"I just happened to look up Bill today, and found this. Joanne, I am so sorry I didn't know until now, but mostly that Bill left so soon. I'll always remember him from our first days at Wanamakers in 1966. He and I worked together under Dick Murray until I left the end of October, 1967. I remember visiting you and Bill at your apartment in Society Hill Towers for dinner after work, having my first Old Fashion made for me by Bill. Interestingly enough, we, my second husband, Tom and I moved to Philly in 2000. He worked for SAP out in Newtown Square and we lived at 2nd and Spruce, right down the driveway from the Towers. We left there in 2003 and moved back to Raleigh, NC after Tom had his Stroke. We are now living in Buffalo, NY near one of my children. I hope you are well and again I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. Barbara Young Holub"
In loving memory of
William Brachbill III
February 12, 1943 - August 5, 2018
William Brachbill III, 75 of Lower Gwynedd, passed peacefully on August 5, 2018 at Park Creek Place surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Center County, PA he is the son of the late William F. and Nancy(nee Tintsman)Brachbill.
Bill was a graduate of Bellefonte High School in 1961. He went on to attain a Bachelor's Degree at Penn State University, Class of 1965.
Penn State always held a special place in his heart, particularly PSU football, as he was a season ticket holder from the age of 14. After college, Bill and Jo started their married life in Philadelphia where he was a furniture buyer for John Wanamaker. From there he went on to be a sales rep for Thomasville, returned home to Bellefonte for a time to run the family business, Brachbill's Furniture, and eventually made his way back to the Philadelphia area working for a variety of furniture companies, being honored with several sales awards along the way. After retirement, Bill was able to take on the full-time role as Playground Director and Pot Stirrer Extraordinaire. Bill adored music, playing it loud and singing along, but most of all, he loved surrounding himself with family and dear friends and making people laugh.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joanne Brachbill and beloved daughter Allison Wolf. He is also survived by his sister Susan Curtain, nephew Craig Curtain, cousin Diane Gryctko Sturniolo and her husband Tom Sturniolo.
Remembrances in his name may be made to your local hospice organization and if you are so inclined, please raise a glass to wish him well on this next journey and toast to a life well lived.
Photos and tributes may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"As a kid Billy was my next door neighbor, and although he was several years older, he always made sure to include me in whatever the activity of the day may be. I will be forever grateful for his kindness. He truly will be missed."
"Joanne and Allison,
So Sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear this! I will miss my buddy Bill. We had long, funny and meaningful conversations. From the first time we met, he has ALWAYS warm and welcoming. He was a truly wonderful man!
REST WELL MY FRIEND! "
"Chris & Judi Aug 7, 2018 Bill introduced Judi and I..and for close to 50 years his family became part of ours. I will always be grateful for his generosity, sense of caring and very special friendship. We will miss him terribly, but remember him with joy, because that is what he brought to so many lives. Bill above all loved his family, and the best tribute has to be that he lives in our memories....and keep Jo and Allie close to our hearts, We will always be there for you. God bless you. Chris and Judi "
"Bill was always the life of the party and if there wasn't a party, there soon was....He always brought a smile and happiness when he was around. Our best thoughts to his family as they will have many good memories of Bill as do we. Pat & Ron Hughes"
"I will always love you like a brother. You will be missed! Bob & Alicia"
"Bill and I have been friends since we were 4 yrs old. We went to elementary, middle and high school, then PSU. Uncle Brach, aunt Jo and Allie have always been an important part of our family. We sang together, played together, and had many happy and joyous times together. We will miss his humor and his presence in our lives. We will do our best to remember him and continue our love and support for Jo and Allie. I look forward to singing with him again in heaven. God bless!"
"Jo - I am so sorry to hear this news. I shared several classes with Bill at BHS, and many parties, always more fun when he was there! I will raise a toast to him today. Condolences and Blessings, Georgette Beezer Healy"