William J. "Pap" McDonnell Jr.

William J. "Pap" McDonnell Jr., 84, of Hollidaysburg, passed away at home Tuesday after a brief illness. He was born at home in Hollidaysburg, son of the late William J. and Mary (Burger) McDonnell. He married Jean K. Frick in 1962. She preceded him in death in 2018 after sharing 57 years of marriage.

Surviving are: a daughter, Dana (McDonnell) Bearer; three sons: Christopher, Michael and Mark; eight grandchildren: Jacob, Allison and Gregory Bearer, and Gaige, Eva, Emma, Chase, and Elle McDonnell; one great-grandchild, Milo; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ronald and Jane Gottshall; his goddaughter, Robin Weirich (Brad); a nephew, Scott Gottshall (Tracey); three nieces: Holly Bretzius (Jon), Karen Gryn (Felix) and Patricia Turner; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by his loving co-workers. 

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia Reilly and Mary Jane Maher (Albert). 

William graduated from Hollidaysburg High School, and served in the U.S. Army (1958-1964) as a quartermaster Supply Chain Specialist. He retired from PennDOT as a Survey Chief and Inspector after 35 years and was also a contractor for Stiffler-McGraw. 

He was a lifetime member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg.

He belonged to the Allegheny Club, Hollidaysburg American Legion Post 516, and was past commissioner of the Hollidaysburg Little League.

William was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved sports of all kinds, especially watching his kids and grandkids compete. He enjoyed making puzzles and spending time with his little buddy, Rufus.

Friends will be received from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, October  18, 2019, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, where a Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. by Father Alan Thomas.

Committal will be at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg.

sorgefuneralhome.com

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