William Eugene Rightnour

September 26, 1943 – January 23, 2026

William Eugene Rightnour, 82, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026.
Born September 26, 1943 in Homestead, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Kenneth Eugene Rightnour and Verna (McMonigal) Rightnour.
He grew up in Canoe Creek, Pennsylvania.
William proudly served his country for over twenty years in the United States Army, retiring at the rank of First Sergeant (1SG). During his military career he served worldwide with assignments throughout Europe and Asia, and completed two combat tours in Vietnam.
His military decorations and awards included a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Following his distinguished Army career, William continued to serve the warfighter by working for several defense contractors. He took great pride in helping design, test, and improve equipment that would better protect the next generation of American combat soldiers — most notably contributing to the development and improvement of the HMMWV (Humvee), M1 Abrams main battle tank, and Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
William was a master mechanic and an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing,
He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara and his daughter Marcia, and survived by his sons Steven (wife Jenny) and Daniel Rightnour; grandchildren Andrew and Raelene; great grandchildren Kayden and Fawkes; siblings Donna, Kenneth George, Winford “Skip”, and Charles; and his dear companion of over 20 years, Jane Allinder.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
In lieu of flowers or other tributes, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made in Williams name to a veterans organization of your choice, including, but not limited to: Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Gary Sinise Foundation, or any other reputable organization that directly supports military veterans and their families.
William lived a life of service — first to his country, then to the soldiers who came after him. His quiet strength, dedication, and love for his family will be deeply missed.

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

sorgefuneralhome.com

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