William Hershelman

William John “Bill” Hershelman, age 79, of Erie, passed away at his residence on Thursday, October 17, 2013, following a brief illness.

He was born September 7, 1934, in Erie, son of the late John and Theresa (Lesniak) Hershelman. Bill graduated with honors from Erie Technical High School specializing in car mechanics. His love and enthusiasm of cars and motorcycles allowed him to work at many dealerships in Erie including Martin Ford, Starvaggi’s Cycle Shop and Plumpton Buick. He retired from Rick Weaver Buick in 1999. He also owned a semi-truck and hauled various nursery products for Fairview Nursery.

Bill loved motorcycles, auto racing, spending time at his hunting camp and working in his and his neighbors’ yard. He cherished time spent traveling with his wife, especially a trip to Hawaii for their 50th Anniversary. He was a member of the GWRRA and Simpson-Cascade United Methodist Church. Most importantly Bill was a loving husband, dad and grandfather. Bill and Audrey were devoted dog owners treating their pets as children.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Yates and Elizabeth “Betty” White; daughter in law, Jeannie Hershelman; and nephew Thomas Hershelman.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Audrey (Dalrymple) Hershelman; two sons, Mark (Wanda) of Franklin, PA and Tim of Erie; two granddaughters, Sarah Jo (Whit) of New Waverly, TX and Jenna of Erie and two great grandsons, Dylan and Whitson. He is also survived by one brother, Fred (Phebe) Hershelman; several nieces and nephews and special family friend Karen Johnson.

Friends and family may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) Erie, PA 16506 on Monday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm and are invited to the service there on Tuesday at 11 am.

Memorials may be made to the family in care of Burton Westlake Funeral Home.

To send condolences please visit www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.