William Garthwaite

William Leonard Garthwaite “Bill”, 95, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital.

He was born on March 14, 1926, in DuBois, to the late William and Nancy (Beer) Garthwaite. He was the last surviving member of his family.

Bill thought it was his duty to serve our country, so he asked him Mom permission to enlist at age 17. He proudly served his country with the United States Navy as a Seaman 1st Class. He was a World War II Veteran assigned to the USS South Dakota and was honorably discharged in 1946. He witnessed the treaty signing to end World War II in 1945.

After his return from the war, he married Margaret (Lindy) Gathwaite on August 21, 1948. They were happily married for almost 73 years. She preceded him in death on July 11, 2021, and he died of a broken heart after losing the love of his life.

Bill retired from Rockwell International Manufacturing after 40 years of service. He was also a typewriter repairman and a master carpenter. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion. He was a member of the DuBois Beagle Club and was an AKC Registered Beagle Field Trial Judge for many years. His love of beagles and training them was his gift. He was an avid fisherman and especially loved ice fishing. He knew all of the local “hot” spots to catch fish. He enjoyed hunting, especially the challenge of calling in turkey, but not shooting them. He also liked watching football, golf, racing, and birdwatching. He also enjoyed meeting up for morning coffee with the guys in Reynoldsville. He loved his family and his greatest joy was spending time with them, especially his great- grandchildren. The last thing he always said before you left his house was, “Call if you need anything.” He was a great story teller and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.

He is survived by his son, Ronald (Denise) Garthwaite, daughter, Judy Reiter and Shawn Rankus, daughter in-law, Karen Garthwaite, eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law James (Jean) Lindy, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in passing by his son, William Garthwaite Jr., daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Nelson) Garthwaite, brothers, Donald, James, Charles, and LeRoy Garthwaite and sisters, Olive Clark, Ruth Peoples, Hazel Crooks, Lucille Costen and Betty Steinbach.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 23 at 11 am at the Reynoldsville Cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded by the DuBois Area Honor Guard.

PA Simple Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave a condolence for the family, go to www.pasimplecremation.com.