William L. Happner

William L. "Bill" Happner, 94, previously of Carnegie, born in Erie, son of the late Louis W. and Hazel R. (Kessler) Happner, nephew of the late Leo (Dorothy) Happner and George (Ann) Brown, passed on to the great beyond Saturday, April 23, 2016, on Passover day. He was the beloved father of Raymond R. (Susan) Happner, of South Park, Ruthie M. Happner Hale, of Bethel Park, and the late Margaret A. "Peggy" Happner Liner, of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; grandfather of Joseph K. (Tara) Finau, of Verona, Nora B. Happner, of Huntsville, Ala., and William L. (Thais) Happner, of Casselberry, Fla.; great-grandfather of Isaac A. Nelson, Eleanor C. Finau and Rafael J. Finau; also survived by many dear nieces and nephews, cousins and relatives. He was preceded in death by his former wife and mother of his children, Bernice M. "Bunny" (Hoag) Happner; and by his later companion, Florence C. Schmidt, fellow-pet-rescue-volunteer. "Hap" graduated 1941 class, football MVP, at St. Luke's High School in Carnegie, where his long and varied work history began as chauffeur for the St. Luke's Nuns, who encouraged William to be "a Good Samaritan!" He worked as an ambulance driver, a pipe fitter and then served in the Army, World War II, Staff Sergeant, Continental POW Camp, German Prisoner Guard and Mess Hall SSgt. Supplies Cook and Baker, Fort Meade and Gaithersburg, Md., awarded: Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory Ribbon. He went on to work the next 30 years as a freight agent and traffic safety officer for the Norfolk and Western Railroad. After RR retirement, Bill continued working an additional 23 years, including as security guard for Chartier's Country Club, and at his favorite job of working with his son, Ray, driving all around this half of the state to assist with the upkeep on the PA Lottery machines. A lifelong animal lover, Bill caringly served as a Western Pennsylvania Humane Society Officer, doing rescues and transports for dogs, cats and wildlife in need. He enjoyed writing, carpentry, swimming, physical fitness and health, and having fun get-togethers, and was a member of The South Park and East Liberty Table Tennis "Ping Pong" Clubs. Bill loved angels, music, playing piano, reading/watching inspirational stories, walking the family dog, special visits and cards from dear ones, and having some snacks to "munch on" especially apple pie! He was very fond of reminiscing with treasured photos and family snapshots, regularly expressing his sincere longing and looking so forward to being together again in the grand reunion with God's great family up in heaven!!!
A graveside and memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow nearby at the South Hills Original Pancake House. Arrangements handled by PAUL L. HENNEY MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Bethel Park.
www.henneyfuneralhome.com.