William Munch

William J. Munch, age 95, of Fairview, passed away Tuesday May 8, 2018 at UPMC Hamot.

He was born in Erie on December 29, 1922, a son of the late John and Anna Schroeck Munch.

Bill graduated from Fairview High School in 1942 and attended Gannon University.  He served in the United States Army in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, receiving 3 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Ribbon and a Victory Medal during WW II.

He had been a past active member of the Fairview Fire Department, serving on board of directors; a lifetime member of V.F.W Post 470 since 1945; active member of the Girard American Legion Post 494 and the  Fairview American Legion Post 742 for 38 years, including past chaplain and commander; the 29^th District of the American Legion Deputy Commander for 8 years; PA American Legion State Chairman for Soldiers and Sailors Home of Erie; and a member of the Honor Society of the American Legion where he was the Commander of the 40/8 Society. Bill was a charter member of the World War II Memorial in Washington DC.

He was a life member of the Siebenbuerger Singing Society. 

Bill was owner/operator of Munch Fishers starting in 1939, holding a license for 40 years as a Ships Master and was a commercial fisherman for 42 years and commanded eleven commercial fishing tugs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Munch and a brother in infancy; sisters, Marcella Diehl, Maria Larson and Helen Anderson.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joann Mangini Munch; his children, William A. Munch and his fiancée Deloris Lucas, Richard A. Munch and his wife Janice, Janice M.Cozzens and her husband Jeff, Tom Munch and his wife Linda Repoff, all of Fairview; a brother Max Munch and his wife Kate of Erie.  He is further survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Holy Cross Church, 7100 W. Ridge Rd., Fairview on Friday from 9 am until 11 am; followed immediately by a mass of Christian burial with Rev. Tom Tyler celebrant. 

Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements entrusted to Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main St. East ,Girard.

Memorials may be made to the JO-ANN  M. Boat Fund, Attn: Rev. Robert H. Wilson, Director,  At the Lake Ministries, 432 Bear Creek Rd., Sarver, PA 16055

Condolences may be sent to www.Burtonfuneralhome.com