kelly Kohlhepp (Fran Busillo), Robert Kohlhepp and three grandchildren Wolfgang Kohlhepp, Eloise Kohlhepp, and Katelyn Busillo. William has one surviving brother Edward (Betsy), three remaining sister-in-laws, and thirty-one nieces and nephews, plus spouses and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Helen (Egan), and his brothers John Tillger (Peggy), Paul Tillger (Mary Ann), and his sister Nancy McCabe (Tillger).

William was born in the Olney section of Philadelphia October 16, 1946. He often described his childhood on Marshall Street as idyllic, a neighborhood filled with children who became lifelong friends and family members. An accomplished drummer, he played in many bands and functions in and around the Delaware Valley in his youth. He attended Incarnation School, LaSalle College High School, and Cardinal Dougherty, before attending the Great Lakes Naval School and serving his country during the Vietnam era proudly. After his service he returned to the Philadelphia area where he continued working as an Electrical Contractor in his family's business, taking over Kohlhepp Electrical and running it with honor and integrity, like his father before him, until health caused him to retire in 2024.

The Jersey Shore, where he spent countless years hosting family and friends during the summer, is where he met the love of his life, Eileen, in 1969. They would marry in 1972, have children, and ultimately settle down in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The consummate family man, he was involved in every aspect of his children's lives and this devotion eventually led to helping others in the area.

A source of pride, he ran Jenkintown Youth Activities for 30 years, having a positive impact on the children of the community he was devoted to and loved. As a coach and organizer, countless kids learned teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, and most importantly, to have fun. When time allowed, he looked to travel anywhere and everywhere he could. He loved museums, parks, outdoors, nature, national parks, road trips, cruises, etc... crisscrossing the country on numerous occasions to explore. As his health waned, he filled his calendar with destinations and activities to share with his grandchildren in order to pass along his love for the world at large.

His greatest love was his family, he took immense pride in watching his children become the unique individuals that they are today. He was never too busy to talk about anything, apologize over any perceived transgression, or critique something askew. There was nothing more important in his life than family, and not a day passed where he did not remind them that he loved them.

It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.