William Charles Harshberger

5/11/50 – 3/21/26

William Charles Harshberger passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 21, with his loving family by his side. He was born May 11, 1950 in Pitcairn, PA, son of William Lee and Dorothy (Thompson) Harshberger.

He married Linda Ann Thompson on June 16, 1973, at East End United Methodist Church, Altoona.

Survived by his loving wife of 52 years, a son Adam Charles Harshberger; a granddaughter Caitlin Rose Harshberger (fiancée Josh Merritts), a sister Debra L. (Tom) Saylor; a brother-in-law Terry (Dodie) Thompson, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

Bill was predeceased by his 17 year old son Alan Lee Harshberger on May 28, 2000; his parents; his sister Donna Lee Bates; and his mother-in-law Anna Mae Thompson.

Bill was a 1968 graduate of Altoona Area High School, and after graduation he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served as an Infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Division in Vietnam (1970-71).

Bill, also known as “Charlie” was a General Foreman for Conrail at the Juniata Locomotive Shops, and retired after 31 years of service. He also worked at the AASD for several years following his railroad career.

He was a member and Secretary of the General Foreman’s Association, member of the Bavarian Aid Society, East End UM Church, and a longstanding member and Board of Directors of East Branch Hunting and Fishing Camp in Huntingdon County.

Bill enjoyed boating on Raystown Lake (including Friday PM “safety meetings” with his lake buddies); the outdoors and hunting; and spending time with his family and good friends (the Valley Boys Tim Tyler, Carl Lutz, and the late Mike Fatigante) and his Conrail friendships. He loved his Country, and was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, along with the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Having been loved and respected by his family and all who knew him well, he will be tremendously missed. Always the first to lend a helping hand or bring laughter, his absence will leave a void. But we know the Captain and the youngest of his first mates have finally been reunited on a distant shore. May smooth waters and blue skies be theirs as they catch up on all the time together that they lost. Until we meet again, Bill.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602. A funeral service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Stevens Memorial Chapel by Pastor Dale Parker.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be sent to the Western PA Wounded Warriors, Inc. at PO Box 9, Eighty-Four, PA 15330 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.