Howard Behrhorst Jr.

1925 - 2025

Howard E. Behrhorst Jr., 100, died peacefully on Nov. 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Life's Promise Personal Care Home in Ligonier. Howard was born at the family home on S. Fairfield St. in Ligonier on Jan. 22, 1925, the first of two sons of the late Howard E. Behrhorst Sr. and Ruth Saling. He was baptized into the Christian faith at Pioneer Presbyterian Church on Main St., Ligonier. Howard grew up in small-town America, playing baseball in the summer and sled riding in the winter. Howard was studious and industrious. As a high school freshman, he was voted "most brilliant mind." Howard had many boyhood friends both in town and on the farms surrounding Ligonier. Those friendships, as well as the constant companionship of his younger brother, Vic, lasted through the high school years, the separations and reunions brought on by WWII, and beyond. At Ligonier High School, Howard was Class President and voted "most likely to succeed." He captained the Debate Team and played basketball for the Mounties. After graduating in 1942, Howard entered the United States Navy and served as an Electrician's Mate Second Class at a naval hospital throughout the war. After returning home, Howard started his career at Bell Telephone (later AT&T) at the Bell Building in Ligonier. He was promoted and took a position in Pittsburgh, where he met the love of his life and future bride, Vi Stewart. The two married on July 1, 1961. Howard then transferred with AT&T to Washington, D.C., where he was involved in designing and constructing specialized communications facilities connecting top tiers in government, including connections from Washington, D.C., to the emerging nuclear energy facilities along the eastern seaboard. He spent over 40 years with the company helping to build out the country's communications infrastructure. Howard and Vi raised three wonderful children in their family home in Potomac, Maryland: Scott, Brian, and Amy. He instilled in his children an interest in mechanics, electronics, aerospace, and aviation, frequently assembling and shooting off model rockets. Howard was an active member of Geneva Presbyterian Church in Rockville, MD, often seen in the back pew operating the sound system during the service. He served on numerous boards and committees, including capital campaigns to expand the church building. In 2013, Howard and Vi moved back to Ligonier and enjoyed being close to their daughter Amy, son-in-law Jim, and grandchildren. It is difficult to sum up a life in a few paragraphs, but know this: Howard was loved by his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as his close friends. And he loved them in return. The high school yearbook got it right, as that is the definition of success. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth "Vi" Behrhorst (Stewart); and his brother, Victor A. Behrhorst. Howard is survived and loved by his three children, Scott Behrhorst (Elizabeth) of Greensboro, NC, Brian Behrhorst (Viola) of Boyds, MD, and Amy Behrhorst Meade (Jim) of Ligonier; eight grandchildren, Charles Behrhorst (Katie), Matthew Behrhorst (Katie), Brian Behrhorst, Ben Meade, Sarah Turner-Meade (Hannah), Dillon Behrhorst, Logan Behrhorst, and Brodie Behrhorst; and three great-grandchildren, James, Tate, and Blake. A viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at MCCABE FUNERAL HOME, located at 144 E. Main St., Ligonier, followed by military honors presented by the Ligonier Valley Veterans Honor Guard at 6:15 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. the following morning, Nov. 15, at MCCABE FUNERAL HOME, officiated by Rev. Dr. Martin R. Ankrum, Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. Howard's wishes were that we recognize the loving, compassionate care he received from the staff at Life's Promise, the excellent care provided by Suncrest Hospice, and the delicious meals and daily companionship he got from the volunteers at Ligonier Valley Meals on Wheels. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ligonier Valley Meals on Wheels, PO Box 203, Ligonier, PA 15658, are greatly appreciated.